Comal Independent School District School Board Members..
Insider Trading?
FEBRUARY 2012
- INFO News.....INFO NEWS 2012 .. notebook information
GENERAL QUESTIONS\TOPICS OF INTEREST:NEWS RELEASE NEWS RELEASE
Is a School Bond stacking another 30 year debt, putting our children's future at-risk?
NEWS RELEASE NEWS RELEASE
Politics as Usual when it pertains to Comal ISD announcing another School Bond ? Plus using taxpayer money to hire a marketing firm to sell the School bond? Is this Comal ISD practicing arrogance??
Aug.26 School Board Mtg.
Comal ISD Votes to increase tax rate?, David Spencer absent. more soon
08/2010~
Did Comal ISD take on more debt than they can afford to pay?
Aug.26 School Board Mtg.
08/2010~
Did Comal ISD take on more debt than they can afford to pay?
Is Comal ISD 36 MILLION $$+ in debt? PLUS interest? MORE DEBT IN 2011?
yes,says Comal ISD superintendent Marc Walker?
Should the solution be to "Cut Spending"??
01/2011 - Are Comal ISD superintendent Marc Walker and Comal ISD Board Members preparing the public for another school bond by announcing the famous word ........ GROWTH?? do they know what Frugal means? OR do they play the game me no hear, no see, no tell also known as no ACCOUNTABILITY??
• November 18, 2010 •
Did Comal ISD take on more debt than they can afford to pay? yet, they continue to spend taxpayer money on replacement of synthetic TURF?
Aug.26 School Board Mtg.
Comal ISD Votes to increase tax rate?, David Spencer absent. more soon
Is Comal ISD 36 MILLION $$+ in debt? PLUS interest? MORE DEBT IN 2011?
yes,says Comal ISD superintendent Marc Walker?
A CHANGE from the STATUS QUO...VOTING NO to government trickery.
While stumping for the school bond, when asked if the School Bond would include Swimming Pools, Comal ISD superintendent Marc Walker's response was NO.?
Does Comal Independent School District (Comal ISD) have significant influence on the decision regarding property values in Comal County?yes
Are the Johnson Ranch Developers “misinformed”?
source:Johnson Ranch Elementary School; As a reflection of the commitment to providing the full community lifestyle, the developer donated a 16-acre school site to Comal ISD for a new elementary school. The convenience of the new $15 million Johnson Ranch Elementary School will allow kids living in Johnson Ranch to walk or bike to school without ever getting on a major highway. The Johnson Ranch Elementary will open in the fall of 2009 and is expected to ultimately be comprised solely of Johnson Ranch residents.
Board of Trustees
August 27, 2009
MEETING SUMMARY
The following are highlights from the Comal ISD regular school board meeting on August 27. MEETING SUMMARY
COMAL ISD SCHOOL Board approves contracts for earnest money
The board approved the earnest money contract to purchase 25.11 acres of land for a proposed future elementary school in the Vintage Oaks development on Hwy. 46.
The negotiated price with the Bluegreen Corporation is $7,500 per acre, which is a total of $187,500. This site will require on-site wastewater disposal. The site is located near the community amenity center and will have road access on two sides and utilities (water and electricity) to the site.
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
Source:Bluegreen Communities Supports Comal County Schools | Press Releases - Friday, June 12th, 2009-Bluegreen Communities Supports Comal County Schools, Youth Organizations and Residents
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX – June 16, 2009 – As the nation’s premier developer of master-planned communities, including Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard, Mystic Shores at Canyon Lake, and Havenwood at Hunters Crossing, Bluegreen Communities® is more than just a real estate company. Bluegreen is committed to providing ongoing support to the non-profit organizations, school districts, and emergency services that are vital to the continued growth of these local communities and all of Comal County.
“Bluegreen Communities has been a great neighbor to residents in the New Braunfels area since their earliest development at Mystic Shores,” said Comal County Judge Danny Scheel. “Through their ongoing donations of land and contributions to a variety of projects, Bluegreen has maintained a constant commitment to the growth of our community.”
Some of Bluegreen’s recent community projects include the following:
• A significant contribution toward the construction of a competition-sized swimming pool at Smithson Valley High School.
• An annual sponsorship of the Comal County Junior Livestock Show Association, whose mission is to promote the agricultural life by providing youth with a venue to show and sell their livestock projects while developing important life skills.
• A donation of land adjacent to Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard for a new fire station that will serve the community and surrounding area.
• A donation to the Comal Education Foundation from proceeds from the first annual “Great Grape Stomp” event at Vintage Oaks.
• Construction and dedication of a new boat ramp on Canyon Lake at Mystic Shores.
“Bluegreen Communities recognizes its role in the growth of the area, and with that growth comes a responsibility to participate in the future provision of services needed by the communities,” said Barry Denton, regional director for Bluegreen’s Hill Country communities. “We want Comal County residents to know that we intend to always be a positive presence in their community.”
About Bluegreen Communities
Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard, Mystic Shores at Canyon Lake, and Havenwood at Hunters Crossing are master-planned communities developed by Bluegreen Communities®, a division of Bluegreen Corporation (NYSE: BXG). Over the past 40 years, Bluegreen Communities has developed top-rated communities in some of our nation's most coveted areas, offering the perfect balance of country living and city convenience, with privacy and scenery paramount. Bluegreen has sold over 55,000 master-planned residential and golf community homesites in 32 states and is an award-winning green developer. The company's commitment to responsible land use, environmental protection, as well as to the safekeeping and conservation of its communities through reasonable protective covenants ensures that they can be enjoyed by generations to come. For more information on Bluegreen Communities®, visit www.bluegreencommunities.com
Is a Subdivision a small minority of the student population in comal county?
Do SCHOOL District superintendents come to ComalISD in COMAL COUNTY with intend to be part of our community?NO
The ComalISD regular school board meeting on September 23.
