Bryan school board members on Monday discussed whether it's worth paying extra money to charter a bus to allow the Viking Band to arrive on time to away games.
The discussion between trustees and staff occurred at a regular workshop meeting when board members questioned an item from last month's budget.
Bryan Chief Financial Officer Amy Drozd said the district paid more than $3,300 for a charter bus that took the Viking Band to an away game in September. It was the first use of a charter bus by the band so far this year, and officials said Monday that the district only books charter buses a few times per year.
Officials said no other trips were booked on a charter this fall. A bus trip has been booked for a marching band contest in April.
"This isn't about one or two trips," Trustee David Stasny said during the meeting. "This is about changing the way we do things in the future."
District officials said Monday that the band only uses a charter bus when Bryan's transportation office cannot get students to a game on time.
"Our transportation office says they cannot accommodate a 3:30 departure," Drozd told trustees.
The board took no action on the issue Monday, and Superintendent Mike Cargill said after the meeting that the staff would work to develop alternative solutions.
"Depending on how much money it costs us, I think most people are going to want their kids to be at the football game on time."
Viking Band Director Robert Towell could not be reached by phone late Monday afternoon.
Board members also expressed concern about taking students out of school early just to arrive at a game before it starts.
Trustee Douglas Wunneburger said some parents and administrators might not want their students to miss classes.
Cargill said after the meeting that the district doesn't have enough bus drivers to run the regular routes and take students to away games at the same time.
"That's been a problem, so in some cases we've had to use charter buses," he said.
He said charter buses are booked for regular events around three times per year. Some staff members in the athletic department are licensed to drive school buses, he said, so charter buses are not needed.
Trustees expressed frustration Monday that the item wasn't approved before the charter bus was booked in September. Board approval is not required on purchases less than $25,000.
"This is a fairly big deal," Stasny said, asking the staff to inform the board "when it happens instead of when we get the bill."
Drozd said that's something officials will do differently from here on out. She said staff members will carefully weigh the pros and cons of using a charter bus and inform the board in advance.
But ultimately, she said, "we're going to make a decision based on the best interests in getting the kids where they need to be."
Bryan has three more away football games left in the varsity 2008 regular season.
65 comment(s) found!
Posted by:
On:
Thursday, November 06, 2008 1:10 AM
Comment Title:
I Graduate from Bryan high. class of 08. and the band works their tail off every year. The drumline starts learning their stuff a week after school lets out for summer. they dont get a break over the summer. Then the band shows up for mini camps and learn music to entertain people. its not easy memorzing all theirs stuff. being out there in the hot sun. Standing at stuff not able to talk. Im not saying the shy anns and the football team dont work hard. but i feel the band deserves just as much respect as the football team. 8 hrs of practice a week isnt easy. then haveing to go home do homework then waking up and practicing on the field at 7. it seems like the football team get new looks to their uniform every year. the band hate to wait 10 Years to get their new uniforms and new drums for the drumline. I know what its like cause i went threw everything they are going through. its only fair that they get charter buses. the football team, blue crew, cheerleaders and shy anns get their before the band does. they then have to still unload their truck, get dress, warm up, and get into the stands. they should be able to leave at the same time every body else does. after all we are one school. and the band has more people. then the football team, shy anns, cheerleaders, blue leave like 30 mintues before the band can. becuase they have to load their truck. then they dont get home till 2 in the morning. then they still have to unload their stuff. they need a realiable way to get there in time. After all the superintendent was a member of the bhs band. These kids deserve all that they get they work hard every year to get to where they are. They dont get a summer. i think the people who feel the bhs band dont deserve charter buses. they should step into the kids shoes. let see if they can learn a 7 minute show. lets see them load and unload an 18 wheeler truck.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, October 10, 2008 5:41 AM
Comment Title:
It would probably be a safe bet that the student will never use the word slander inappropriately or misspell a lot. It takes a village to raise a child.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 11:09 PM
Comment Title:
I thought the point of all of these comments was to say how you feel, not to correct punctuation or spelling, seriouslly. People who are like 30 or 40 years older are correcting teenagers, talk about the article and what people are saying. It shouldnt be about how someone spells a lot "alot." Who cares!
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 11:06 PM
Comment Title: Mr. Towell is a GREAT director!
Thanks for defending the kids and all, but Mr. Towell is an amazing director and person. There is nothing to blame on him.
