By Bill Zeeble, KERA 90.1 Reporter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-471125.mp3
Texas Education Commissioner Installs New Superintendent, Board for Wilmer-Hutchins ISD
Dallas, TX –
Bill Zeeble, KERA 90.1 reporter: For decades, the Wilmer-Hutchins school district's been under the eye of the TEA or state and federal law enforcement officials. A recent superintendent was indicted, twice. The district's been under investigation for financial mismanagement. And 22 teachers stand accused of helping students cheat on tests. When Education Commissioner Shirley Neeley spoke in the Wilmer Hutchins administration building, she said many figured she'd close the district down.
Shirley Neeley, Texas Education Commissioner: That is not possible. And let me tell you why.
Zeeble: Neeley said a district must be academically unacceptable two years running, and that hasn't happened. At least not yet. It's unacceptable this year because Neeley downgraded the district after the TEA's seven-month investigation into alleged cheating.
Neeley: This extensive, exhaustive investigation found inexcusable, illegal, unprofessional, unethical and unacceptable behavior on the part of these 22 individuals.
Zeeble: They now face sanctions, including the possible loss of their teaching license. Meanwhile, Neeley said she heard the message from last Saturday's election - when voters rejected a vital school tax and defeated two board incumbents.
Neeley: The community has lost confidence in the district. This community is ready for a change.
Zeeble: Taking over the district is Eugene Young, assistant superintendent from Lancaster ISD, and previously from DISD. Neeley called him a miracle worker for improving some problem schools. Young said he prayed before accepting the serious fiscal and academic challenges at Wilmer Hutchins, and called on everyone's help.
Eugene Young, incoming superintendent, Wilmer-Hutchins ISD: If you're ready to walk on water, then I ask you to engage yourself in a little water-walking and step out of the boat and out into the storm with me as we try to do what's best for these students.
Zeeble: Working with Young is a five-member board of managers appointed by Neeley for their business, technical, and educational experience. Some live in Hutchins, went to school there, and one has children in the district. Dallas businessman Albert Black, one of two people named by Neeley last November to oversee Wilmer-Hutchins, is among the new board managers. Since November, Black says he's helped improve finances. But after Saturday's election, things are worse.
Albert Black, incoming WHISD board member: There's a model of urgency. It's the fundamental model of urgency that says what do you do when what you must get done is essential, and you lack the resources to do it? You use creativity and community will to get you there. And that's what we'll do.
Zeeble: Black says maybe that means borrowing teachers from other districts to help in class, or sending some students to other schools, temporarily. While he and the others officially take over June 1st, the district actually faces fiscal problems before then. Outgoing Superintendent James Damm believes it'll get over that immediate cash problem.
James Damm, outgoing WHISD superintendent: The change by the Commissioner will give the perception by the banking and business community that will give us additional support in getting that financial backing.
Zeeble: The new appointees will now be the ones responsible for deciding whether Wilmer Hutchins can succeed on its own, or should be dissolved. But they don't yet know how long it'll take to make that decision. For KERA 90.1, I'm Bill Zeeble.
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