Comal ISD Construction report - Construction projects are moving along in Comal ISD. Bond 2005
The Bond 2005 projects including Freiheit, Startzville, Goodwin Frazier, Timberwood Park, Morningside, Arlon Seay, Johnson Ranch and Oak Creek elementary schools, Mt. Valley and Smithson Valley middle schools, and the conversion of CIS to Church Hill Middle School are all completed.
Ceiling grid installation and exterior work are still in progress at Rahe Bulverde Elementary School, but finishes have started in several areas of the school. Students are expected to be in the new RBES in January.
Foundations are poured and sitework continues at Clear Spring Elementary in New Braunfels.
Bond 2008
At Canyon High School, the press box, detention pond, CATE building, bleacher expansion, field house expansion and spring field house are complete. Masonry work continues on the two-story classroom wing and foundation work is ongoing in front of the school. The pool is scheduled to be finished soon.
The pool at Smithson Valley High School along with the pool building, animal barn, student parking lots, new public water line, renovation of existing ag building, the press box, the new ag building and the bleacher expansion are all complete. Drilling the foundation piers for the new wing is ongoing and so is fencing and drainage work. The pad for the field house addition is also complete. ♦
Comal ISD - MEETING SUMMARY
The Canyon Lake High School field house expansion is up for bids as of Sept. 24, and the sitework and site utilities are ongoing for the ag barn.
Excavation and building pad construction are ongoing along with site utilities at Garden Ridge Elementary School.
Drawings are in progress for Church Hill Middle School and the project is scheduled to bid out in January 2010. At Canyon Middle School, interior remodeling is ongoing. The foundation has been poured on the addition and the contractor is waiting on structural steel.
Construction on the new wing of Spring Branch Middle School is underway.
The foundation has been poured, steel erected and masonry walls are under construction for the kitchen expansion at Goodwin Frazier Elementary.
Board approves purchase of elementary school site
The board approved the resolution to consummate the purchase of a little more than 25 acres of land in the Vintage Oaks subdivision on Hwy 46. The site is located about 300 feet west of the Vintage Oaks amenity center and is being purchased for approximately $7,500 per acre.
Board declares old Goodwin Primary school as a surplus
The board declared the property at 1297 Church Hill Drive in New Braunfels (the old Goodwin Primary School) as surplus for sale or trade, which allows the district to begin accepting bids for the property.
Once Memorial High School is completed, the former Goodwin Primary will no longer be used to educate Comal ISD students or house district operations. With board approval, the district may dispose of the property for fair market value.
For the last couple of years, CISD has rented half of the building out to the city and county to house college courses. At this point, district officials have stated there is no need for CISD to continue using the building.
Does Comal ISD control the tax rate AND control the DISTRICT APPRAISAL members? In other words, does the School Board Vote in the Majority of APPRAISAL DISTRICT members to make sure property taxes magically go up every time CISD feels they need to go on a shopping spree?
NEWS RELEASE NEWS RELEASE
DID Comal ISD make a deal with developers in maintaining the swimming pool in the Johnson Ranch PUBLIC elementary school subdivision (LOCATED IN BULVERDE,TEXAS)?using taxpayer money?
Are the Johnson Ranch Developers “misinformed”?→ Johnson Ranch Elementary School; As a reflection of the commitment to providing the full community lifestyle, the developer donated a 16-acre school site to Comal ISD for a new elementary school. The convenience of the new $15 million Johnson Ranch Elementary School will allow kids living in Johnson Ranch to walk or bike to school without ever getting on a major highway. The Johnson Ranch Elementary will open in the fall of 2009 and is expected to ultimately be comprised solely of Johnson Ranch residents.
What happened to Comal ISD 1999 school Bond?
QUESTION;Jan.2009-Did Comal ISD fully intend to build a Swimming Pool at Canyon Lake High School "knowing" Canyon Lake HIgh School did Not have a swim team?read more Do our Comal ISD teachers pay for their supplies with their own MONEY$$?
Is it frugal for Comal ISD to build three swimming pools at a time of recession? Is Comal ISD being fiscally responsible with taxpayer money?
Will Comal ISD still have a Balanced Budget after they install the three swimming pools at the high schools? At what cost?
Apr.2009-source:KGNB news-Did Comal ISD Superintendent Marc Walker (finally) admit to a budget shortfall in the millions for the Comal ISD budget? Is this 'after'quietly planning for swimming pools in our three schools? Did Comal ISD superintendent Marc Walker (finally) admit to NOT notifying the taxpayers about building swimming pools in our three high schools while stumping for the school bond? Did he also admit that the pools are not for competition?
NEWS INFORMATION - NOTEBOOK information
(2009)Did Comal ISD School Board President Carol Kendall Keller say...."I am looking forward to working on is the plan for the next high school in Comal ISD"?SCHOOL BOND? jan2009-Is Comal ISD building SWIMMING POOLS in all of our high schools by the next school year?YES, SAYS Kari Hutchinson, the Comal Independent School District Communications Director.-source: New Braunfels,Tx, KGNB radio station; jan2009. -read more 
Do new Comalisd building projects, lead to underfunding of Curriculum?
AND→ If comal isd understands they have funding problem, and continue to blame Legislators and the Texas Education Agency, then why aren’t they taking responsiblility by being FRUGAL with taxpayer money?
Did Comal ISD Superintendent Marc H.Walker and School Board members make a deal with developers?
While stumping for the school bond, when asked if the School Bond would include Swimming Pools, Comal ISD superintendent Marc Walker's response was NO.?
November 2011
INFO NEWS 2011
The Comal ISD school board members all support a 2008 School Bond.
The 2005 school bond projects are not even finished. One thing is certain, we have a board member that is employed by Hobart and Hobart has been the company for years chosen to provide our new schools with kitchen equipment. We have another Board member that is employed by Scholastic and she abstains from voting in any contracts involving her employer. Superintendent Walker confirmed that she will not vote on bids associated with Scholastic or vendors that compete with Scholastic.
Why does Comal ISD allow VOTING at all the schools for the School Bond Election only? Are our teachers \ employees put under pressure to vote?? Does Comal ISD have activities during voting?YES.Is this smacks of a Conflict of interest?