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Posted by:
Pat On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 10:28 PM
Comment Title: BHS BAND
IT is not the kids to blame it's MR.Towell. Our kids are doing a great job!You'r unifrom's look good.IT is clear he has his favorite kids.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 5:40 PM
Comment Title:
Okay,I think there are more things going on in band than how they get to a game and what they eat.What about all those who have kids in band who have passed all thier classes and then find out this week they are not good enough to march.I would understand if this was just for competition,but it's not. They still have to be at practice by 7am each morning and twice a week so they can sit there and watch. So I guess they are in band for nothing.I feel they should still be givin a chance to march at the games.Oh and to top it off they want them to perform w/colorgaurd.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 3:11 PM
Comment Title:
"Since it would serve no purpose . . ." This statement gives testimony to the factualness of the wise man's saying.
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Posted by:
Floyd On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 12:09 PM
Comment Title:
--"Most of these folks can do nothing else that would pay them as well. "-- A wise person once told me, "you can't argue with stupid." For those teachers, many whose most valued rewards are not monetary, I consider you heros. Since it would serve no purpose to try to educate the previous poster, I won't bother to try to list the many vocations that are paid better for lesser qualifications. As for the expected reply, see sentence two above.
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Posted by:
bandmomof3 On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 11:33 AM
Comment Title:
FYI, As for the band directors, during the summer, there are few days that there are not at least 2 directors at the band hall, working on next year's program or running clinics, which the students come to to prepare for the next year, or mentoring students or just having the band hall open to allow students to practice on their own. Then, summer band starts for at least 3 weeks before school starts, so I don't see them getting much "free time". Since I am also a former softball mom for 4 years and a basketball mom for one year, I witnessed that the coaches don't get all the "breaks" either. Basketball has a very short Christmas vacation due to practice and games and Softball coaches (and team) practice and play all through Spring Break. From what I understand, football coaches and other coaches are working to prepare long before the school bell rings on the first day of class. These teachers along with non-sports teachers spend countless hours that we never see or give them credit for. And lots of those non-sports teachers can be found at almost every sporting event cheering on their students. With all of that, there is no "overtime" pay, unless you count the gratitude from the athletes and the parents that appreciate all their dedication.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 10:46 AM
Comment Title:
***I am guessing that if you took in to consideration the hours that the band directors, (or for that matter, any teachers) work and figured out exactly what they make per hour, not many of us would stay in that job for long.*** (1) Be sure and figure in the summer off and spring break and xmas, etc. (2) Most of these folks can do nothing else that would pay them as well.
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Posted by:
bandmomof3 On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 10:36 AM
Comment Title:
As for the limits to extra practice time for the band. Please do your math! The limit is 8 hours of practice. Last time I checked, 5 mornings of one hour of practice and 2 afternoons of one and one half hours of practice adds up to 8 hours a week. It is hours of practice, not going to and coming from in that allotment of time. It frustrates so many of us as we stand in support of the Bryan Viking Band and BISD. I'm into my 8th consecutive year as a band parent and my 4th year as a band chaperone. Honestly, it amazes me what the band directors and for that matter, what the band students go through for their loyalty to their team (i.e. the band). I am thankful to have hard working, dedicated directors that love what they are doing and care for our kids. The teachers who stay in teaching deserve our support. I am guessing that if you took in to consideration the hours that the band directors, (or for that matter, any teachers) work and figured out exactly what they make per hour, not many of us would stay in that job for long. So please quit badgering the directors or the organization. And please, quit finding things that don't pertain to the subject matter to try and start gossip. If we return to the original article, I would challenge the Eagle to assign someone who will cover the whole meeting and put that on page one front and center. It seems that this meeting took several hours and they spent maybe five minutes on the charter bus issue. Did you know that BISD's financial rating was superior? Oh, yes that was covered in an article the next day in a different section of the paper. Or how about the fact that the school schedule will probably change and if your student passes the TAKS test this year, then they will get finished with school on May 18th while others continue for tutoring time after that? My understanding is that the meeting did not get controversial over this extra $1700 in transportation issue, but the Eagle's article might lead you to believe it did. If the purpose of the local newspaper is to stir up controversy within the parents of Bryan High, congratulations, you did it!
