The best way to be informed is to communicate.  If you have questions about something you've heard regarding SMSD, drop us an email and give us an opportunity to give you an answer.

Contact us at feedback@stafford.msd.esc4.net and we will post your question and our response at this site.

 11/21/07
Q:  Is there a deadline for applying for Limited Open Enrollment?  If so, why are we still getting LOE students in November?

A:  There is no specific deadline for Limited Open Enrollment (LOE) applications to be considered during a school year.  When parents submit an application for their child to attend SMSD as an LOE student during the school year, if there is availability within the grade level or subject level courses, and the family and student applicant meet all SMSD requirements for LOE applicants, the student is given consideration for approval.  An LOE application will not be considered if approving it would require additional staffing or facility needs.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

11/07/07
Q:  Is it true that Mr. Garcia (High School teacher) was fired?  If so, why and who has replaced him?

A:  Because this question is requesting information regarding personnel and confidential data, there is limited information that can be shared publicly.  However, the following will attempt to address the question.

While we are not at liberty to discuss individual personnel issues due to the confidentiality factor, please be assured that we are deeply committed to the academic success of all students in our care.  Mr. Garcia was not fired.  Mr. Garcia was employed as a math teacher in our high school as a long-term substitute while he was waiting to take his state certification exam in secondary math.  State law requires SMSD employ teachers with the appropriate teaching credentials and certifications and Mr. Garcia failed to secure the required certifications.

There are also thorough and comprehensive evaluation systems in place to ensure that our students receive quality instruction from every teacher.  Teachers and classes are continually monitored and observed to ensure the standards we have set in place are met and effective teaching is taking place on a daily basis.  This standard includes quality planning, well thought-out instruction and careful evaluation of results.  Teachers meet with supervisors on a regular basis and receive feedback to ensure that standards are met so that students are successful.  It was determined that Mr. Garcia was not meeting the standards SMSD has for classroom instructors.

A teacher has been hired to replace Mr. Garcia who SMSD believes will provide the quality instruction our students needs to be successful.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

10/29/07
Q:  A concern at the Stafford Elementary School is the selection process being used to appoint a new principal.  When the Stafford Primary School principal position was open, no one was interviewed.  The district named someone and did not allow other qualified people to apply.  Our question is, "Why can't the district appoint the Elementary Assistant Principal instead of interviewing ten candidates?  Why not appoint the Assistant Principal?  Why all the secrets?"

A:  The selection process currently being used for the Stafford Elementary principal is the same process that is used for all principal positions, including the recently filled Stafford Primary Shcool principal position.

1. First, the principal submits a formal letter of resignation and the Superintendent formally accepts the resignation.
   
2. The district formally posts the position as open and begins accepting applications.  Postings include the district website, professional organizations, local districts, etc.  Other districts are contacted to determine other possible candidates.  The goal is to secure the largest number of quality principal candidates as possible from which to select.
   
3. The SMSD administration meets with the campus faculty and staff to identify the traits and characteristics they would like to see in a principal.
   
4. The SMSD Human Resources department creates an Interview Team made up of campus representatives and administrative staff to review all application packets and determine those candidates who meet SMSD qualifications and standards.  The result of this is a pool of candidates to be interviewed.
   
5. The Interview Team meets with those candidates selected from the applicant pool and selects two or three finalists to present to the Superintendent for consideration.
   
6. The finalists interview with the Superintendent.
   
7. The Superintendent meets with the original Interview Team to discuss the candidate who should be recommended as principal.
   
8. The SMSD Board of Trustees approves the recommendation during next scheduled Board meeting.
   
9. A Transition Plan for the new principal is finalized and implemented.

This is a rather long response to your questions and comments about the process SMSD follows when selecting a new principal, but hopefully informative.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~  

10/26/07
Q:  Is it true that the 2008 graduation ceremony will not be held at Sugar Creek Baptist Church?  If so, what other venues are being considered?  I am hoping that outside is not an option.

A:  It is true that the Class of 2008 graduation ceremonoy will not be held at Sugar Creek Baptist Church as has been the custom.  Sugar Creek Baptist church informed the district that the church would not be available due to major construction on their facilities at the time of our graduation.  In response to this, SMSD administration began searching for alternative facilities that met the following criteria:

• availability the week of May 26, 2008, for rehearsals during the week and commencement exercises the evenings of Thursday, May 29 or Friday, May 30, 2008;
• quality sound, lighting, and seating capacity similar to Sugar Creek Baptist Church;
• close proximity to Stafford;
• financially reasonable and comparative to Sugar Creek Baptist Church.

SMSD has recently entered into a potential agreement with a local (Fort Bend County) facility that meets all the criteria mentioned above to conduct graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2008.  More information will be forthcoming as specific arrangement are made with the facility.

Rest assured, at this point, an outside commencement ceremony is not being considered as an option.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

09/14/07
Q:  Is it true that Ms. Benka, Stafford Elementary Principal, resigned yesterday?

A:  Ms. Benka submitted her official letter of resignation Friday, September 14, 2007.  She has been offered a central administration position at Texas City ISD.  This is a tremendous honor and opportunity for Ms. Benka and, while it will be a loss to SMSD and the Elementary School, it is an excellent professional career move for her.