News News News News News
ZOOM in on BONDS 2005 & 2008?? Comalisd Fact: Although the tax rate may be cut, the property valuations have gone up. TAX RATE and TAXES are not the same. Superintendent Marc Walker has reminded the taxpayers of growth in the district, the promise that the tax rate will not increase,What the superintendent has not been as forthcoming about is the “Tax Rate Analysis” and the impact of its projections. Not surprisingly, none of the information in the “Tax Rate Analysis” can be found in any of the bond marketing literature.READ MORE
10\08 Can Comal ISD taxpayers afford ANOTHER SCHOOL BOND? Why does Comal ISD continue to buy more property? IS Comal ISD superintendent Marc Walker and board members planning another school BOND? YES,says President BILL SWINT, 
Did Comal ISD Superintendent Marc H.Walker and School Board members make a deal with developers?
Will the new Comal ISD Johnson Ranch elementary school (located in Bulverde, Texas) that will open with PreKinder to fifth grade, include Maintenance by Comal ISD of the Johnson Ranch development swimming pool using taxpayer monies?
How does the system help the taxpayers? It doesn't help; Our 'property taxes' have gone up again? Why do we need another school bond?
What does a SCHOOL BOND pay for? TOO many extras. Our children deserve bigger classrooms, a bigger library,bigger cafeteria, however, there are too many extras in a school bond. Now, I am not an attorney, however, it's been questioned what the law is when bond money is moved around from one project to another and\or when projects get changed and money from whatever bond exists is used for projects. As mentioned, Comal ISD tends to present literature to the taxpayers with information that is so vague, the administration could practically do anything with the money.
On April 14, 2008, We received a phone call from our superintendent reminding us of the meetings for the 2008 School Bond. It would be nice if he were just as courteous and open to inform us of when all school board meetings are to be held. Or at least to tape record board meetings so that the public would have access to request ACCESS to listen to the tapes. (as per Marc Walker, board meetings are no longer taped recorded.) What happened to transparency?
Did Comal ISD Superintendent Marc H.Walker and School Board members make a deal with developers?
Will the new Comal ISD Johnson Ranch elementary school (located in Bulverde, Texas) that will open with PreKinder to fifth grade, include Maintenance by Comal ISD of the Johnson Ranch development swimming pool using taxpayer monies?
Will there be enough water in our children's schools? more soon ....
Does Comal ISD abuse the Rule of law?
Comal ISD Bond - At What Cost?
2008- In stumping for the proposed Comal ISD bond, Superintendent Marc Walker has reminded the taxpayers of growth in the district, the promise that the tax rate will not increase, and a general discussion of improvements that would be made.
What the superintendent has not been as forthcoming about is the “Tax Rate Analysis” and the impact of its projections. Not surprisingly, none of the information in the “Tax Rate Analysis” can be found in any of the bond marketing literature.
The district is advertising that the tax rate “will not increase because of this bond issue, based upon current assessed valuations”. But the projections from SAMCO Capital Markets, Inc. are based on a 2009 assumed growth in appraised values of 17%. In fact, over the next eight years, the assumption is for an average increase in appraised values of nearly 10% per year.
Given the $206 million bond passes, the “grand total of all debt service” through the year 2038 will exceed $1.1 billion dollars with one-half billion dollars coming from this bond alone. The cost of principal and interest beginning in 2011, when the next bond might likely be proposed, will be over $37 million dollars per year. And this annual amount increases, per year, every year, until maturity in 2038. Students graduating from CISD schools this year will be nearly 50 years old before this debt is disposed. And these projections do not take into account the estimated 10 or more bond issues that the district is planning over these 30 years. The district will be paying debt at a rate that could build nearly one new school, every year, for the next 30 years. Little wonder some argue that spending is out of control.
One can hardly argue that, with the increasing attendance at almost all campuses, there is need to house these additional students, but at what cost? And are all of the proposed changes warranted given the looming long term debt picture?Are multiple field houses, stadium upgrades and new concession stands at Canyon and Smithson Valley High necessary? And with no accounting for the last $8 million dollars in technology upgrades, can we expect prudent investment of this request for $8.3 million dollars? Why are there “General Improvements” of an undisclosed amount to Bill Brown Elementary that the district plans to sell in the near future. And how many of these proposed projects will be as mismanaged as Canyon Lake High and need money in the future to take care of “oversights”?
With CISD planning on asking for $200 million or more in bonds every two to three years and the impact of this bond on the district’s long term debt picture, the prudent thing to do is say “ No ” to this proposal. Have the district propose a bond to make needed improvements without extravagance. Send our trustees and administrators the message that we will fund what is needed but we will not have our children paying for the remainder of their lives.
2008 Projects
CHS and SVHS Expansions ; → to capacities of 2,575 $75$48 to capacities of 1,150 $23$10.75$8.5$8.3$32.3
3 New Elementary Schools - (FM 306 in Canyon Lake; Kinder Tract near Borgfeld Rd.; Garden Ridge) BOND
Middle School Expansions
CMS: Kitchen and cafeteria expansion, new library, new classrooms
SBMS: New classrooms, library expansion, locker room expansion
CHMS: New kitchen and cafeteria, new classrooms
SVMS: Convert wood shop into classrooms, build new wood shop
2008 Projectsfrom Comal ISD website;(in millions)
Capital Projects
Standardize elementary playgrounds and canopies
Air condition all elementary and middle school gyms
Restructure Specht Elementary traffic and parking areas; redo play area
Replace kitchen at Goodwin Frazier Elementary
Build ag barn and expand locker room facilities at Canyon Lake High
Provide general improvements to Bill Brown Elementary
Land Purchases for Future Schools
Technology Upgrades Districtwide ; (wireless access in all schools; mobile labs for schools; interactive technology for ESL, advanced instruction, and special education; laptops for teachers;decrease the student to computer ratio)
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment and Inflation
BOND 2008 TOTAL $205.85 million
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The system is flawed. The average family get NOTHNG
in return, except higher TAXES. The Comal ISD held the Early voting
places at all the schools to pass the School Bond.