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 7:54 AM
Comment Title: to sorry to burst your bubble
Coaches and club sponsors who have CDLs do have random drug testing done rather frequently.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 5:55 AM
Comment Title:
I wouldn't want to be a passenger of a bus at 1:00 a.m. that was driven by a sleepy band director that had been up since 5:00 a.m.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, October 09, 2008 5:46 AM
Comment Title: sorry to burst your bubbles
Well i know a few local teachers and coaches. I know for a fact that they dont want to drive the bus at all. The main reason why is because in order to drive one of these buses you must have a CDL. A CDL can be tricky to keep up with and you are subject to drug testing. NONE of our teachers or coaches have to take drug tests now, so why would the want to risk it. It is no secret that High School teachers and coaches smoke marijuana. I know for 100% fact that some of the local teachers do this. It is an epidemic at high schools. Also if you have a CDL these days it can backfire in your face if you do anything wrong, and you could loose your normal driving license. Its just not worth the BS to go out and get one. I think teachers and coaches should be subject to random drug tests. The results would shock you.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 11:17 PM
Comment Title:
Its after 11:00 p.m. and you need to get to bed so you can get to your English and Essay Writing Class on time. Also, pay more attention in Computer Applications Class as spell checkers come with all word processing software.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 11:07 PM
Comment Title: the band
i think that the band needs to get the charter bus for there saftey but i think they need to get more breaks b/c there working every morning for a hour and every monday and thursday after noon for 2.5 hours now if u ask me i did some research and i think there passing the UIL hours for marching band time limit is 8 hours a week and when was the last time the band got one's at a UIL area contest i think the band teacher needs to step it up and get ones at contest and give these kids a break they wake at 6:30am to be there at 7:00 now thats early for these kids. and the trophies that the band has are like 20 to 30 years old when has any seen any new trophies i think the band needs a new teacher so that the band can win at contests. if people are mad b/c the bands gets charter bus . we payed around 3,000 just for are show to be made by some guy and every one of the band kids pay around 250.00 just to be in the band. i think that the kids shouldent pay just to be in the band .....
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 7:42 PM
Comment Title:
***we do what we do because we like it and we want to show off something we worked hard on - That has been my point all along. You all are nothing special. ***this news paper wouldn't even put us in the paper. - I hope you are wrong and your school failed to advise the Eagle in time for it to be published***ever notice how on the news when they do class champion it's usually a football, volleyball, or baseball player?? - Yep, and that sux.*** If you still think that the band is undeserving, then you can kiss our butts. We're still gonna perform our awesome show,. . . Excellent attitude. If you are not all talk you will go far in this world. Good luck to you and your group.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 7:23 PM
Comment Title:
"like a real band" i bet you're one of the ones getting nachos at halftime.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 7:08 PM
Comment Title:
I've got the solution: the band can use charter buses, but only if they get rid of their Star Trek The Next Generation uniforms and march like a band, not a lava lamp
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 6:47 PM
Comment Title: get a life
serious, does b/cs have nothing better to complain about?? If BISD doesn't want to spend the money on charter buses to send the band to an away game, then they should make arrangments for them to have school buses. and what does it matter on how the people in an organization look?? we do what we do because we like it and we want to show off something we worked hard on. and WE'RE NOT FORCED TO CHEER AT THE GAMES. No one is forcing us to be in band, no one is forcing us to pass so we can actually go to the games, it's our choice. we go to every single danged football games for the football players, for the shy-annes, and for the fans and parents from all organizations. take a long minute, and think about what the football games would be like with out a band there. How would each and everyone of you feel if you went to an aggie football game, and the band and yell-leaders weren't there. or whatever college you favor, it'd be pretty boring if you ask me. the band and colorguard work our butts off 11 months out of the year to make a good show for the audience to enjoy. other schools who have state championship bands and other organizations are EXTREMLY prideful in them and will do anything to help them out. when the colorguard won 1st place at the state competition last march, no one in the town really cared. (God bless the people who did care and showed their support by attending our spring show), this news paper wouldn't even put us in the paper... but the next day they put a fight on the front page. say anything about this town? this town focuses on all the negatives. ever notice how on the news when they do class champion it's usually a football, volleyball, or baseball player?? you never see band, colorguard, shy-annes or cheerleaders. we work just as hard if not harder. don't we deserve some recognition. If you still think that the band is undeserving, then you can kiss our butts. We're still gonna perform our awesome show, "Electronica", and we're going to do amazing at UIL these up coming weekends. Colorguard is going to be state champs in the spring, the cheerleaders will do en excellent job when they go to competition, and the shy-annes will do great things once again in the spring. and none of us need the support of sorry people like some of you. Go Vikes!!
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Posted by:
Nothing Special Either On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 6:17 PM
Comment Title: RE:Hate Mail
The shy-annes and cheerleaders are (almost) all pretty girls. The band has some (many) ugly guys in it. Now you know why the hate mail. None of you are special, but don't let that bother you. Ignore the hate mail.
