Glenn Garcia

The event is at 6pm Monday in the stands at the football field.

Trustee Cosme Roman offered the idea to trustees as a way to thank Garcia for his many years ...]]> MARFA – Glenn Garcia will be honored Monday when the Marfa school board dedicates the Martin Field press box in his honor.

Glenn Garcia

The event is at 6pm Monday in the stands at the football field.

Trustee Cosme Roman offered the idea to trustees as a way to thank Garcia for his many years of service to the school.

A Marfa National Bank executive, Garcia is a Marfa native, MHS graduate, a former member and president of the school board, and for many yeas was the ‘voice of the Shorthorns’ at football games.

About $225,000 was raised for the association and for 66 4H and FFA students from Jeff Davis, Brewster and Presidio counties.

Final figures are ...]]> Presidio ISD siblings’ lambs are high money winners

FAR WEST TEXAS – One of the most successful sales in a decade highlighted the 69th annual Big Bend Livestock Show this past weekend in Alpine.

About $225,000 was raised for the association and for 66 4H and FFA students from Jeff Davis, Brewster and Presidio counties.

Final figures are continuing to change as support for the event has exceeded all expectations.

Bailey Walker and her grand champion pig. (photo by and courtesy of Janie Walker.)

The show, which for the first time in at least four decades included Presidio County to make the event a true Big Bend show, began Friday with the exhibition of lambs and goats.

More than 100 students from Alpine, Marathon, Fort Davis, Marfa and Presidio exhibited both days.

Kersten Criddle, an Alpine senior, won the lamb show with Garrett Watley of Alpine exhibiting the reserve champion.

In the goat show, Criddle came back for her second championship of the day, with Macy Molsbee of Alpine showing the reserve champion.

On Saturday, Presidio County’s first championship of the new era came when Bailey Walker of Marfa showed the grand champion pig.

Evan Moore of Alpine showed the reserve grand.

Presidio ISD students, from left, Alexas Baeza, Marina Sanchez, and Sesar Baeza at the stock show. The Baeza siblings' lambs sold for $6,000 each, both high money winners.

Mae McIvor of Fort Davis showed the grand champion steer while Fort Davis senior Tanner Whitesell exhibited the reserve grand.

Showmanship buckles were presented to Colee Charlseworth of Marathon and Criddle in the lamb show, the first for junior showmanship and the latter for senior showmen.

In the goat show, Faith Boultinghouse of Fort Davis won the junior buckle and Courtney Stephens of Fort Davis the senior buckle.

In the pig show, Emily Merrill of Fort Davis won junior showmanship and Moore got the buckle for senior showmen.

The steer showmanship was all Fort Davis and all McIvor with Mae McIvor taking the junior buckle and LockeAnn McIvor the senior show buckle.

At Saturday’s sale at the Alpine Civic Center, four seniors were honored for their years in the association – Criddle and Jacy Puckett of Alpine and Whitesell and Geronimo Salcido of Fort Davis.

The association also honored two longtime volunteers as the newest members of the Big Bend Hall of Honor, which recognizes years of service and support to the BBLSA.

Tim and Rexann Leary of Marathon and Fort Davis were the special honorees for the 69th Show.

In addition to the livestock show, 48 students made projects and exhibited in the Big Bend Foods Show, which was put on at the same time as the livestock show.

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The gift, to be matched through Sul Ross foundations, will offer scholarship opportunities for graduating Marfa High School seniors who have completed their first year of college through the dual credit program ...]]> MARFA – A $10,000 gift from Judd Foundation will provide Marfa ISD juniors and seniors with post-high school scholarships to Sul Ross State University.

The gift, to be matched through Sul Ross foundations, will offer scholarship opportunities for graduating Marfa High School seniors who have completed their first year of college through the dual credit program at Sul Ross.

“The Marfa ISD-Sul Ross partnership will give Marfa ISD students the opportunity to take 24 credit hours over the course of their 11th and 12th grade years.,” said Marfa ISD Superintendent Andy Peters. “The high school students will graduate from high school and be ready to enter their second year of college. Students who successfully complete these 24 hours will be eligible to apply for these Judd scholarships, which will provide funding for students to attend the next year of college.

“We are elated at the receipt of this generous gift from Judd Foundation because it enables Marfa ISD to complete the transition from a dual-credit arrangement to a full-fledged Early College program,” Peters added.

Rainer Judd and Flavin Judd, the daughter and son of the artist Donald Judd, were recently named co-presidents of the foundation effective January 2013. Both attended Marfa public school.

Donald Judd, who founded the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, died in 1994.

