Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Vote Today!
I would just encourage everyone to exercise their civic right today and VOTE! This democracy we live in was founded upon a set of beliefs and virtues, and the willingness to stand up and state those publicly. Today we continue to have a voice in the formation and continual reformation of our country through our election process. Have a great day and don't forget to VOTE!
Friday, October 15, 2010
The First Six Weeks
The first six weeks is in the books! Academy ISD students were very successful this first grading period. It is apparent that they have retained much of the knowledge gained last year and are willing to meet the rigorous challenges of the 2010-2011 academic school year. Our teachers have been very pleased with the attitudes and work ethic of our students. Our coaches and athletes are working extremely hard to represent our schools and District on every field or court of competition. Other extracurricular groups are preparing for another banner year at Academy ISD.
Halloween is around the corner, so please remember to drive safely and look out for all the ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating this year!
Also Early Voting begins on Monday Oct. 18th!! Remember to vote!!!
Halloween is around the corner, so please remember to drive safely and look out for all the ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating this year!
Also Early Voting begins on Monday Oct. 18th!! Remember to vote!!!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
October "Stinger" Article
The following is the "Superintendent's Soapbox" article from the "Stinger":
Superintendent’s Soapbox
Welcome back to Academy ISD for another great year in “Bumblebee Country”! As always, we have extremely high expectations for this school year. I know that our staff, students and parents will work diligently to ensure that this year will be one to remember. From the kindergarten student, anxious about the newness of their world to the senior ready to complete their journey, only to begin another chapter in life, all of our students are excited about 2010-2011. Or staff is elated to have the opportunity to witness the intellectual and social growth of our kiddos. Parents can rest assured that their babies are being taken care of and that their involvement and input is welcome and a vital part of our success.
The combined efforts of students, staff and parents have brought about incredible results over the last several years. Most recently, the Texas Education Agency rated our District as “Recognized” for the 2009-2010 school year. Both the elementary and middle school were rated ‘Recognized” and the high school was rated “Exemplary”. The faculty and staff at these campuses are to be commended for the professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure student success. To put it into perspective, there are 1700 high schools in the State and only 200 were rated “Exemplary”. What an accomplishment! Here at Academy ISD we will continue to strive to provide all of our students the tools they need to be successful and competitive in an ever-changing world.
One of the variables that impact student performance and campus climate is the condition of the school facilities. The design, capabilities, and relevance of the school infrastructure are crucial components of the plans to meet the programmatic needs of the District. As most of you are aware the District recently had a $14.995 million bond fail in May. After the failure of this bond a 30 member community group was formed as a “bond steering committee” to work with the District to determine the needs of the school community and to help guide any future bond projects. The group met, toured the District facilities and prioritized the needs of AISD. As a result of this group, several meetings and an eventual recommendation to the board of trustees, the school board called an election in November for a bond in the amount of $13.425 million. This latest bond dedicates approximately $9.4 million to construction and improvements to the elementary school campus. High school improvements are approximately $3.525 million and the remaining $500,000 would be considered for district-wide improvements. I would like to personally thank the “bond steering committee” for their hard work and dedication to the school children of Academy ISD. Remember to register to vote. Remember to VOTE!!!
As we begin 2010-2011, understand that we can all play a part in making this a great school year. There is much work to be done and much fun to be had. I wish every student and every staff member, the very best and I hope that we are creating memories today that will last a lifetime. Go BEES!!!
Superintendent’s Soapbox
Welcome back to Academy ISD for another great year in “Bumblebee Country”! As always, we have extremely high expectations for this school year. I know that our staff, students and parents will work diligently to ensure that this year will be one to remember. From the kindergarten student, anxious about the newness of their world to the senior ready to complete their journey, only to begin another chapter in life, all of our students are excited about 2010-2011. Or staff is elated to have the opportunity to witness the intellectual and social growth of our kiddos. Parents can rest assured that their babies are being taken care of and that their involvement and input is welcome and a vital part of our success.