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Posted by:
To: hairepotterfan On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 6:09 PM
Comment Title:
Actually, yes I have been to football games. The cheerleaders and Shy-Annes cheer and rah rah no more enthusiastically than does the average fan. Cheering on cue does not indicate enthusiasm. *** The balance of your rebuttal is nothing but "is too." Doing what is required does not make someone special. There is nothing over and above that these folks do. *** And then maybe they will be able to post a web comment on a newsarticle that actually contributes something valuable. - I see what you did there, very tricky. P.S. Does your computer have a spell checker? Mine indicates newsarticle is actually two words.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 5:59 PM
Comment Title:
Thank you all the people for standing up for the band, shy-annes, and cheerleaders. I know that all the these groups work really hard, it just seems that band always gets the short end of the stick. I do not know of any other organizations getting hate mail. It upsets not only the directors but the students who take pride in their organization. I like riding charter buses but I am fine in the yellow dogs. I just want people to make up their minds on whether they want the band there on time or if they want us to not ride charter buses. People need to appreciate the band and STOP sending us hate mail. Thanks
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 5:24 PM
Comment Title:
Way way back down this thread, someone said that this was a transportation issue that the district needs to address. There have been subsequent comments about micromanaging, the band instrument the Director plays, Shy-Anne involvement, and Buppy's, but no one has seconded or refuted this statement. It seems real simple to me; if the School Board doesn't want to spend money on charter buses but believes that the function of the band, cheerleaders, and drill team are important enough to send them to away games and get them there on time, then the District needs to solve the problem. If they can't, then they need to either discontinue funding trips or allow them to use charters.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:54 PM
Comment Title: BHS Band Looking GREAT!
I just wanted to comment that the Bryan High Band has shown Great support at the last few games. They look AWESOME in their uniforms and I hope that continues. They are doing a wonderful job. Keep up the great work!!!
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Posted by:
hairepotterfan On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:51 PM
Comment Title: comment
Comment on the Quote from anon below: Folks have better things to do than practice to show their "supposed enthusiasm." *** Obviously, you've never been to a game. There is no 'supposed enthusiasm' at our games. Next quote: You act as if the directors of Shy Annes and the band are some type of selfless heros. *** They are. As is every other underpaid and underappreciated teacher in this great State, and indeed the nation. Next quote: The kids want to be part of something so they do what is required. That makes them nothing special.*** see, here is where you are colossally wrong. Yes, they do what is required to be a part of this, but they are very special. Next, albeit unmerited quote: There are academic teams, swim teams, various ball teams with coaches and these people are nothing special either. *** Again, you are wrong, and on many levels. They are all great, coaches and players alike. Teachers and Students alike. Hopefully, our young people of today will grow up to be taxpayers and individual contributers to society themselves so that they too can foot "the babysitting bill for all this. At least we don't have all these kids running around getting into trouble." ** AMEN! And then maybe they will be able to post a web comment on a newsarticle that actually contributes something valuable.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:48 PM
Comment Title: Give your child a hug today!
To:............ these people are nothing special either (you must have terrible issues in your life if you think that none of these people are special. Everyone is special in Gods eyes. Even you with the cinical remarks! Chill out!!!!!!!
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:12 PM
Comment Title:
"I’ve yet to see a “fan”, sponsor or athletic booster come close to showcasing the kind of enthusiasm & support that comes from the Band & Shy-anne section." Well dear god, its a high school football game. Folks have better things to do than practice to show their supposed enthusiasm. You act as if the directors of Shy Annes and the band are some type of selfless heros. They took the job and are doing what it requires. So does the hourly worker on the graveyard shift. The kids want to be part of something so they do what is required. That makes them nothing special. There are academic teams, swim teams, various ball teams with coaches and these people are nothing special either. On a different note, thank god the taxpayer is footing the babysitting bill for all this. At least we don't have all these kids running around getting into trouble.