Early voting was the largest voter turnout.
♦ How does a "School Bond" educate our children? One can wear new clothes, you’ll feel better, but it doesn't mean it'll make you a better person.
Is Comal ISD planning to raise our taxes?? again?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Where is the accountability? Comal ISD is not very forthcoming when citizens request information on projects. Taxpayers deserve more explanation and details of how our money is spent.
GENERAL QUESTIONS\TOPICS OF INTEREST:
Did Comal ISD Superintendent Marc H.Walker and School Board members make a deal with developers?
Will the new Comal ISD Johnson Ranch elementary school (located in Bulverde, Texas) that will open with PreKinder to fifth grade, include maintenance by Comal ISD of the Johnson Ranch development swimming pool using taxpayer monies?
IS Comal Independent School District Marc Walker preparing for ANOTHER SCHOOL BOND?YES - says Comal ISD Board President Bill Swint ..(09\03\08); source: KGNB News: New Braunfels, TX Comal County: Schools in Session (Comal ISD)
Sept.2008- Is Comal ISD,again, preparing for another School Bond? YES, says Comal ISD Board President Bill Swint - What does another School Bond mean?Students graduating from CISD schools this year will be nearly 50 years old before the 2005 debt is disposed. And these projections do not take into account the estimated 10 or more bond issues that the district is planning over these 30 years. The district will be paying debt at a rate that could build nearly one new school, every year, for the next 30 years. Little wonder some argue that spending is out of control. READ MORE -- source:KGNB News: New Braunfels, TX Comal County: Schools in Session (Comal ISD) — — — — — —— — — — — —— — — — — —— — — — — —— — — — — —— — — — — ———
The Comal ISD school board members all support a 2008 School Bond.
———————————————————————————————————————
Notice of Regular Meeting
The Board of Trustees
Comal ISD
A Regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Comal ISD will be held July 22, 2008, beginning at 6:00 PM in the Comal ISD Support Services, 1404 IH-35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
The subjects to be discussed or considered or upon which any formal action may be taken are as listed below. Items do not have to be taken in the order shown on this meeting notice.Unless removed from the consent agenda, items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time.
1. Consider and Take Action to Approve Agenda
2. Recognition - TASB Media Honor Roll
3. Audience Participation
4. Consider and Take Action to Amend Board Policy EIC Local
5. Consider and Take Action to Endorse Candidate to Fill Position on TASB Board of Directors
6. Consent Agenda
A. Approve Consent Agenda
B. Board Meeting Minutes
C. Financial Statement and Expenditures
D. Monthly Tax Report
E. 2007-08 Budget Amendments
F. Annual Review of Investment Policy
G. Annual Review of Qualified Brokers and Dealers
H. Investment Resolution - Authorized Personnel
I. Disposal of Surplus Property
J. Bid for Security Services
K. Bid for Armored Car Services
L. Out-of-State Travel for Smithson Valley High School Band
M. Revisions to Board of Trustees 2008-09 Meeting Calendar
N. PDAS Calendar for 2008-09
7. Reports; A. Construction and Facilities; B.Proposed 2008-09 Budget Update;C. Quarterly Investments
8. Closed Session Pursuant to Sections 551.071 through 551.084 of the Texas Government Code
A. Pursuant to 551.074, consider and discuss personnel resignations,employments, reassignments
B. Pursuant to 551.072, discuss the purchase, exchange, sale, lease or value of real property
C. Pursuant to 551.0821, hear, review, and discuss student transfer petition
9. Consider and Take Action on Contractual Personnel as Recommended by the Superintendent: Resignations, Retirements, Employments
1 10. Consider and Take Action on Student Transfer Appeal
If, during the course of the meeting, discussion of any item on the agenda should be held in a closed meeting, the Board will conduct a closed meeting in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Government Code, Chapter 551, Subchapters D and E. Before any closed meeting is convened, the presiding officer will publicly identify the section or sections of the Act authorizing the closed meeting. All final votes, actions, or decisions will be taken in open meeting. The notice for this meeting was posted in compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act on July 17, 2008, 5:00 PM.
Marc Walker, Superintendent
For the Board of Trustees
Date: July 22, 2008
Subject: TASB Board of Directors (TASB) Texas Assc.School Board)
Administrator Responsible: Marc Walker
Resource Person: Marc Walker
Action
[ Action means this is an action item which the superintendent has already approved it or couldn't care either way which means the board will VOTE to (most likely) approve it.]
A. Background Information:
TASB Board of Directors, Region 13, Positions B & C are up for election at the 2008 Convention. Gary Inmon from the Schertz-Cibolo Universal City ISD is the incumbent and he is running unopposed. Five individuals have been nominated for Position C, and they are listed on the attached overview from TASB. The Comal ISD Board of Trustees may endorse an individual nominated to fill Position C.
B. Fiscal Impact and Cost: None false information!! In the end, our taxdollars pay for TASB dues and TASB services for whatever MarcWalker AND board members deem necessary.Very misleading.
C. Superintendent’s Recommendation: None
D. Action Required: Motion by , second by , to endorse for the Region 13 C position on the TASB Board of Directors.
FOR: BILL SWINT, FRANK BAKER, DONNA HOLMES, CAROL KELLER, DAN
KRUEGER, DAVID SPENCER, CAROLYN MILLER
AGAINST: BILL SWINT, FRANK BAKER, DONNA HOLMES, CAROL KELLER, DAN
KRUEGER, DAVID SPENCER, CAROLYN MILLER
MOTION CARRIED/DENIED/POSTPONED
⇒ B.shows FISCAL IMPACT and COST: None,however,realistically, Comal ISD does use taxpayer money for TASB(TEXAS ASSC.OF SCHOOL Board)for services. WAIT -our taxes also pay the (TEA) TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY for the same services.The difference is TEA is a government agency and is accountable to the taxpayer. TASB is soley a 'business'Paid with ComalISD tax dollars.Is ComalISD being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars?Where is the accountability?