The combined efforts of students, staff and parents have brought about incredible results over the last several years. Most recently, the Texas Education Agency rated our District as “Recognized” for the 2009-2010 school year. Both the elementary and middle school were rated ‘Recognized” and the high school was rated “Exemplary”. The faculty and staff at these campuses are to be commended for the professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure student success. To put it into perspective, there are 1700 high schools in the State and only 200 were rated “Exemplary”. What an accomplishment! Here at Academy ISD we will continue to strive to provide all of our students the tools they need to be successful and competitive in an ever-changing world.
One of the variables that impact student performance and campus climate is the condition of the school facilities. The design, capabilities, and relevance of the school infrastructure are crucial components of the plans to meet the programmatic needs of the District. As most of you are aware the District recently had a $14.995 million bond fail in May. After the failure of this bond a 30 member community group was formed as a “bond steering committee” to work with the District to determine the needs of the school community and to help guide any future bond projects. The group met, toured the District facilities and prioritized the needs of AISD. As a result of this group, several meetings and an eventual recommendation to the board of trustees, the school board called an election in November for a bond in the amount of $13.425 million. This latest bond dedicates approximately $9.4 million to construction and improvements to the elementary school campus. High school improvements are approximately $3.525 million and the remaining $500,000 would be considered for district-wide improvements. I would like to personally thank the “bond steering committee” for their hard work and dedication to the school children of Academy ISD. Remember to register to vote. Remember to VOTE!!!
As we begin 2010-2011, understand that we can all play a part in making this a great school year. There is much work to be done and much fun to be had. I wish every student and every staff member, the very best and I hope that we are creating memories today that will last a lifetime. Go BEES!!!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thoughts and Prayers
All of us have trying times in our lives. We struggle raising our kids, we struggle at school and we may struggle financially. All of us face difficulty at some point in our lives. Today as we reflect about our struggles and count our many blessings, let us also direct our thoughts and prayers to others who have been tragically affected in the past few days.
First, in our community we suffered the loss of a husband, father and friend as well as a Bumblebee supporter, in Daniel Gray. I just returned this afternoon from the funeral and would ask all of us to keep his wife and three boys in our prayers.
Second, our neighbors to the west of us in several communities have suffered tremendous losses from flooding. I spent the entire day yesterday helping my sister in Salado with her and her family's recovery effort. Many families in Salado and other communities lost everything they owned. Lets not forget them as we lay our heads down at night.
"BEE PRIDE" means BEE Community!
First, in our community we suffered the loss of a husband, father and friend as well as a Bumblebee supporter, in Daniel Gray. I just returned this afternoon from the funeral and would ask all of us to keep his wife and three boys in our prayers.
Second, our neighbors to the west of us in several communities have suffered tremendous losses from flooding. I spent the entire day yesterday helping my sister in Salado with her and her family's recovery effort. Many families in Salado and other communities lost everything they owned. Lets not forget them as we lay our heads down at night.
"BEE PRIDE" means BEE Community!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Car Line Traffic!
Parents, please be patient with the car line traffic. As most of you are aware, the congestion will decrease in a few weeks. It seems as the days go by parents find the optimum time to drop off and pick up their students. This eleviates much of the traffic and alot of the stress. Remember to drive friendly!
Also--- please help us keep our students safe by minding the school zone speed limits and refraining from cell phone use in the school zones.
Also--- please help us keep our students safe by minding the school zone speed limits and refraining from cell phone use in the school zones.
Great Start To A New Year!!
We had a great start to a new school year here at Academy ISD. We look forward to what this year may bring. I am certain that our students will enjoy a high degree of success both in the classroom and on the fields of competition. Parents, thank you for allowing us to educate your children. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful students here at AISD.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Corrected Press Release- November Bond Election
Early voting is in October, not November as indicated in previous post. The following is the corrected press release:
NEWS RELEASE
ACADEMY ISD
CONTACT: KEVIN SPRINKLES, SUPERINTENDENT
254.982.4304
ksprinkles@academy.k12.tx.us
ACADEMY ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES CALLS NOVEMBER BOND ELECTION
On Nov. 2, voters in Academy school district will decide on a $13.425 million bond for additions and renovations to the elementary school and high school, as well as other district-wide facility improvements.
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call for the bond at their Aug. 18 meeting.