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Posted by:
Hairepotterfan On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:06 PM
Comment Title: Band Booster
I think the issue here is in the delivery of information via this article. I have to truly wonder how much time the school board actually spent discussing this. I do like that our trustees are doing what they were elected to do, & I thank them for the countless hours they spend in LONG meetings. But was the need for a “Front page” story so great that the editors of this “fine” newspaper had to pick something negative to print, ONCE AGAIN, about the Bryan School District? For all the backbreaking work that Bryan parents, teachers, students & administrators (including our school board) do to showcase the MANY great & wonderful things in BISD, the Eagle sure does make it difficult! Had this been a positive story about BHS, would anyone have even been able to find it, hidden within the bowels of the paper between what ‘the other great schools’ in the area are doing? I think the negative comments here should actually be directed towards the author of this article. Was the concern really enough to even warrant this article, front page no less? Shouldn’t the real concern be that ALL groups are supported equally? For instance, I’m not sure where the “Buppy’s” info came from, but it’s likely from the fact that the football team does indeed get catering from Buppy’s. I don’t know how often, but the most the band benefits from that is a tempting peek & a tantalizing whiff on the way to eat a box lunch. Most clubs at any school, Band included, are allotted travel budgets, which does cover travel on school buses. So anything over that would come from additional funds, though it’s typically a band booster donation. Just like any other school club, the band relies on financial support from local sponsors & many fundraisers that the kids themselves work very hard for. Articles like this are a detriment to our programs because it makes it appear to our great sponsors that the programs are pilfering their funds for unnecessary luxuries, which I can assure you is not the case. I can’t wait to read the actual minutes from the board meeting. In the meantime, I would like to thank all of the REAL supporters for BHS activities, sports & fine arts alike, including our transportation services & I’d also like to throw a kudos out to all the band, color guard & Shy-anne directors for all of the “early” morning practices they set up for & the waiting in the parking lot until 3:00 a.m. or so when all kids have been safely picked up. Thank you for all that you do! Never doubt how much you are appreciated! As a band parent, I have to say that I am extremely proud of my son, & all of the members of the BHS Marching band & all that they do to better themselves as marchers & musicians. From practicing in weather conditions that range from light to dark, hot to cold, & wet to dry; trying to perfect music on the football field that many bands would struggle with sitting down; learning to march backwards at a very fast pace & trying to hit the right spot while depending on the people behind you not to run you over – it takes practice, practice, practice. They start less than a month after school lets out in May. Once school starts in August, there are early morning practices every day, followed by a couple of afternoon practices each week. Like other clubs at BHS, the band works very long hours, rides the school bus on most all of the trips, & performs in all of the football games, as well as many consecutive Saturday competitions. The band parents organize & provide food, uniform care, chaperone duties, & transportation for everyone involved. Something I’m sure the directors would be abhorred with my sharing is a recent “anonymous” letter to the principal complaining how “lax” the band is in “supporting” the football team & how “inconsiderate” it is to arrive late & not be able to even perform the Alma matter. As worthless as an anonymous letter really is, the directors took this into consideration & are trying to find ways to make sure that the band arrives on time so that they CAN show their support. Yes, we all love our teams! I’ve been to BHS football games but I’ve yet to see a “fan”, sponsor or athletic booster come close to showcasing the kind of enthusiasm & support that comes from the Band & Shy-anne section.
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Posted by:
Floyd On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 2:34 PM
Comment Title: To Former BISD
You are correct on every point except the last. It is very definitely not micro-managing for the board to fulfill its oversight responsibilities. If they previously elected to enforce a policy to curb specific types of funding, it is their duty to verify that it is done even by approving in advance specific expenses regardless of amount. Further, I don't think anyone in adminstration would consider this board excessive at micro-managing.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 1:45 PM
Comment Title:
Good on the trustees for reviewing the financial matters of the district as it is one of their primary responsibilities.
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Posted by:
Former BISD On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 11:47 AM
Comment Title: Defending the staff
I. The very dedicated folks in transportation are usually short-handed. It is very difficult to get every child safely home AND still have drivers available for out of town trips. This happens in most school districts. II. I reread the story and it indicated that the discussion came during the Monday workshop, not the regular meeting. The budget is set in advance, but the Board of Trustees goes through every check the district writes. Yes, every check. So, in essence the staff did their job correctly and yes, this is micromanaging.
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Posted by:
Janice Clark On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 6:53 AM
Comment Title:
Monica, I agree.
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Posted by:
TO: Student-Jordan On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 6:06 AM
Comment Title:
Kiddo, commenting that you need to use a reference book to improve your education is not an attack. Slander is oral. Also, it is not alot, rather a lot. Additionally, you have no idea as to my knowledge of the facts as I made no assertions. Again, I see no statement directed against the band's motivation or work ethics. I am sure the band is a fine organization that works hard and performs well.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 5:48 AM
Comment Title:
If you are going to support one group, you must support them all!!! When other teams come to BHS to play, they ALL travel on chartered buses........not just the band!
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Posted by:
Monica Reed On:
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 5:40 AM
Comment Title:
I know for a fact the band put in 10 hours for the exciting Shoemaker out-of-town game, leaving at 4p.m. and returning at 2a.m. (on the yellow school buses that time). And they started their day at 7 a.m. on the practice field followed by a full day of school. These kids and the band directors put alot of effort into representing Bryan and supporting the football team. I wish the community could show the band this same kind of support. Quote from janice clark. ******************* Janice, The Shy-Annes had the same schedule that day except they had to be on the field at 6:30am and didnt return from the game until 2am. Let's show the Shy-Annes the same kind of respect and support!!!!