Our children struggle with "Fundraisers" for their school trips,uniforms,materials required not provided by the school,etc,YET, our school board members travel for their social gatherings spending tax dollars at TASB conventions.Did I exclude Marc Walker and his administrators? There's TASA,Texas Assoc.School Administrators.Shouldn't our children be provided all the time necessary to succeed in their school programs, academics,extracurriculalrs, etc.?
Could some of these thousands of dollars go towards compensating our good Teachers to tutor our children? CISD provides stipends to our coaches for afterschool coaching in addition to their regular salary.(does CISD share this information with the public?) Should CISD provide additional funding for academics as well? Should CISD include our other programs,such as Band, Debate,Art,and Choir? What about our Special Ed Programs... or our Gifted children? There are other programs not mentioned that also benefit our children's education.Can CISD make some reasonable 'cuts' besides using our teachers salary?
What about compensating for more ComalISD SCHOOL NURSES? What happened to providing the "DARE" Drug Abuse Resistance Education program to all of our middle school children? What about cutting cost at the top level? Does CISD provide upper administration a pay raise "including perks" using the same rate as our teachers? Is it possible that after the first raise, upper administration receives a promotion with, a new Title to include another pay raise and maybe also include an assistant? If anyone needs assistants, it is our teachers "in" the classroom. Is CISD being Frugal in spending our tax dollars? Can CISD cut costs without using our children and our good teachers as excuses to ask the taxpayer for more money?DID Comal ISD make a deal with developers in maintaining the swimming pool in the Johnson Ranch elementary school subdivision?
Will the new Comal ISD Johnson Ranch PUBLIC elementary school (located in Bulverde, Texas) that will open with PreKinder to fifth grade, include maintenance by Comal ISD of the Johnson Ranch development swimming pool using taxpayer monies?
IS Comal Independent School District Marc Walker preparing for ANOTHER SCHOOL BOND?YES -says Comal ISD Board President Bill Swint.(09\03\08); source: KGNB News: New Braunfels, TX Comal County: Schools in Session (Comal ISD) DID Comal ISD make a deal with developers in maintaining the swimming pool in the Johnson Ranch PUBLIC elementary school subdivision (LOCATED IN BULVERDE,TEXAS)?using taxpayer money?
Are the Johnson Ranch Developers “misinformed”?→Johnson Ranch Elementary School; (source:Johnson Ranch Bulverde,Texas website) As a reflection of the commitment to providing the full community lifestyle, the developer donated a 16-acre school site to Comal ISD for a new elementary school. The convenience of the new $15 million Johnson Ranch Elementary School will allow kids living in Johnson Ranch to walk or bike to school without ever getting on a major highway. The Johnson Ranch Elementary will open in the fall of 2009 and is expected to ultimately be comprised solely of Johnson Ranch residents.
Jan.2009:IS the Johnson Ranch Residential Development Project delayed, again, YET,the Johnson Ranch area CISD elementary school PK-5 project going forward?With the recent downturn in the economy, does Comal ISD need to remain as aggressive in its new building projects? On August 2008: Thomas Bloxham, assistant superintendent of Support Services, provided a construction update on the 13 Bond 2005 projects. Rahe Bulverde Elementary’s renovation has been delayed because the new Johnson Ranch area elementary in Bulverde is getting started later than anticipated. The district was trying to get Johnson Ranch open in August 2008 but was delayed due to city(Bulverde,Tx) and developer issues over the last couple of years. The school will open in August 2009 instead. Once it opens, the district will move a large portion of Rahe Bulverde’s students to the new school (Johnson Ranch) making it safer for RBES to undergo a major renovation.
So much for Comal isd demographics 
IS NO a viable answer in COMAL ISD?
ZOOM in on BONDS 2005 & 2008?? ComalISD Fact: Although the tax rate may be cut, the property valuations have gone up. TAX RATE and TAXES are not the same. Is Comal ISD only telling us 'half' of the story regarding taxes and tax rate?more soon
Do new Comalisd building projects, lead to underfunding of Curriculum?
Did Comal isd School Board members and superintendent Marc Walker forget to mention about Swimming Pools during the stumping of the school Bond?especially in a staggering economy?
-------------------------------⇔ ----------------------------------
(2008)Superintendent Marc Walker has reminded the taxpayers of growth in the district, the promise that the tax rate will not increase,What the superintendent has not been as forthcoming about is the “Tax Rate Analysis” and the impact of its projections. Not surprisingly, none of the information in the “Tax Rate Analysis” can be found in any of the bond marketing literature.
The district is advertising that the tax rate “will not increase because of this bond issue, based upon current assessed valuations”. But the projections from SAMCO Capital Markets, Inc. are based on a 2009 assumed growth in appraised values of 17%. In fact, over the next eight years, the assumption is for an average increase in appraised values of nearly 10% per year.
Given the $206 million bond passes, the “grand total of all debt service” through the year 2038 will exceed $1.1 billion dollars with one-half billion dollars coming from this bond alone. The cost of principal and interest beginning in 2011, when the next bond might likely be proposed, will be over $37 million dollars per year. And this annual amount increases, per year, every year, until maturity in 2038. Students graduating from CISD schools this year will be nearly 50 years old before this debt is disposed. And these projections do not take into account the estimated 10 or more bond issues that the district is planning over these 30 years. The district will be paying debt at a rate that could build nearly one new school, every year, for the next 30 years. Little wonder some argue that spending is out of control.
One can hardly argue that, with the increasing attendance at almost all campuses, there is need to house these additional students, but at what cost? And are all of the proposed changes warranted given the looming long term debt picture?Are multiple field houses, stadium upgrades and new concession stands at Canyon and Smithson Valley High necessary? And with no accounting for the last $8 million dollars in technology upgrades, can we expect prudent investment of this request for $8.3 million dollars? Why are there “General Improvements” of an undisclosed amount to Bill Brown Elementary that the district plans to sell in the near future. And how many of these proposed projects will be as mismanaged as Canyon Lake High and need money in the future to take care of “oversights”?
