Online Annual Reports Build Stakeholder Confidence

In the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District, we have always believed in the importance of accountability and stakeholder confidence. That is why for the second year, we have published a comprehensive online annual report. This report is available for our community to see how well C-FB ISD is doing.


This report covers data from the 2010-2011 school year plus we have provided a mix of information from the current year. Because we want our community to be well-informed, the 2009-2010 annual report is still available as well. We believe that having two years of data will give our community a better understanding how our educational team is meeting our singular goal of "high achievement for all students."

This year's annual report is designed the same as the 2009-2010 report so you can easily compare information. We again focus on our four strategic objectives. The report has six tabs: leadership, achievement, learning environment, operational effectiveness, stakeholder support and current figures. Throughout the report, we have links back to http://www.cfbisd.edu/ so you can see live, current information.

If you are a frequent reader of Focus Points, you have read that we believe that our four objectives are interdependent. That means, that when our team members work on one objective, their efforts can impact one or more of our objectives. For example, as our students see success whether it's in academics, fine arts or athletics, we build stakeholder confidence.

We believe that we've made some improvements to our online annual report. For example, this year, we have added three videos.

In our achievement section, you will see a fine arts video featuring 2011 C-FB ISD graduate Jack Pena as he plays a solo with the Creekview High School orchestra.

In our athletic accolade section, you can see the Newman Smith High School 1,600-meter relay team of Kaila James, Mia James, Adriana De LaRue and Courtney Okolo win the 2011 UIL State Championship.  It is exciting to see these student athletes in action.

Share Your Story Form

Over the last two years, we have asked individuals who have relationships with C-FB ISD to share their stories.  We have included samplings of what our parents, students, and staff  have told us about the C-FB ISD spirit.  We believe that these stories will give those who view the annual report a glimpse into why C-FB ISD is a bright spot in public education.

We hope that you take time to review our 2010-2011 annual report. Here are some facts you will learn about C-FB ISD when you read through the report.

•  90% of our parents were satisfied with their child's campus.
•  55.4% of our students live within the city of Carrollton.
• The graduating class of 2011 received $27,127,621 in college scholarship offers from local donors, colleges, universities and the military.

We invite you to take time to read, review and reflect about the C-FB ISD 2010-2011 online annual report.  You will see that our district is going to great lengths to meet the goal of "high achievement of all students."  After you have learned about the great work that our team is doing to help C-FB ISD students achieve, we know that you will want to join our team.  Please click here to find out how you can become a vested partner.  Or, if you are already involved, please click on the "Share Your Story Form," and let us know how C-FB ISD has made a difference in your family.

What Is C-FB ISD's Financial Picture?

At the February School Board Work-Study Session on Resource Allocation, Mr. Mark Hyatt, associate superintendent for support services, reiterated to our Board members and those in attendance that because C-FB ISD has been planning and making reductions over several years, the district is in a better position to weather this school financial storm than many other districts for the upcoming school year.

If you recall from previous Focus Points, I have mentioned that our School Board and educational team have taken very seriously our strategic objective to "continuously increase operational effectiveness."  And, because we have been operationally effective and efficient, the district has maintained a strong reserve (general fund balance). 

As you look at the district's Fund Balance history and projection in the chart, you will see that the district is financial stable.  And even with a significant loss in 2012-2013, C-FB ISD can maintain well over the recommended 60 to 90 days of operational costs in reserves.  However, there are future concerns if the district drops below the recommended days in fund balance. 

We continue to streamline our operations and believe in this quote from District Leadership That Works by Robert Marzano and Timothy Waters:

"High performing districts ensure that the necessary resources, including time, money, personnel and materials are allocated to accomplish the District's goals. This can mean cutting back on or dropping initiatives that are not aligned with district goals for achievement and instruction."

As we presented the 2012-2013 proposed budget to the School Board, Mr. Hyatt explained that due to changes in state funding formulas as well as the expiration of federal stimulus funding, the district will have over $8 million less in available resources.

As we looked to the next year, the preliminary estimates are based on the following:

• No major reductions in staffing.  We will continue to reduce our staffing through regular attrition as our team members resign and retire.
• Limited reductions in district signature programs.  Programmatic changes are based on instructional needs because of our singular goal: "high achievement for all students." We are allocating our resources - time, money, personnel and materials where they can have the greatest benefit.
• Utilization of funds from the district's General Fund Balance and other reserves.

Although the current proposed 2012-2013 budget does show an approximate $11.9 million deficit, the staff  is using a system-based approach to analyze district programs, operations and services. The School Board, the district's governing body, developed three guiding objectives to prioritize the district's resource allocations and determine budget reductions. And, we are still seeking ways to reduce that deficit as we did in this current budget cycle.  Note:  The adopted 2011-2012 budget began with a $9.7 million deficit; the district is now estimating less than a $3.6 million deficit.