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 11:21 PM
Comment Title:
Heaven forbid that the district spends more money on its largest student organization. The band does not take charters for the comfortable ride; it’s the only alternative that we have for getting to the game halfway through the first half. Might I remind you that Cy-Falls’ paid us a visit earlier this year in which their band showed up considerably late, if you attended you may have seen them filing in well after kick-off. We won this game. Might I also remind you of when we paid Leander a visit, a game to which the band has been historically late. This year, due to charters, we arrived ideally early to this game. This gave us time to eat, unload the truck, get set in the stands, warm-up, and actually play the alma mater at the time which it was called for. We also won this game. The band should arrive to football games early, when this cannot happen other measures must be taken which get us there early.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 11:10 PM
Comment Title: What's the real news?
In reading this article, the first thing came to mind was that surely this is not the only item the board addressed. The agendas for board meetings are posted on-line (http://fc.bryanisd.org/Board_Meetings/FOV1-0005876D/FOV1-0005876E/S05A963E6) and must be followed. The only entry that could refer to the charter bus expense is on the consent agenda, so it must have been pulled out and discussed separately. That would indicate the board has been diligent in reviewing its documents. It is hardly being lax or micromanaging to question expenditures. It is, in fact, the board’s responsibility. On the other hand, the agenda also lists a public hearing to review the district’s financial rating. Was this not worth mentioning? I would sure like to know what it is. If I am not mistaken, the tax rate for debt service is closely tied to the financial rating. Unlike the $1500 or so difference between the district’s buses and charters, this could mean real money. Please let us know the real news and not waste our time on trivial, but potentially hot-button issues. Finally, having seen the band’s show for the first time at Kyle Field, I have to say the marching and playing were quite well done. It is apparent the kids have been working hard.
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Posted by:
Student-Jordan On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 10:44 PM
Comment Title: Before you personally attack me...
Slander is a very well known word to me thank you. Alot of the comments about this article and the article itself DEFAMES the band organization with FALSE STATEMENTS. That is what it means, so before you go and say i'm wrong, maybe you should go and find out the facts for yourself. On another note, we had Buppy's ONCE, we always eat meals like the Shy-Annes. The football team also has meals like Buppy's all of the time. The Shy-Annes are not mistreated.
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Posted by:
Janice Clark On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 10:41 PM
Comment Title:
One thing to note in the article, it was not “a bus” at $3300 that took the band to that football game. It was 3 charter buses at $3300 total because the band is 130 students strong, plus directors and chaperones. That same group takes 4 school buses when they are available at a cost of $1600. So the difference for that group to travel on charter buses is actually $1700. Not that it's part of the story but Buppy's is not in business to give away meals and it sounds extreme to take your business away from them because they were hired to feed the band not the ShyAnnes. In the 4 years I have traveled with the band we have paid for 1 meal from Buppy's for a football game. We have had more chicken strips and pizza than I care to remember. And averaging all that we were well within our budget for food. Now back to the story, all the student groups that put great effort into Friday Night Football are to be commended. I know for a fact the band put in 10 hours for the exciting Shoemaker out-of-town game, leaving at 4p.m. and returning at 2a.m. (on the yellow school buses that time). And they started their day at 7 a.m. on the practice field followed by a full day of school. These kids and the band directors put alot of effort into representing Bryan and supporting the football team. I wish the community could show the band this same kind of support.
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Posted by:
To: Student-Jordan On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 10:30 PM
Comment Title:
I don't see where anyone attacked the band's motvations or work ethics. Read the comments a bit more carefully. Also, look up the definitions of libel and slander, although neither are applicable here.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 10:18 PM
Comment Title:
I think the article is quite clear and understandable about the $25,000 limit. The article states the 3K+ expenditure was not approved beforehand. This indicates, to me at least, that this expenditure was not included in the band's budget. In most budgets a department is given x dollars and are expected to spend according to the approved amount. This seems to be out of budget. I don't think the trustees are micromanaging, I think they are doing their fiduciary duty. If the item is an exception to the budget, question it. I wonder how many personnel in the district have the authority to spend $25K. I believe this is how the Bremond School District got into financial trouble. Not the band, but too many off budget items by too many people.
