THE CARGILL CONNECTION, February 2005

Dear friends and supporters,

Y  Happy Valentine’s Day!  Y  It is time to update you on some of the issues that the State Board of Education will be covering during our three-day meeting this week.  The first business at hand is the ceremonial swearing in of the newly elected Board members on the 16^th.   Fifteen Boy and Girl Scouts will lead the flag ceremony, including two of my sons.  These Scouts are the children of friends, and we are so glad they are coming.  What a wonderful learning experience it will be for these children!  Many other families are traveling to Austin to support me, and for that I am deeply grateful.

Here is a brief description of some of the issues that are on the agenda: 

1. Election of State Board of Education officers and assignments to standing committees  
2. State Board of Education operating rules
3. Proposed amendments to the TEKS (the state curriculum) for middle school and high school math
4. Recommendations about readoption of certain instructional materials and discussion about advertising for bids on instructional materials
5. Update on the Permanent School Fund

There are three committees that meet:  Committee on Instruction, Committee on Planning, and Committee on School Finance/Permanent School Fund.  After being assigned, Board members will meet with their committee to discuss their appropriate education issues. 

To see the complete agenda for more information, please go to the Texas Education Agency website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us.  The agenda is posted under “State Board of Education and Commissioner” (on the left).  After that screen appears, click on “Meeting Schedule and Agendas” (on the right).  FYI, I have also attached a brief outline of the State Board of Education functions.

Other happenings: 

*On January 30^th, I traveled to Austin to attend the Texas Association of Administrators Conference.  I had the pleasure of meeting several superintendents from District 8.  We have wonderful people leading teachers and children in our state, and I am thankful for their dedication. 

*I also visited the offices of every Senator and Representative from State Board District 8 at the Capitol.  Thanks to my supportive Bible Study group at church, I delivered about 28 dozen cookies to these elected officials in Austin .  Needless to say, they were delighted to receive a bit of home cooking! 

*It was an honor to attend meetings with Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst and with Senator Florence Shapiro, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee.  Our meetings focused on the content of textbooks that are being used by Texas schoolchildren. 

*Recently a successful fundraising event was held at The Woodlands Children’s Museum.  The funds that were raised will help offset some of the non-reimbursable expenses associated with campaigning and holding public office during my four-year term. Thank you for your support and for encouraging me as I start this new position!

May God richly bless you and your family.

Best regards,

Barbara Cargill
State Board of Education, District 8
281-465-8095