Judd Foundation was created in 1996 to preserve Donald Judd’s permanently installed living and working spaces and to promote a wider understanding of and appreciation for Judd’s artistic legacy, announces the appointment of

Dr. Quint Thurman, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, said the gift and match would help solidify the Sul Ross -Marfa ISD partnership.

“Not only will Marfa ISD students earn college credits at Sul Ross while still attending high school, but scholarship opportunities will be in place to pay for the second year of study,” said Thurman. “Sul Ross will gain students who have been introduced to the university experience and will have a vested interest in continuing toward a degree.”

The Early College program offers several major benefits, Peters said, including cost and time savings.

“These first two years of college are worth a minimum of $22,000,” he said. “The Marfa Early College program covers these costs through reduced fees for tuition, state funding, and gifts such as the one announced this week by the Judd Foundation. By taking 24 hours of college at high school, students will graduate from college one year earlier.”

The Early College program also encourages students who traditionally don’t attend college to “test the waters” while they are still in school. In addition, Peters said studies have shown that high school students who complete at least one college course while in high school are more likely to complete their college degrees than students who don’t.

Peters noted that 74 percent of the student in Marfa are economically disadvantaged. Sul Ross provides the college courses at a reduced to rate to the high school students. Students take courses online, through distance learning and plans are in place for a teacher onsite at Marfa High School to provide the college course in a traditional setting.

Presently, about 20 percent of the Marfa High School juniors and seniors are enrolled in college classes. According to school counselor Karla Moerbe, the goal for next year is to enroll 50 percent of the students in at least one college course.

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

MARFA – The search for a new superintendent at Marfa ISD is underway. School board members held a special meeting last Thursday to update and listen to the public on the search for a new superintendent.

Superintendent Teloa Swinnea is retiring this summer after more ...]]> Teachers tell trustees they want Hicks as superintendent

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

MARFA – The search for a new superintendent at Marfa ISD is underway. School board members held a special meeting last Thursday to update and listen to the public on the search for a new superintendent.

Superintendent Teloa Swinnea is retiring this summer after more than 25 years as a public educator, the past six as Marfa’s superintendent.

According to school board member Katie Price Fowlkes, who heads the board’s search committee, the school had received 14 applications for the superintendent position as of last Thursday. According to school officials, the names of the applicants are excepted from public information, citing school district and state policy. Only names of the finalists can be released to the public.

In attendance at the meeting were a dozen Marfa ISD faculty and staff and a handful of citizens.

The word from school district faculty and staff: a resounding wave of support for former Marfa Junior/Senior High School Principal Graydon Hicks III, currently Fort Davis High School principal.

“I’m here because I’m interested in being on the superintendent search,” teacher Frank “Buddy” Knight said. “I hope you consider him,” Knight said of Hicks.

“You should strongly consider someone who lives 20 miles down the road,” new Marfa High School Principal Cynthia Wimberly said. “He knows everything there is to know. The learning curve is small, he can take it and run.”

Athletic Director and Coach Jeff Jones seconded his peer’s statements. “It’d be a wise move. He knows this school in and out. He knows the budget, he knows about the (academically unacceptable rating). He’d make a great superintendent,” Jones said, adding that school board members should consider waiving the Marfa residency from the superintendent’s contract and allow Hicks to continue living in Fort Davis with his family.

“If Mr. Hicks is applying then you know what you’re getting right there. He’d be excellent. He knows what’s going on in this school. It’s not like he’d use us as a stepping stone,” longtime teacher and coach Richard Hibbitts said.

“If Mr. Hicks is willing to rejoin our family, it would be a benefit to have him back because he’s a great leader,” high school teacher Pam Watley said.

“If Mr. Hicks is interested, he knows everybody, he gets along, he puts out fires. I think he’d be a great asset,” resident Jane Walker added.

Marfa technology director Twyla Perry added to the outpour of support. “Mr. Hicks should be considered if he wants this position. He’s family. He knows all of us. I certainly enjoyed working with him. He’s been a tremendous asset to Marfa. It would be prudent for you all to consider him.”

Contacted this week in Fort Davis, Hicks said he was very flattered by the support of school district staff.

“To know that that many people are in support of me, it makes me feel really good. I know the position is open and I know applications are open,” Hicks said without confirming or denying whether he had applied.

“I love Marfa. I had a great experience. I love the kids, parents, the board, everything was positive for me in Marfa.

Hicks, who left his post as the Marfa junior and high school principal in the middle of the school year, said he did so to be closer to his family.

“I left because the position opened (in Fort Davis) and I wanted to be with my daughter,” said Hicks, whose daughter is a Fort Davis 5^th grader.