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Posted by:
Student-Jordan On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 10:10 PM
Comment Title: The Band Organization Is A Great Thing
The band organization has been mistreated by people who do not understand what the band goes through. First people complain about them "not being spirited and ALWAYS BEING LATE TO GAMES." So when the band directors try to fix that and get there on time, people still try and bring the band organization down. The band works hard everyday to be the best they can be, and unknowledgable people decide to write false things and attempt to defame the band organization. This article is full of slander, and anyone associated with the band program or more importantly the students in band, should not have to listen to people complain about them and things they dont know about. The band works hard to make their show better, make the game better, support the team, and please everyone at the same time, and it is extremely hard to do that if people talk negatively about the band program all the time.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 9:51 PM
Comment Title:
Approval by the Trustees of purchases in excess of $25,000 is standard and may even be state law. An expenditure of $3,000 would not need board approval any other time. I suspect that there's more here than meets the eye. Otherwise, it's like the earlier writer said, the Board is going to micromanage every expenditure.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 9:04 PM
Comment Title: Parent
ALL the children that are involved in the band, football team, Shy-Annes and Cheerleaders work hard to make the grades and the practices. These are 'the' GREAT kids at BHS. They ALL deserve to ride on chartered buses.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 8:46 PM
Comment Title:
My comment is about the people who post on here who do not have a clue as to what the band goes through and has gone through. First of all, the comment from the not so well educated person who said, for the band director to put down his flute and learn how drive a bus, I find very offencive and not neccessary mention as a valid point. By they way niether of them play the flute! The band directors are doing great in the situation they are put in. And you know what... they do it for the kids. They support the kids til the end, they follow through, and they protect. They get criticized for not being at the games on time, that they don't have enough school spirit, blah, blah, blah. So when the band get charter buses to get to the game on time (like "people" want them to), they get criticized for that too. It is a no win situation. You people can not have your cake and eat it too. It is petty to complain about something that the band has no control over, like the transportaion department getting them to the game on time, and also about how to they get their. Everyone needs to cut the band, (and other groups) some slack. And the idea of the band directors driving the bus still doesn't solve the problem. There are only 3 of them and they take 4 buses. It is not like the football team, who has more coaches who can drive the team to the games. The concept of organization directors driving the bus is such a small school mentality. The next time someone wants to make comments about what the band is doing or not doing, really needs to check their facts first.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 8:27 PM
Comment Title: The students should come first.
For many years I have either been a member of a high school's Band Boosters, or followed various high school's bands through their marching seasons. In all that time, the paramount concern was always, "what's best for the students?" If the BISD cannot see fit to provide district drivers to ensure the band, cheerleaders, Shy-Anne's, and the team can arrive at competitions ON TIME then I see no alternative to providing charter transportation. The comment about having the directors drive was correctly rebutted by the observation that there are only three directors and their paramount concern must be oversight of the students, not attempting that while driving--that would be unsafe for the students. Find a solution, School Board. Either hire additional drivers, or build the charter expenses into the budget. All these students, from the team to the band and all the others work equally as hard at perfecting their support of the athletic program, each in their own way. Let's quit squabbling and find a way to support THEM.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 7:13 PM
Comment Title:
The article states Trustees are frustrated the item was not approved beforehand. Seems as though this was not a budget item. Good on the Trustees. However, it seems they have given some people too much authority in spending taxpayers money. Twenty five thousand dollars is a rather large amount to spend without board approval.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 6:57 PM
Comment Title:
Maybe I'm just totally wrong about how school programs like this operate, but wouldn't this expenditure come out of the money that the district budgets for the band? Wouldn't the trustees have approved this budget? Isn't the program able to spend this money in the ways they believe are best for their students? If so, is David Stasny and the rest of the Board of Fools going to micro-manage every program in the district?
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 5:55 PM
Comment Title: To all taxpayers and/or residents
It is amusing that people think they are very knowledgeable on certain subjects, such as the meals provided after every out of town activity the band attends or the actual instrument played by the band director of bryan high. My username speaks for itself.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 5:51 PM
Comment Title:
The problem is not with the band (or any other group), the problem is with BISD Transportation and their inability to accommodate 3:30 departures. While the band got to ride a charter bus to Leander and got there on time, the Shy-Annes barely made it before kickoff, and the cheerleaders and Blue Crew didn't arrive until after kickoff. Football games aren't new to BISD. They're not going away anytime soon either. And unless there are some new cities built much closer to B/CS than our present opponents, travel to these games is going to continue to take a long time. If we're going to travel to these events, then the district needs to do a much better job facilitating it.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 12:24 PM
Comment Title: Parent
The goal for all is to get the band, football players, Shy-Anne’s and cheerleaders to the away games safely and on time. There wouldn't be any games if it weren't for the football team and the organizations that support them. So there shouldn't be any hesitation as how the groups should get to the away games. If our transportation system can’t accommodate everyone, then other transportation means like charter buses should come into play. We want our school to be reflected in a positive way, not by comments like “Bryan High School can’t seem to get the football team, band or any group that participates at the game there on time, because of either leaving late, bus breaking down, etc. Everyone needs to work together to make these issues……………..non-issue. We are all here for the kids!!!!