With CISD planning on asking for $200 million or more in bonds every two to three years and the impact of this bond on the district’s long term debt picture, the prudent thing to do is say “ No ” to this proposal. Have the district propose a bond to make needed improvements without extravagance. Send our trustees and administrators the message that we will fund what is needed but we will not have our children paying for the remainder of their lives.
Will the new Comal ISD Johnson Ranch elementary school (located in Bulverde, Texas) that will open with PreKinder to fifth grade, include maintenance by Comal ISD of the Johnson Ranch development swimming pool using taxpayer monies?
Will there be enough water in our children's schools? more soon ...
Does Comal ISD abuse the Rule of law?
How does the system help the taxpayers? It doesn't help;
The system is flawed. The average family get NOTHNG in return,
except higher TAXES. The Comal ISD held the Early voting
places at all the schools to pass the School Bond. Early voting
was the largest voter turnout.
How does a School Bond educate our children?
Academics and Sports - Does one outweigh the other?
Where is the accountability of being open and forthcoming with how our tax money is being spent?
April 22, 2008 - Comal ISD
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
6:00 PM
FIRE SAFETY:
Comal ISD had their regular school board meeting tonight at Smithson Valley High. The board members chose to vote for all items in the agenda (without discussion) to allow for a short meeting. They do have dinner behind closed doors to discuss other board issues. One of ACTION agenda items VOTED FOR is:
E; Construction Change Order for Mountain Valley Middle School; Background information: As part of the Additions/Renovations at Mountain Valley Middle we added several items in the scope of the project to improve the performance and functionality of the school.
FISCAL IMPACT & COST: The $16.8 million project is funded out of bond 2005 with budgeted construction costs of $14,500.00. We are requesting $850,000 increase to the project with $350,000 coming out of technology and the $500,000 from bond contingencies.
SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Approve change order for Mountain Valley Middle School;
$350,000 Run technology through project instead of FFE
$1000,000 Sod football and practice fields instead of hydromulch
$200,000 Add three tennis courts to project
$155,000 Detention pond, drainage changes per TCEQ
$ 45,000 Lift station and electrical at MVMS bus yard
$850,000 TOTAL
This school was torn down and the fire sprinklers were removed. The district is not replacing the fire sprinklers. Superintendent Marc Walker has chosen to follow fire safety code in other ways.
There has been a concern about this subject. Why not replace the fire sprinklers? Aren’t our children worth going one step beyond?? I questioned if the sprinklers were going to be replaced and was told no, not all of them. Why is Comal ISD spending $200,000 for three tennis courts, yet will not spend for sprinklers in the school?
In the Comal ISD 2005 school bond (yes, 2005) it states that Mountain Valley will get major facelifts. Mountain Valley will get upgrades to include lights, restrooms, tile, paint, and carpet. That is all that is stated. Comal School bonds are written so vague, that one wonders how money is being spent on our buildings.
Where is the accountability? Do taxpayers deserved more explanation and details of how our tax money is being spent.YES
Now, I am not an attorney, however, I question what the law is when bond money is moved around from one project to another and\or when projects get changed and money from whatever bond exists is used for projects. As I mentioned, Comal ISD tends to present literature to the taxpayers with information that is so vague, the administration could practically do anything with the money.
Where is the accountability? Comal ISD is not very forthcoming when citizens request information on projects. I feel taxpayers deserve more explanation and details of how our money is spent.
And they expect us to approve a 205,850,000 SCHOOL BOND??
Comal ISD
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 --- 6:00 PM
2008 Projects
CHS and SVHS Expansions ; → to capacities of 2,575 $75$48 to capacities of 1,150 $23$10.75$8.5$8.3$32.3
3 New Elementary Schools
(FM 306 in Canyon Lake; Kinder Tract near Borgfeld Rd.; Garden Ridge)
BOND
Middle School Expansions
CMS: Kitchen and cafeteria expansion, new library, new classrooms
SBMS: New classrooms, library expansion, locker room expansion
CHMS: New kitchen and cafeteria, new classrooms
SVMS: Convert wood shop into classrooms, build new wood shop
2008 Projectsfrom Comal ISD website;(in millions)
Capital Projects
Standardize elementary playgrounds and canopies
Air condition all elementary and middle school gyms
Restructure Specht Elementary traffic and parking areas; redo play area
Replace kitchen at Goodwin Frazier Elementary
Build ag barn and expand locker room facilities at Canyon Lake High
Provide general improvements to Bill Brown Elementary
Land Purchases for Future Schools
Technology Upgrades Districtwide ; (wireless access in all schools; mobile labs for schools; interactive technology for ESL, advanced instruction, and special education; laptops for teachers; decrease the student to computer ratio)
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment and Inflation
BOND 2008 TOTAL $205.85 million
IS NO a viable answer in COMAL ISD?
Comal ISD Bond 2008- At What Cost?
In stumping for the proposed Comal ISD bond, Superintendent Marc Walker has reminded the taxpayers of growth in the district, the promise that the tax rate will not increase, and a general discussion of improvements that would be made.
What the superintendent has not been as forthcoming about is the “Tax Rate Analysis” and the impact of its projections. Not surprisingly, none of the information in the “Tax Rate Analysis” can be found in any of the bond marketing literature.
The district is advertising that the tax rate “will not increase because of this bond issue, based upon current assessed valuations”. But the projections from SAMCO Capital Markets, Inc. are based on a 2009 assumed growth in appraised values of 17%. In fact, over the next eight years, the assumption is for an average increase in appraised values of nearly 10% per year.
Given the $206 million bond passes, the “grand total of all debt service” through the year 2038 will exceed $1.1 billion dollars with one-half billion dollars coming from this bond alone. The cost of principal and interest beginning in 2011, when the next bond might likely be proposed, will be over $37 million dollars per year. And this annual amount increases, per year, every year, until maturity in 2038. Students graduating from CISD schools this year will be nearly 50 years old before this debt is disposed. And these projections do not take into account the estimated 10 or more bond issues that the district is planning over these 30 years. The district will be paying debt at a rate that could build nearly one new school, every year, for the next 30 years. Little wonder some argue that spending is out of control.