“I get to be home with my wife and daughter. It was positive, but Marfa is great. I love Marfa. It makes me feel good to know I have that support. I appreciate it.”

Asked whether his departure from MISD prior to statewide benchmark testing ran afoul to continuity and being a team player, Hicks responded:

“There’s no question that there’s always going to be perceptions that I can’t really address. I can tell you only the motivations that I have. I feel like they’re pure motivations which are in the best interest of kids and my family. I’m not moving from this area, this is my home. I commuted to Presidio for three years, I’m committed.”

Comparing himself to non-area educators, Hicks said that they are ‘short-timers.’ “I don’t have those motivations. I’m not interested in being a short-timer.”

Back at the meeting, the public was informed that the superintendent position has been posted on online job sites across the state. Fowlkes said at the meeting that school board members hope to have the position filled by August 6, if not before.

Marfa parent Jennifer Lane Hollander asked Fowlkes if a search committee would be formed.

“That depends on the number of applications and the kind of parameters,” she said.

“Are you going to consider non-traditional candidates,” Hollander asked.

“What is non-traditional to you,” board member Cosme Roman asked of Hollander, who responded by suggesting individuals with a private or charter school background or someone fit to deal with special problems in education. Hollander also suggested considering instructional leaders as a result of the school district’s academically unacceptable state ratings.

“We need a paradigm shift,” she said. “The AU rating speaks to that.”

Hollander suggested considering a “non-traditional candidate to look at budget constraints.” She added that it might “serve us well to consider someone with a fresh perspective.”

“At this point we’ll consider anyone. I’m certainly open. I think everyone is open,” Fowlkes responded.

Knight reiterated that he would like to see a candidate that would stay at Marfa ISD for the long haul.

Marfa junior and high school counselor, Karla Moerbe, wife of new school board member Zach Moerbe, questioned the August 6 deadline, concerned about deadlines the school district must meet before the new school year begins.

Fowlkes assured her that nothing is set in stone. “I think we’ll be okay. Certainly you all are competent.”

Mrs. Moerbe also raised concerns about the school’s academically unacceptable rating and adequate yearly progress (AYP) ratings with the federal government, saying that under a Graydon Hicks administration, it would, “take the edge off of everybody,” in meeting higher ratings to avoid being supervised by the state or federal government.

Wimberly explained that if the district were not to meet the AYP two years in a row, the district would undergo an improvement stage under government supervision, costing the already poor school district more funds. Marfa ISD did not meet AYP last year and the new rating is around the corner.

“That’s why it’s so important to have someone who really knows what’s going on,” Wimberly said. Referring to the district’s ratings, she added, “We are a public school. We are public servants. We’re going to change it, I’m going to change it, all the teachers are going to change it, and Mr. Hicks would change it.”

Jones added that teacher morale needs to be taken into consideration by the board. “We really need to be has happy as we can be.”

“The big casualty of high accountability is the professional self esteem of teachers,” Wimberly said. “When Austin says our kids aren’t cutting it, it really upsets me. (Marfa) is just this great, great school and they’re telling us we’re not and it’s just not true.”

Board president Robert Halpern responded, “It’s a sad day in Texas when we can’t look to Austin for help.”

“They’re you’re adversary,” Hollander said.

“They are,” Wimberly replied.

Marfa ISD CFO Vicki Sanchez echoed teachers’ sentiments that hiring Hicks would be a step in the right direction.

“I guarantee you, I’ve worked with Hicks before. He is on top of it. We’ve had meetings (in the past) where I’ve been impressed. I do believe he’s deserving of the opportunity.

Asked again about forming a search committee, Price Fowlkes told the audience that, after listening to remarks, the stakeholders should start immediately.

A stakeholder’s meeting was set for Tuesday, June 12 at 6pm in the Carl P. Robinson Cafeteria. The public is encouraged to attend.

School board members will meet in special session at 6pm Thursday, May 31 to seek the public’s input. Trustees will meet in the central office boardroom, 401 N. Gonzales Street, the white house/building across the street from the high school.

Trustee Katie Price ...]]> MARFA – What do you want in a new Marfa Independent School District superintendent?

School board members will meet in special session at 6pm Thursday, May 31 to seek the public’s input. Trustees will meet in the central office boardroom, 401 N. Gonzales Street, the white house/building across the street from the high school.

Trustee Katie Price Fowlkes is chairing a stakeholders committee to assist the board in the search.

Superintendent Teloa Swinnea is retiring after more than 25 years as a Texas public schools educator.

Please attend this meeting, and help the Marfa school board hire the next superintendent.