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Posted by:
Former Viking Band Member On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 11:42 AM
Comment Title: Bryan Viking Band!!
I was in the Bryan Viking Band 20 years ago. We rode in charter buses everywhere, and we always got out of school early to get on the bus for the out of town game or event. We always made it on time, and the issue about us leaving early was never an issue. We knew ahead of time about the event and made sure we got our work done. We were able to keep up our grades and still perform. I think that the safety of the students should come first. They get back really late, and sometimes it's raining or cold, not to mention the heat of August and September. Why on earth would you make your child suffer when they could be on a charter bus comfortable, warm, cool, dry and safe!!! Let's argue about something real.
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Posted by:
Floyd On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 9:50 AM
Comment Title: Wow!
A little misinformation sure goes a long way. Its curious that the feeding frenzy is directed at the group that usually gets the short end of the stick.
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Posted by:
Band Parent On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 9:39 AM
Comment Title:
I'm a band parent. Don't know where the Buppy's thing came in, but I do know after having traveled with the Bryan H.S. Band to many a football game, that they pay for Chick-Fil-A, and/or Chicken Express. I only remember one game that was catered by Buppy's and that was a long time ago. Please remember that the band's budget includes meals for the students, whether it be from their school budget or their booster budget, they have the right to choose who is going to feed the students. The drill team is the same way, they can choose where and how to spend their alotted money. I also agree with the person who said let's stop griping and get behind our kids. Do we want everyone to be on time to the game? If so, then sometimes there needs to be a bit of extra money spent. It is silly for people to gripe about the band not getting to the game on time, but then turn around and gripe about the band having to leave school early or take a charter bus. One more thing. To the person who mentioned about the directors driving. When coaches drive, there are other coaches on the bus to supervise the students. There are three band directors at the high school and they take 5 busses. The math doesn't work there. Do you want the director to drive the bus, or do you want the director to supervise the students on the bus, both can't happen. If you haven't noticed, Bryan H.S. has an excellent band. Their band directors are great! If you haven't seen that, then stop by their band hall and look at all of the trophies and plaques they have earned.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 9:21 AM
Comment Title:
Can't all of us in Bryan get along and do what's best for our kids instead of griping about everything. We griped and fought about softball, football, and now band. Quit and let's get behind our kids.
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Posted by:
Money Bags On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 8:59 AM
Comment Title:
I don't see why the school district cannot pick up the tab for meals and transportation for any student attending out of town games. After all, they are supporting the team.
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Posted by:
Susan Doss On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 8:50 AM
Comment Title:
What makes the band so much more special than the football players, Shy-Annes, or cheerleaders? If the band gets a charter bus then so should the rest of the groups!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Buppy's taking care of the band? Not the Shy-Annes? My daughter was a Shy-Anne 8 years ago..... Buppy's just lost our families business!!!!!
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 8:46 AM
Comment Title: Getting to the game on time
If students need to leave at a time when transportation can't accommodate them, I don't see a problem with chartering a bus. What I wonder though is was this the cheapest charter option and if there was a cheaper option, what is their safety record? $3,300 for safe transport of our students and chaperones to and from an away game isn't that expensive.
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Posted by:
Taxpayer On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 8:33 AM
Comment Title:
I think I'm beginning to see why my school taxes are increasing so rapidly. It is time to take a good look at the BISD Trustees. Apparently they believe the taxpayer is made out of money.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 8:29 AM
Comment Title:
What about Buppy's? It's my understanding that the band eats Buppy's catered meals while the Shy-Annes eat sack lunches.
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Posted by:
Resident and Taxpayer On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 8:07 AM
Comment Title: Easy Solution
If coaches or athletic dept. employees can get certified to drive buses, why can't the band director put down his flute and do the same. If it is so important to be on time, you think he would do everything in his power. On another note, my wife (BISD teacher) is so proud of her yearly rasie between two hundred and four hundred dollars, whew, but spend $3,300 for a bus. PRIORITIES
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Posted by:
Question On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 8:06 AM
Comment Title:
Do the taxpayers pick up the tab for transportation of all kids going to away games? Players, Band, Cheerleaders, Pep Squad, and students?
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 7:40 AM
Comment Title:
So they don't want to pull students out early to make game time. Does this apply to the athletes too? If the band can't leave early, than the athletes shouldn't be allowed to leave early. If there's not enough buses for everyone, then no one should go. The band has as much right to be there as the football players.
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Posted by:
Board approval is not required on purchases less than $25,000. On:
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 7:06 AM
Comment Title:
Well, just how many personnel at BISD can make expenditures of my tax dollars so long as its under $25,000. Could I be the only one against this policy?
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