The proposed plan calls for construction of a new intermediate classroom wing at the elementary school campus to house grades 3 – 5. The campus would also receive new core facilities, including a cafetorium, library, administrative offices, nurse’s office, play gym, and computer lab. Parent drop-off and pick-up issues would be addressed as well.
The current 1979 building, which would house pre-kindergarten through second grades, would receive some light renovation. Upon completion, the updated campus could house up to 800 students.
The high school campus, which was built in 1988, is also included in the proposed bond. Bond monies would be used to build 2 new science labs, a new life skills room, 2 Agriculture Science classrooms, a new band hall, renovate the library and ag shop, renovate the existing band hall to create additional classrooms, and install new gym seating.
“District-wide improvements,” including new roofs, HVAC replacement, air conditioning for the Field House, as well as other improvements make up the last part of the bond.
The proposal was recommended to the Board by the Bond Steering Committee, a group of 27 citizens who toured facilities, studied enrollment, and learned about state mandated curriculum requirements.
Dana White, committee co-chair, said, “We have more needs than we can afford to address at this time, so we had to prioritize. The proposal we made to the Board addresses our most critical needs and gives the District room to grow by more than 300 students.”
If tax payers approve the bond, the total tax rate for 2011-2012 will be $1.533 per $100 of valuation, an increase of $0.3590.
Per Bell County Appraisal District, the average homestead in Academy ISD is valued at $129,513. With the passage of the bond, taxes on a homestead of this value would go up $34.26 a month.
According to state law, senior citizens’ homestead taxes are not affected by the passage or failure of this bond.
Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles said it will take about two years to sell the bonds, get design input from teachers, take bids, and build the school.
Early voting begins Oct. 18 and runs through Oct. 29. Election Day is Nov. 2.
###
NEWS RELEASE
ACADEMY ISD
CONTACT: KEVIN SPRINKLES, SUPERINTENDENT
254.982.4304
ksprinkles@academy.k12.tx.us
ACADEMY ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES CALLS NOVEMBER BOND ELECTION
On Nov. 2, voters in Academy school district will decide on a $13.425 million bond for additions and renovations to the elementary school and high school, as well as other district-wide facility improvements.
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call for the bond at their Aug. 18 meeting.
The proposed plan calls for construction of a new intermediate classroom wing at the elementary school campus to house grades 3 – 5. The campus would also receive new core facilities, including a cafetorium, library, administrative offices, nurse’s office, play gym, and computer lab. Parent drop-off and pick-up issues would be addressed as well.
The current 1979 building, which would house pre-kindergarten through second grades, would receive some light renovation. Upon completion, the updated campus could house up to 800 students.
The high school campus, which was built in 1988, is also included in the proposed bond. Bond monies would be used to build 2 new science labs, a new life skills room, 2 Agriculture Science classrooms, a new band hall, renovate the library and ag shop, renovate the existing band hall to create additional classrooms, and install new gym seating.
“District-wide improvements,” including new roofs, HVAC replacement, air conditioning for the Field House, as well as other improvements make up the last part of the bond.
The proposal was recommended to the Board by the Bond Steering Committee, a group of 27 citizens who toured facilities, studied enrollment, and learned about state mandated curriculum requirements.
Dana White, committee co-chair, said, “We have more needs than we can afford to address at this time, so we had to prioritize. The proposal we made to the Board addresses our most critical needs and gives the District room to grow by more than 300 students.”
If tax payers approve the bond, the total tax rate for 2011-2012 will be $1.533 per $100 of valuation, an increase of $0.3590.
Per Bell County Appraisal District, the average homestead in Academy ISD is valued at $129,513. With the passage of the bond, taxes on a homestead of this value would go up $34.26 a month.
According to state law, senior citizens’ homestead taxes are not affected by the passage or failure of this bond.
Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles said it will take about two years to sell the bonds, get design input from teachers, take bids, and build the school.
Early voting begins Oct. 18 and runs through Oct. 29. Election Day is Nov. 2.