One can hardly argue that, with the increasing attendance at almost all campuses, there is need to house these additional students, but at what cost? And are all of the proposed changes warranted given the looming long term debt picture?Are multiple field houses, stadium upgrades and new concession stands at Canyon and Smithson Valley High necessary? And with no accounting for the last $8 million dollars in technology upgrades, can we expect prudent investment of this request for $8.3 million dollars? Why are there “General Improvements” of an undisclosed amount to Bill Brown Elementary that the district plans to sell in the near future. And how many of these proposed projects will be as mismanaged as Canyon Lake High and need money in the future to take care of “oversights”?
With CISD planning on asking for $200 million or more in bonds every two to three years and the impact of this bond on the district’s long term debt picture, the prudent thing to do is say “ No ” to this proposal. Have the district propose a bond to make needed improvements without extravagance. Send our trustees and administrators the message that we will fund what is needed but we will not have our children paying for the remainder of their lives.
⇒Comal Independent School District
⇒School Board Members .. Insider Trading?
How does the system help the taxpayers? It doesn't help;
The system is flawed. The average family get NOTHNG in return,
except higher TAXES. The Comal ISD held the Early voting
places at all the schools to pass the School Bond. Early voting
was the largest voter turnout.
How does a School Bond educate our children?
GENERAL QUESTIONS\TOPICS OF INTEREST:
NEWS RELEASE:
Did Comal ISD Superintendent Marc H.Walker and School Board members make a deal with developers?
Will the new Comal ISD Johnson Ranch elementary school (located in Bulverde, Texas) that will open with PreKinder to fifth grade, include maintenance by Comal ISD of the Johnson Ranch development swimming pool using taxpayer monies?
Will there be enough water in our children's schools?
Does Comal ISD abuse the Rule of law?
Comal ISD BOND 2008
Renovation
__________________________________________________________________
Comal ISD BOND 2008
Addition
Smithson Valley High School
Additions and Renovations (2575 Capacity)
Addition
New Administration Offices
Canyon High School
Additions and Renovations (2575 Capacity)
New Administration Offices
New Administration Offices
20 Classroom Addition
New Gymnasium with Locker Rooms
New Auditorium
Ag. Expansion
Stadium Upgrades
Additional Parking
New Administration Offices
31 Classroom Addition
New Gymnasiums with Locker Rooms
New Career and Tech Building
New Spring Sports Field House
Ag. Expansion
Stadium Upgrades
Additional Parking
Relocate Softball Field
Renovation
Field House Expansion
Current Classrooms converted into 6 Science Labs
Cafeteria Expansion
Gym converted into Auditorium
Current Administration Offices converted into Classroom
Current Classrooms renovated
Field House Expansion
Current Administration Offices converted into Classroom
Current Science Labs converted into 12 New Science Labs
Current Locker Rooms renovated into New Locker Rooms
Current Auditorium converted into Choir Room
Current Choir Room converted into CATE
Canyon High School
Additions and Renovations (2575 Capacity)
Smithson Valley High School
Additions and Renovations (2575 Capacity)
Comal ISD BOND 2008
Will Comal ISD still have a Balanced Budget after they install the three swimming pools at the high schools? At what cost?
Should taxpayers be concerned?
Should taxpayers be concerned?
Apr.2009-source:KGNB news-Did Comal ISD Superintendent Marc Walker (finally) admit to a budget shortfall in the millions for the Comal ISD budget? Is this 'after'quietly planning for swimming pools in our three schools? Did Comal ISD superintendent Marc Walker (finally) admit to NOT notifying the taxpayers about building swimming pools in our three high schools while stumping for the school bond? Did he also admit that the pools are not for competition?
Smithson Valley High School - Additions and Renovations (2575 Capacity) Addition ---- Smithson Valley High School
Additions and Renovations (2575 Capacity)
Addition ; New Administration Offices
31 Classroom Addition
New Gymnasiums with Locker Rooms
New Career and Tech Building
New Spring Sports Field House
Ag. Expansion
Stadium Upgrades
Additional Parking
Relocate Softball Field
Renovation; Field House Expansion
Current Classrooms converted into 6 Science Labs
Cafeteria Expansion
Gym converted into Auditorium
Current Administration Offices converted into Classroom
Current Classrooms renovated
New Administration Offices
20 Classroom Addition
New Gymnasium with Locker Rooms
New Auditorium
Ag. Expansion
Stadium Upgrades
Additional Parking
Renovation
Canyon High School
Additions and Renovations (2575 Capacity)
Field House Expansion
Current Administration Offices converted into Classroom
Current Science Labs converted into 12 New Science Labs
Current Locker Rooms renovated into New Locker Rooms
Current Auditorium converted into Choir Room
Current Choir Room converted into CATE
GENERAL QUESTIONS\TOPICS OF INTEREST:
Does Comal Independent School District (Comal ISD) have significant influence on the decision regarding property values in Comal County?yes
History Comal Independent School District (CISD
The ComalISD regular school board meeting on September 23.
Comal ISD Construction report - Construction projects are moving along in Comal ISD. Bond 2005
The Bond 2005 projects including Freiheit, Startzville, Goodwin Frazier, Timberwood Park, Morningside, Arlon Seay, Johnson Ranch and Oak Creek elementary schools, Mt. Valley and Smithson Valley middle schools, and the conversion of CIS to Church Hill Middle School are all completed.
Ceiling grid installation and exterior work are still in progress at Rahe Bulverde Elementary School, but finishes have started in several areas of the school. Students are expected to be in the new RBES in January.
Foundations are poured and sitework continues at Clear Spring Elementary in New Braunfels.