You may also email your suggestions and thoughts to: ‪supersearch@marfaisd.com

Marfa High School student athlete senior Jarett Lujan, center, signs a letter of intent to run track at Angelo State University in San Angelo in the fall, where he will major in biology and pre-medicine. His parents are, from left, Johnny and Tina Lujan. The signing took place Monday afternoon at Gregg ...]]>

Marfa High School student athlete senior Jarett Lujan, center, signs a letter of intent to run track at Angelo State University in San Angelo in the fall, where he will major in biology and pre-medicine. His parents are, from left, Johnny and Tina Lujan. The signing took place Monday afternoon at Gregg Auditorium in front of Jarett’s classmates, who applauded loudly. “I’m very proud and excited to make this announcement,” Marfa ISD Athletic Director Jeff Jones said. “Jarett will become part of one of the top NCAA Division II track programs in the nation.” Lujan was a finalist at the 2011 state track meet. (photo by ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN)

At a special Fort Davis ISD board of trustees meeting Wednesday afternoon, school board members voted 6-0 to offer Hicks the job, Superintendent Judy Whitis said. Hicks begins his new duties ...]]> FORT DAVIS, MARFA – Graydon Hicks III, the Marfa Junior/Senior High School principal the past five years, is the new Fort Davis ISD secondary principal.

At a special Fort Davis ISD board of trustees meeting Wednesday afternoon, school board members voted 6-0 to offer Hicks the job, Superintendent Judy Whitis said. Hicks begins his new duties Monday.

“We are very pleased,” Whitis said. “He brings academic leadership strength, consistency, and his knowledge of working in a small community and a small school district.”

Hicks grew up in Fort Davis and attended school there. After graduating from Fort Davis High School, he earned an appointment to West Point Military Academy where he obtained a collegiate degree. He later returned to the area and taught at Presidio and Fort Davis public schools before taking the Marfa principal’s position.

Marfa ISD Superintendent Teloa Swinnea said Wednesday it is with “regret” that she’ll accept Hicks’ resignation, but supports his move to his hometown and alma mater.

A plan is in place to move forward while a new Marfa junior/senior principal is sought, she added.

Whitis said the district received 23 applicants for the job, which a selection committee narrowed to five candidates to interview.

The other local educator considered was Steve Merrill, a longtime Fort Davis educator who served as interim principal since last fall when the former principal resigned.

He will return to his job as federal programs administrator, Whitis said.

Like Hicks, Whitis is new to Fort Davis ISD administration. She was hired in January.

As for her new principal, “He’s every thing we were looking for, a team player, with a strong discipline factor, a solid work ethic, and integrity,” she said of Hicks.

MARFA – Students passing at Marfa Junior Senior High School improved from 93.7 percent at this time last year to the current passing rate of 95.5 percent.

“I had a failure list of two and half pages last year but it’s much better now,” MJSHS Princial Graydon Hicks III said during Monday’s school board ...]]> By MARK GLOVER

MARFA – Students passing at Marfa Junior Senior High School improved from 93.7 percent at this time last year to the current passing rate of 95.5 percent.

“I had a failure list of two and half pages last year but it’s much better now,” MJSHS Princial Graydon Hicks III said during Monday’s school board meeting. “Even with the new benchmark exams being part of their grades the kids are doing better. I think it’s because of the increased vigor.”

Enrollment is slightly down at MJSHS from 152 to 147 currently.

At Marfa elementary, Principal Liana Sawyer advises that their passing rate is 97 percent, about the same as last year.

Enrollment is currently 217 at the elementary school. Tardies are down from 289 last year to 251 this year.

“We’ve campaigned hard to get the tardies down and I think it’s working,” Sawyer said. Fewer tarried mean more money from the state.

To help combat the academically unacceptable rating, after-school mandatory tutorials are in effect at both campuses for failing students. For sixth-graders, a new two-week class has been introduced, Test Taking Strategy 101.

“Its common sense test-taking strategies,” Sawyer said. “We want to give them a shot-in-the-arm so they can be successful on the STAAR Tests. But test-taking is also a life skill.”

Later this year, the mandatory state testing process known as TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) will be replaced by the latest state testing known as STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness). This year will have both STAAR and TAKS requirements.  TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) however, the official standard of curriculum in public schools, will still be in effect.

Along with campus reports on academics and enrollment, the board also discussed a possible MISD board member retreat and attending the Texas Association of School Board’s summer leadership institute conference in San Antonio in June.