###
AISD Board Calls Bond Election For November
NEWS RELEASE
ACADEMY ISD
CONTACT: KEVIN SPRINKLES, SUPERINTENDENT
254.982.4304
ksprinkles@academy.k12.tx.us
ACADEMY ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES CALLS NOVEMBER BOND ELECTION
On Nov. 2, voters in Academy school district will decide on a $13.425 million bond for additions and renovations to the elementary school and high school, as well as other district-wide facility improvements.
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call for the bond at their Aug. 18 meeting.
The proposed plan calls for construction of a new intermediate classroom wing at the elementary school campus to house grades 3 – 5. The campus would also receive new core facilities, including a cafetorium, library, administrative offices, nurse’s office, play gym, and computer lab. Parent drop-off and pick-up issues would be addressed as well.
The current 1979 building, which would house pre-kindergarten through second grades, would receive some light renovation. Upon completion, the updated campus could house up to 800 students.
The high school campus, which was built in 1988, is also included in the proposed bond. Bond monies would be used to build 2 new science labs, a new life skills room, 2 Agriculture Science classrooms, a new band hall, renovate the library and ag shop, renovate the existing band hall to create additional classrooms, and install new gym seating.
“District-wide improvements,” including new roofs, HVAC replacement, air conditioning for the Field House, as well as other improvements make up the last part of the bond.
The proposal was recommended to the Board by the Bond Steering Committee, a group of 27 citizens who toured facilities, studied enrollment, and learned about state mandated curriculum requirements.
Dana White, committee co-chair, said, “We have more needs than we can afford to address at this time, so we had to prioritize. The proposal we made to the Board addresses our most critical needs and gives the District room to grow by more than 300 students.”
If tax payers approve the bond, the total tax rate for 2011-2012 will be $1.533 per $100 of valuation, an increase of $0.3590.
Per Bell County Appraisal District, the average homestead in Academy ISD is valued at $129,513. With the passage of the bond, taxes on a homestead of this value would go up $34.26 a month.
According to state law, senior citizens’ homestead taxes are not affected by the passage or failure of this bond.
Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles said it will take about two years to sell the bonds, get design input from teachers, take bids, and build the school.
Early voting begins Nov. 18 and runs through Nov. 29. Election Day is Nov. 2.
###
ACADEMY ISD
CONTACT: KEVIN SPRINKLES, SUPERINTENDENT
254.982.4304
ksprinkles@academy.k12.tx.us
ACADEMY ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES CALLS NOVEMBER BOND ELECTION
On Nov. 2, voters in Academy school district will decide on a $13.425 million bond for additions and renovations to the elementary school and high school, as well as other district-wide facility improvements.
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call for the bond at their Aug. 18 meeting.
The proposed plan calls for construction of a new intermediate classroom wing at the elementary school campus to house grades 3 – 5. The campus would also receive new core facilities, including a cafetorium, library, administrative offices, nurse’s office, play gym, and computer lab. Parent drop-off and pick-up issues would be addressed as well.
The current 1979 building, which would house pre-kindergarten through second grades, would receive some light renovation. Upon completion, the updated campus could house up to 800 students.
The high school campus, which was built in 1988, is also included in the proposed bond. Bond monies would be used to build 2 new science labs, a new life skills room, 2 Agriculture Science classrooms, a new band hall, renovate the library and ag shop, renovate the existing band hall to create additional classrooms, and install new gym seating.
“District-wide improvements,” including new roofs, HVAC replacement, air conditioning for the Field House, as well as other improvements make up the last part of the bond.
The proposal was recommended to the Board by the Bond Steering Committee, a group of 27 citizens who toured facilities, studied enrollment, and learned about state mandated curriculum requirements.
Dana White, committee co-chair, said, “We have more needs than we can afford to address at this time, so we had to prioritize. The proposal we made to the Board addresses our most critical needs and gives the District room to grow by more than 300 students.”
If tax payers approve the bond, the total tax rate for 2011-2012 will be $1.533 per $100 of valuation, an increase of $0.3590.
Per Bell County Appraisal District, the average homestead in Academy ISD is valued at $129,513. With the passage of the bond, taxes on a homestead of this value would go up $34.26 a month.
According to state law, senior citizens’ homestead taxes are not affected by the passage or failure of this bond.
Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles said it will take about two years to sell the bonds, get design input from teachers, take bids, and build the school.
