THE CARGILL CONNECTION
January, 2005

Dear friends and supporters,

Greetings and Happy New Year!  This is my first newsletter to you since being sworn in on the State Board of Education on Saturday, January 1.  It was a wonderful swearing-in ceremony held in Conroe , attended by precious family and friends, and I am truly honored to officially be your new State Board of Education member!  

My dear friend Theresa Delong will be sending out my State Board newsletter BEFORE every meeting (to update you on current events and to ask for your opinion about various issues) as well as AFTER every meeting (to let you know what happened and why).  The State Board meets five times a year so you will not be overwhelmed with e-mails from me.  However, if other urgent education issues arise I may feel the need to let you know about them as well.  

As for now, let me briefly tell you what is going on at the state level:

*The State Board was called to Austin for a special meeting on Jan. 4th.  We met to discuss the Permanent School Fund.  I am happy to report that the vote was 15-0 in favor of a 4.5% distribution rate.

*Our next meeting dates are Feb. 16-18.  On Wednesday, February 16, there will be a ceremonial swearing in for all of the Board members who won their elections in November.  All of you are invited to attend!  The meeting will begin around 1:00 P.M. in the Travis Building at 1701 North Congress in Austin .  Please see it as an educational field trip and bring your children!  More information will follow as details are released.

On February 5, I will be hosting a fundraising event for families at the new Woodlands Children’s Museum at Market Street from 5-7 P.M.   The Science Camp animals will be there and children will enjoy a puppet show by Lisa Woods.  The purpose of this event is to offset some of the non-reimbursable expenses associated with campaigning and holding public office during my 4-year term.  Plus, we want you to see our wonderful new museum!  Bring your invitation to insure free admission.  If you do not receive an invitation in the mail, please know that you are still welcome to come!  Respond to this e-mail with your request, and we will put your name on the confirmed guest list.

Please let Theresa know if you do NOT want to be on this e-mail list.  Also, feel free to let her know the e-mail addresses of other people who would want to receive education updates.

Again, thank you for putting your trust in me to represent you and your children in Austin .  I consider it a true honor and a huge responsibility to do the best job possible.  If you would like to contact me personally, please visit www.barbaracargill.com and contact me from the site.  

Best regards,

Barbara Cargill