It’s been several years since the Marfa school board had a local retreat, something board president Robert Halpern wants to resurrect. Not going to San Antonio would save the district money, but board vice president Katherine Shaughnessy Michael pointed out TASB is waiving the registration fee this year. The district, or school board members, would still have to foot the bill for travel, meals, and accommodations.

“I’m not sure we should stay in our bubble and miss what’s going on with other school districts in the state,” said MISD Superintendent, Teloa Swinnea.

Also at Monday night’s meeting, under gold and purple stars made by the pre-K class, board members were honored by students and faculty for their service to the community. January is school board recognition month. The board was showered with little gifts made by students and with small presentations Monday night.

“We appreciate all the long and hard hours you’ll have put in,” said Coach Richards Hibbitts.

MARFA – It was celebration time at the Marfa Independent School District board of trustees meeting Monday night.

The cause for celebration was the Marfa Junior/Senior High School band, the Lady Shorthorn volleyball team, and the varsity cross country team, many of whom were in attendance.

Despite being without a band director, who quit as ...]]> By DUNCAN STEWART

MARFA – It was celebration time at the Marfa Independent School District board of trustees meeting Monday night.

The cause for celebration was the Marfa Junior/Senior High School band, the Lady Shorthorn volleyball team, and the varsity cross country team, many of whom were in attendance.

Despite being without a band director, who quit as the new school year began, student musicians, with the help of a substitute band director and others, performed with discipline and heart at marching contest in El Paso. Student musicians also performed at the final two home football games.

“I cannot say enough about the band, and those who contributed from the community. Thank you,” said Superintendent Teloa Swinnea, enthusiastically addressing the band members and board.

The Shorthorn cross country team, which finished in second place at district, qualifying them for the regional meet, were also applauded. Athletic Director Jeff Jones gave special praise to team members Jarett Lujan, Daniel Martinez, Robert Morales, Orlando Sanchez, Geroge Salgado and Eduardo Amaro. Some of the runners played in a football game the night before the footrace, getting up in the early-morning hours to compete.

Also recognized were the Lady Shorthorn volleyball players.

“We had a good season, and we’re hoping for an even better one next year,” said coach Linda Ojeda.

After the honors, as well as several rounds of applause, a short break was taken for cake and punch.

In their reports about the academically unacceptable status of both campuses Elementary Principal Liana Sawyer and Junior/Senior High School Principal Graydon Hicks III said all corrective measures are in place.

Sawyer praised parents in their response to her campus PASS (Parents Are STAAR Supporters) program. STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) testing replaces the old TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) testing, done at the end of the year to measure a child’s performance and academic growth.

The PASS program was instituted by Sawyer to get parents more involved in their children’s education, and began earlier this year with a nine evening session, an introduction to STAAR requirements and how parents could help their children’s learning at home.

As a result of the program, Sawyer told the board that parents have become much more active in their children’s education.

“Parents have been taking this seriously and getting kids to the after school tutorials. They have been great,” Sawyer stated.

Hicks continued with the good news after his presentation to the board, stating, “Overall, everything is improving.”

Marfa ISD may have a deficit budget, but its delinquent property tax collection effort is working well, said tax attorney Sergio Garcia.

Collections from 2008-2009 to 2010 -2011 have increased from 95 percent to nearly 100 percent, he reported.

In a report about the Martin Field Stadium Lights Fund, new donations total about $1,000 and come from Sandra Martin Dees, daughter of Coach Martin and the field’s namesake: $500; Rink Polson, $100; Pizza Foundation, in memory of the biggest Marfa Shorthorn football fan Alonzo Campos, $100; and the Coach Leslie B. Martin Scholarship, $1,000.

Last fiscal year, donors raised $12,600 toward the annual payment of $25,000.

In other business, voting on whether or not to sell Marfa ISD-acquired property to Marfa/New York resident Shawn Smith was tabled until next meeting for further consideration.

The land sits next to Smith’s property in the southeast corner of town. The land is unimproved and has been off the property tax roll for the last 20 years, generating no income. Smith has offered Marfa ISD in the range of $8,000 to $9,000.

Tracy Cites, the school district’s property tax attorney, told the board that he believed the offer was of fair market value, considering that it was last appraised at around $2,000.

Marfa ISD stands to receive 50-60 percent of the sale, as well as taxes on the property once the lot is back on the tax roll.

Crites also told the board that he had found three other properties owned by the district that had somehow fallen off the tax roll that could be auctioned in order to bring in much needed income to the district.

Board members attending the meeting were Katie Price Fowlkes, Tina Lujan, Teresa Villarreal Ontiveros, and Katherine Shaughnessy Michael. Absent were Eddie Pallarez, Yvonne Lujan, and Robert Halpern.