Early voting begins Nov. 18 and runs through Nov. 29. Election Day is Nov. 2.
###
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Bond Steering Committee Update
The bond steering committee has completed a month's worth of meetings and has formulated a recommendation for the school board regarding proposed renovations and new construction for Academy elementary and high school. This committee work extremely hard to identify needs and formulate solutions to meet these needs. There will be a link on our website to a press release from this group. Thank you to all participants in this process and to all of the constituents who gave their opinions in regards to this matter.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Bond Steering Committee Members
The bond steering committee will have their first meeting tonight. The following is a list of the members of this committee:
Kevin Sprinkles
Joe Craig
Gordon Trainer
Michelle Eaton
Jason Lambert
Teena Smith
Brent Boatwright
Doyle Taylor
Connie Koenig
Krista Jones
Gina Abercrombie
Hal Moore
Cindy Sultenfuss
Tony Jeter
Donald Curlee
Rory Morgan
Jodi Brazeal
Becky Riser
Walt Tomlin
Richard "Smitty" Smith
Ken Baker
Calvin Eshbaugh
Dana White
Leo Bringman
Patrick Tomasek
Brenna Clark
I would just like to say thanks to all who have agreed to be a part of this committee. If you have any comments or concerns please contact one of these members.
Kevin Sprinkles
Joe Craig
Gordon Trainer
Michelle Eaton
Jason Lambert
Teena Smith
Brent Boatwright
Doyle Taylor
Connie Koenig
Krista Jones
Gina Abercrombie
Hal Moore
Cindy Sultenfuss
Tony Jeter
Donald Curlee
Rory Morgan
Jodi Brazeal
Becky Riser
Walt Tomlin
Richard "Smitty" Smith
Ken Baker
Calvin Eshbaugh
Dana White
Leo Bringman
Patrick Tomasek
Brenna Clark
I would just like to say thanks to all who have agreed to be a part of this committee. If you have any comments or concerns please contact one of these members.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Welcome Steering Committee Members
I just wanted to say "welcome to the team" and thank you all of you that have agreed to be a part of this committee. We have a bunch of work to do, but it will be well worth it. I look forward to hearing what all of you have to say regarding our future bond, as well as any other ideas that you may have related to our facilities and their role in the education of our young people. Once again, thanks!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
School Bond Steering Committee
Over the course of the next few weeks we will be developing a community steering committee to help facilitate the planning of any future school bonds or facility improvements. We want to reach out to the school community and constituents in an effort to discover what the public views as the needs of the school as it relates to facilities. This committee will meet several times and will represent a true cross-section of our community and constituents. The result of this committee will eventually be a recommendation to the board of trustees which will drive the direction of any potential bond election. The committee will consist of approximately 25 members and will play a pivotal role in the future of Academy ISD and its facilities. If you are contacted to participate as a member, I hope you will give much consideration to this invitation. If you are not a member please contact me, Mr. Craig or any other member of this committee to express your concerns or comments.
Our school children have needs that must be met. Let's all work together to make it possible!
Our school children have needs that must be met. Let's all work together to make it possible!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Customer Service Survey
I received the results of our AISD Customer Service Survey today. I just want to thank all of you that participated in this survey. We had over 400 participants and received some valuable information. I will be meeting with staff to review the survey and determine how we can take your opinions and remarks and use them to help drive school improvement initiatives. Parental involvement in the schools seemed to be a consistent theme. If you can think of ways we can improve parental involvement let me know.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Academy ISD Bond Issue
One of the first questions I would like to ask all of you is "Why do you think our recent bond issue failed?"; I would also like to know what we could have done differently to communicate the needs of our school children better.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Welcome To My Blog
I would like to welcome all of you to my blog. I am establishing this format in an effort to communicate freely with our District's constituents. I will be updating this blog at least weekly and would welcome any and all comments that you may have. Our District faces many challenges in the near future and I would like for us to have an open and honest dialogue as to how these changes might impact you, your children and or our community. I may ask many questions of you and would appreciate you responses.
Sincerely,
Kevin Sprinkles
Superintendent
Sincerely,
Kevin Sprinkles
Superintendent
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)