Bond 2008
At Canyon High School, the press box, detention pond, CATE building, bleacher expansion, field house expansion and spring field house are complete. Masonry work continues on the two-story classroom wing and foundation work is ongoing in front of the school. The pool is scheduled to be finished soon.
The pool at Smithson Valley High School along with the pool building, animal barn, student parking lots, new public water line, renovation of existing ag building, the press box, the new ag building and the bleacher expansion are all complete. Drilling the foundation piers for the new wing is ongoing and so is fencing and drainage work. The pad for the field house addition is also complete.
Comal ISD - MEETING SUMMARY
The Canyon Lake High School field house expansion is up for bids as of Sept. 24, and the sitework and site utilities are ongoing for the ag barn.
Excavation and building pad construction are ongoing along with site utilities at Garden Ridge Elementary School.
Drawings are in progress for Church Hill Middle School and the project is scheduled to bid out in January 2010. At Canyon Middle School, interior remodeling is ongoing. The foundation has been poured on the addition and the contractor is waiting on structural steel.
Construction on the new wing of Spring Branch Middle School is underway.
The foundation has been poured, steel erected and masonry walls are under construction for the kitchen expansion at Goodwin Frazier Elementary.
Board approves purchase of elementary school site
The board approved the resolution to consummate the purchase of a little more than 25 acres of land in the Vintage Oaks subdivision on Hwy 46. The site is located about 300 feet west of the Vintage Oaks amenity center and is being purchased for approximately $7,500 per acre.
Board declares old Goodwin Primary school as a surplus
The board declared the property at 1297 Church Hill Drive in New Braunfels (the old Goodwin Primary School) as surplus for sale or trade, which allows the district to begin accepting bids for the property.
Once Memorial High School is completed, the former Goodwin Primary will no longer be used to educate Comal ISD students or house district operations. With board approval, the district may dispose of the property for fair market value.
For the last couple of years, CISD has rented half of the building out to the city and county to house college courses. At this point, district officials have stated there is no need for CISD to continue using the building.
Are the Johnson Ranch Developers “misinformed”?→Johnson Ranch Elementary School; As a reflection of the commitment to providing the full community lifestyle, the developer donated a 16-acre school site to Comal ISD for a new elementary school. The convenience of the new $15 million Johnson Ranch Elementary School will allow kids living in Johnson Ranch to walk or bike to school without ever getting on a major highway. The Johnson Ranch Elementary will open in the fall of 2009 and is expected to ultimately be comprised solely of Johnson Ranch residents.
August 27, 2009
MEETING SUMMARY
The following are highlights from the Comal ISD regular school board meeting on August 27.
COMAL ISD SCHOOL Board approves contracts for earnest money
The board approved the earnest money contract to purchase 25.11 acres of land for a proposed future elementary school in the Vintage Oaks development on Hwy. 46.
The negotiated price with the Bluegreen Corporation is $7,500 per acre, which is a total of $187,500. This site will require on-site wastewater disposal. The site is located near the community amenity center and will have road access on two sides and utilities (water and electricity) to the site.
Source:Bluegreen Communities Supports Comal County Schools | Press Releases - Friday, June 12th, 2009-Bluegreen Communities Supports Comal County Schools, Youth Organizations and Residents
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX – June 16, 2009 – As the nation’s premier developer of master-planned communities, including Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard, Mystic Shores at Canyon Lake, and Havenwood at Hunters Crossing, Bluegreen Communities® is more than just a real estate company. Bluegreen is committed to providing ongoing support to the non-profit organizations, school districts, and emergency services that are vital to the continued growth of these local communities and all of Comal County.
“Bluegreen Communities has been a great neighbor to residents in the New Braunfels area since their earliest development at Mystic Shores,” said Comal County Judge Danny Scheel. “Through their ongoing donations of land and contributions to a variety of projects, Bluegreen has maintained a constant commitment to the growth of our community.”
Some of Bluegreen’s recent community projects include the following:
• A significant contribution toward the construction of a competition-sized swimming pool at Smithson Valley High School.
• An annual sponsorship of the Comal County Junior Livestock Show Association, whose mission is to promote the agricultural life by providing youth with a venue to show and sell their livestock projects while developing important life skills.
• A donation of land adjacent to Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard for a new fire station that will serve the community and surrounding area.
• A donation to the Comal Education Foundation from proceeds from the first annual “Great Grape Stomp” event at Vintage Oaks.
• Construction and dedication of a new boat ramp on Canyon Lake at Mystic Shores.
“Bluegreen Communities recognizes its role in the growth of the area, and with that growth comes a responsibility to participate in the future provision of services needed by the communities,” said Barry Denton, regional director for Bluegreen’s Hill Country communities. “We want Comal County residents to know that we intend to always be a positive presence in their community.”
About Bluegreen Communities
Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard, Mystic Shores at Canyon Lake, and Havenwood at Hunters Crossing are master-planned communities developed by Bluegreen Communities®, a division of Bluegreen Corporation (NYSE: BXG). Over the past 40 years, Bluegreen Communities has developed top-rated communities in some of our nation's most coveted areas, offering the perfect balance of country living and city convenience, with privacy and scenery paramount. Bluegreen has sold over 55,000 master-planned residential and golf community homesites in 32 states and is an award-winning green developer. The company's commitment to responsible land use, environmental protection, as well as to the safekeeping and conservation of its communities through reasonable protective covenants ensures that they can be enjoyed by generations to come. For more information on Bluegreen Communities®, visit www.bluegreencommunities.com.
Who is expected to “Bail Out” our public education bonds 30-year indebtedness?
Can Public School districts keep re-financing until the end of time? leaving future generations in debt.?contact →Texas State Representatives and our Texas House Representatives -contact → Texas Commissioner of Education Robert Scott and Texas Governor Rick Perry?
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01/2011 -Are Comal ISD superintendent Marc Walker and Comal ISD Board Members preparing the public for another school bond by announcing the famous word ....... GROWTH?? do they know what Frugal means? OR do they play the game me no hear, no see, no tell also known as no ACCOUNTABILITY??