The Three Guiding Objectives

• Minimize the impact on student academic achievement
• Minimize the impact on non-academic special services and programs for all students, i.e., extra-curricular and co-curricular programming
• Minimize the impact on the ability to retain and attract quality staff

In the budget reduction process, the district leadership, campus leaders and the District Improvement Council took the three guiding objectives provided by the School Board and reviewed various programs, operations and services.  In the chart are examples of reductions for 2012-2013.  As with any budget, we will continue to review what additional reductions are viable.

In C-FB ISD, we believe in one goal: "high achievement for all students."  We also believe in re-engineering and restructuring our schools and programs so that we maximize our time, money, personnel and materials to benefit our students.  But, we need the community's support.  We invite you to join with us and be a vested partner in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District.  We also encourage you to share with us your thoughts about the district through Share Your Story or at cfbinfo@cfbisd.edu.

Providing a Safe Learning Environment

In the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District, we have one goal: high achievement for all students.  To meet that goal, we have four strategic objectives that are extremely interdependent.

The learning environment is a crucial piece to the puzzle when it comes to student success. We are proud of the work we are doing to promote positive student character traits, decrease out-of-school suspensions and increase attendance among our students.  This year, our team also implemented a newly formatted Student Code of Conduct, which we hope is easier to understand for our parents and students.

In the 2011 C-FB ISD parent survey, 92.6 percent of the parents responding said that their child's school provided a safe environment. We believe that for high achievement to take place, our schools must be safe and learning-focused. We are pleased that our parents have such a strong perception about our schools, but I believe we have received those high marks because we as a school community have been proactive in providing a safe, positive learning environment.

Since the early 1990’s, C-FB ISD has had a committee whose mission is to look continuously for practical ways to improve campus and district safety. The committee still today operates seeking out research, guidance from law enforcement and input parents and community members.  All of us know, there is no single simple solution for school safety.  However, what we do know is that we must work together to provide the best possible learning environment for our students and educational team.  And, that will always be a priority for the C-FB ISD community.

In a recent presentation to the C-FB ISD PTA Council, Wade Lillie, director of the Security and Operations Services Department, highlighted how the district prepares for emergencies.  The key word is "planning." 

Every year, our campuses and other district facilties develop an "emergency response plan" in conjunction with the District's Crisis Management and Emergency Response Plan. We provide copies of these plans to each police and fire department, and other emergency response agencies to provide detailed and up-to-date information for a faster and more efficient response.

These plans include how the school or building will handle all types of issues.  Each district facility (not just schools) are expected to conduct drills annually.  These range from evacuation drills, i..e, fire drills to shelter in place, i.e., bad weather in the area. 

Since January 2009, C-FB ISD has used V-Soft by Raptor Technologies to register and monitor visitors, contractors and volunteers who come to the school. When visitors, volunteers or contractors check-in, they are asked to present a valid state or government issued photo ID for entering into the system.

Thanks to the 2003 bond referendum program, the district added some additional security measures to district campuses.  These basic tools include electronic door locks. We also have secured or monitored entrances.  Other additional tools include closed-circuit TV systems for security and discipline monitoring, burglar alarms to prevent and report unauthorized access, and automatic fire alarms that detect heat and smoke in case of fire.

The district has also introduced a tool to our middle and high schools called  AnComm's "Talk About It."  "Talk About It" is an anonymous messaging communication service that gives students an opportunity to "talk" to certain faculty members. As soon as a student submits a text message, then the appropriate administrator receives the message and resolve the issue as it arises.  We believe it is important to be proactive and respond to situations in a timely manner.

In C-FB ISD, we have close working relationships with local police departments, including on-campus School Resource Officers (SROs) who work closely with our district security and operations team as well as our administrative team.

We value the tools that we have at our disposal to keep our buildings safe as well as the training that has been provided, but what is most important is the "safety team."  That safety team includes everyone: our students, teachers, principals, all C-FB ISD staff, and the entire C-FB ISD community.  We are responsible for the safe and positive schools in our district.  A  positive, caring learning environment will help us with our goal of high achievement for all students.

To visit the PowerPoint Presentation shown at the PTA Council Meeting, see below:
LilliePTA Presentation 2012

Mathematicians at Work: A Look Inside C-FB ISD

The student achievement presentation at the February School Board meeting delved into how the C-FB ISD mathematics program works.  Math coordinators Pam Smith (pre-kindergarten-grade 8) and Tanya Garvey (grades 9-12) shared the district's vision for mathematical teaching and learning.

The positive news about the district's math program is that we have seen tremendous gains in math scores on the state-mandated TAKS over an eight-year period.

The team effort of our teachers, principals, math coaches, instructional specialists and coordinators has moved the math achievement of our students forward. They have transformed our math classrooms into ones where students are engaged learners of math.

