TRS Hearing
Senate Finance Committee members had harsh words (Feb. 25) for TRS officials over the decision — reversed only five days earlier — to commit to moving its investment division into the Indeed Tower in downtown Austin once the building is finished next year (see TEN March 2).
Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, described the decision to enter into the Indeed Tower lease as a “hell of a mess” that “somebody’s head ought to roll” because of this “dumb decision.” (See this Texas Retired Teachers Association posting for a summary of the hearing.)
Whitmire also announced (Feb. 27) that due to press reports that the TRS may have some ownership in the Indeed Tower, he has asked the state attorney general (RQ-0334-KP) and the state auditor to examine the legality of TRS investments or ownership in real estate, either directly or indirectly.
The House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee will hold a March 9 hearing on the TRS.
Efficiency Audits
The Legislative Budget Board released (Feb. 27) guidelines for implementation of the HB3 mandate for districts to conduct an efficiency audit before seeking voter approval for a tax ratification election. The guidelines include requirements for selecting an auditor and include a mandate that ISDs choose 10 comparable ISDs on which to make comparisons related to financial, academic, accountability and other criteria.
Houston ISD News
FBI and IRS agents spent more than three hours (Feb. 27) at HISD administrative headquarters and were seen carrying out large boxes and a computer during what a FBI statement said was a “court authorized law enforcement matter.” Federal agents were also spotted by reporters at what was believed to be the home of HISD Chief Operating Officer Brian Busby and his wife, HISD Officer of Special Populations Courtney Busby.
In related news, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a brief (Feb. 28) with the Texas Third Court of Appeals seeking to expedite an appellate ruling on the state’s quest to lift a district court judge’s injunction that has kept the education commissioner from enforcing an order to replace the elected HISD school board with an appointed board.
The Houston Federation of Teachers and it's parent (Texas AFT) filed a separate suit (Feb. 25) in federal court to resurrect their claim that the pending school board takeover by the state would unfairly harm minority voting rights. The HFT had originally sought to join in HISD’s suit, but the judge in that case dismissed the federation from the suit, but said it could file a separate suit.
Science Fair Help Sought
School Health News
The state committee that makes recommendations on epinephrine auto-injector polices in schools has openings for registered school nurses and physicians experienced in working in schools or with school-age populations.
Click here for the application (Word document)
Apply by: March 16.