By Bill Zeeble, KERA reporter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-804458.mp3
Dallas, TX – Dallas Superintendent Michael Hinojosa will keep his job following his annual school board evaluation. A majority of trustees say he will fix the district's money problems. But others aren't so sure. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports.
After a three and a half hour back-room session with the Superintendent, Dallas School Board President Jack Lowe said a majority of trustees have confidence in Hinojosa. They made no changes in his contract, which runs through 2012. Lowe believes the deficit will shrink.
Jack Lowe Dallas School Board President: My expectation is we'll see this year close to break even, certainly not $55 million like last year. And next year we'll have a surplus. I expect we'll see again this June education gains. If the budget busts again and education goes backwards, that's a different circumstance. We'll evaluate it then.
Board member Carla Ranger does not share Jack Lowe's confidence in Hinojosa, whom she accuses of gross mismanagement. She also says trustees haven't been tough enough on him.
Ranger: The board isn't taking the responsibility it should. We're in charge of overseeing the district, and the Superintendent reports to us. It's our responsibility to hold him accountable and I've not seen that coming from this board.
Jack Lowe says Hinojosa will update the district's fiscal picture next week and outline new community outreach efforts next month. Bill Zeeble KERA news.