C-FB ISD math classrooms may not be the same type of classrooms that you experienced as a student. They certainly aren't the ones I remember. In the past, when you visited a math classroom you might have seen the teacher standing in front of the class explaining a math concept. Once the teacher finished, the students quietly worked independently on problems relating to the concept.

Today's classrooms are much different.  In fact, Ms. Smith and Ms. Garvey, along with our principals, math coaches and specialists and teachers, have been studying Classroom Discussions (elementary) and Promoting Discourse (secondary) to develop learning communities in our math program. Through these studies, we are learning that quiet classrooms where students are working independently, and teachers are the sole talker/questioner are not always the best learning situations.

We have found that as students explain math concepts or work together collaboratively, teachers can determine their level of understanding. We also know that by talking about "how you solved the problem," will help you remember the process.  Because every student is ultimately responsible for his own learning, utilizing "talk" in math classrooms supports a student's individual learning more effectively. In today's classroom, talking in math class is positive. Not only we are finding that talking through math concepts is helping students with math, but we also learning these skills are helping with language and character development too.  When time is so valuable, our teachers are using every minute they have to help our students learn at high rates.

In C-FB ISD, our bottom line is high achievement for all students.  By our having students more directly involved in their learning, we are seeing significant achievement gains.  We want more students taking higher level math courses.  And, the development of positive attitudes toward math begins as early as pre-kindergarten as our teachers use quality math activities and communication tools in their classrooms.

We are developing mathematicians in our math classes in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District.  After all, we believe in high achievement for all students in all subjects!

Fun Photos About Math:
Zero the Hero Visits McKamy for 100th Day of School
2010 District Math Competition
Davis Elementary Uses iPads

To watch the February 2, 2012 Student Achievement Presentation, click here: District Vimeo Channel Math Presentation 2-2-2012

It’s just around the corner:Greatest Gently Used Book Sale – anywhere!

Gently Used Book Sale Benefits
C-FB ISD Students & Teachers

Now entering its second decade of operation, the Gently Used Book Sale, coordinated by the C-FB ISD PTA Council, is scheduled for the end of this month: February 23-26.  This is a great community event that promotes the importance of literacy, but  it also provides all types of books and media at great prices.

For all the thousands of annual book sale supporters, please note that the sale has moved to a new location. However, you can still find the sale by looking for the giant "Book Sale" banner.

Mills Pointe Shopping Center

2810 E. Trinity Mills Road, Suite 117

Carrollton, TX 75006

map

Although the sale is at a new location, the sale will still be organized. Our volunteers still take their work seriously, and when you come to our Gently Used Book Sale, you will find the merchandise organized by category and even author. The committee and the volunteers will have set up a sale that looks and feels like a book store.

Donations

The PTA needs your support now. The C-FB ISD campuses are drop off points, and the individual PTA units can earn funding for their participation in book drives. There are more details on the book sale site.

Items needed are:

• Children’s books (fiction, non-fiction), including hardback and paperback
• Adult books (fiction, non-fiction), including hardback and paperback
• Cookbooks
• Coffee table books
• Current reference books
• Original Videotapes
• Original CDs & DVDs
• Audio Books

You may also drop donations off at the site during these times:

Sundays: 1-5 p.m. 

Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-1p.m. and 7 -9 p.m.

Thursdays: 9am-1 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Gently Used Book Sale is the successful project because of the outstanding volunteers.  The volunteers do a marvelous job of sorting and arranging all the donations for the sale. If you are a book lover and enjoy organizing, the PTA invites you to join the volunteer group. The volunteers will be sorting and organizing on the days listed above.

You can stop by the book sale location on any of these days to sign up or you can also sign up by emailing the Volunteer Chairman at Volunteers@GentlyUsedBookSale.org.

Sale Date/Hours

We hope that you will join us at the sale.  Here are the dates, times and prices.
February 23: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
$2.00 Hardback, $1.00 Paperback
February 24: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
$2.00 Hardback, $1.00 Paperback
February 25: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
$1.00 Hardback, $0.50 Paperback
February 26: Noon-6 p.m.
$1.00 Hardback, $0.50 Paperback
$12 Box of Books

To keep up with the sale, visit Gently Used Book Sale website.  At the sale's website, you can also sign up for the committee's mailing list.  The sale's e-newsletter will give you detailed information straight to your email box.

Remember, if you have any book sale items, please donate them to the Gently Used Book Sale.  They will benefit projects for the students and teachers of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District.  And, if you love books, donate your time to help the PTA Council organize an outstanding community event. And, finally mark your calendar for February 23 - 26 because you will want come see the best organized Gently Used Book Sale and make some great purchases.

We in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District thank the C-FB ISD PTA Council and the Book Sale volunteers for supporting the students, teachers and staff.  The profits from the Gently Used Book Sale will benefit your school district that has goal of high achievement of all students. 

For more information about the C-FB ISD PTA Council: Council website