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Posted
Just now, blacklab said:

Yeah, that roundabout sucks.

I was bringing the boat back from the shop and for some idiotic reason went through your neighborhood rather than 2222 thinking the hills weren't as bad. I couldn't get the boat around that going from driftwood to southbound lakewood. I had to back up and go the wrong way through the intersection to make it. 

West Austin problems.

  • Haha 2
Posted
1 hour ago, blacklab said:

I couldn't get the boat around that going from driftwood to southbound lakewood. I had to back up and go the wrong way through the intersection to make it. 

I can't count the number of times I've seen dumptrucks, garbage trucks, moving vans, etc. just turn south from Driftwood the wrong way since they can't negotiate the 270 deg turn.  It's comical.

Posted
5 hours ago, Samson's Wig said:

I bailed after parents started yelling and screaming, and watched the rest on Zoom.  There was no need for that, even if the anger is justified.  Segura was a spineless liar, though, and his performance did nothing to cool down the temperature. He got flustered easily and started making slips in the company line.  One of the more common was when "if" became "when" anytime he was flustered.   The most blatant lie, at least of those I noticed, was when he said Title 1 designation does not equate to money, even though in the next breath he said but it doesn't matter because Title 1 is being cut by 25%.  No answer to the questions about how Lamar is supposed to help these Dobie kids, of whom around 5% passed the last STAAR test, when Lamar will not be receiving the massive amount of additinoal funding that Dobie gets.     I have never been impressed with him, but last night was the most sure sign of him being in over his head yet.   

The most telling part of all of this is that the charter school option involves bringing in a group with a proven track record of getting underperforming schools up to par (something AISD has proven it is incapable of doing at Dobie), but they will not consider it at all.  He hid behind some vague notion of "values", (talk about a subjective term), when we all know the reality that it is about preserving funding and jobs and that these kids are the last consideration for this board and admin.  They are going to take kids who are failing in an environment where they have tons of funding, a 14:1 student teacher ratio, and all of the special programming kids like this can ask for and dump them into a school that will have none of those extras services, currently has a 36:1 student/teacher ratio, is already well above the population limit to the point I don't understand how they pass fire inspections and they can barely get all the kids fed lunch each day, and somehow were supposed to believe this is better than leaving them right where they're at and brining in a third party that has proven success at schools just like Dobie?   Fuck those lying assholes.

The boogieman of the state is very real, and no one wants that, but the lack of accountability from the district is depressing.  They've had years to address this issue and he tried to push the nonsense that they just found out about all of these "F" grades in the last month.   They were using the false hope that a lawsuit would work out in their favor as an excuse to do absolutely nothign to plan for this when it's been obvious it was coming since before the pandemic.  They tried to pull off busing to avoid this issue back in 2020 or so.   Shuffling kids around to massage test scores rather than working to find ways to actually educate kids is pathetic ass covering, and they're all culpable even if they're fairly new to the job.

Wanted to give a some insight about how we ended up with the current superintendent. It’s way too long so TLDR: Elizalde caused this mess.

First we need to go back to Paul Cruz, who was a really nice guy and generally good to work for. He did a lot to train and promote from within so we were producing a lot of good campus administrators. I went through the AP prep program and principal prep program through the district. His downside was that he wasn’t strong with systems. Things became increasingly disorganized at a district level and there were redundancies in the admin office. Special ed was a particular weakness and we went through multiple (weak) directors.

When he moved on to UT, the school board wanted somebody to clean up the mess, cut unnecessary spending, and get things organized. My input was that they need a leader that understands east AND West Austin to effectively implement changes. Most districts don’t have both demographics in the same place.

Then the district did the worst thing possible. The hired Elizalde to be the hammer. She came in at a time when employees were leaving public education in droves due to Covid and she never read the room. She blamed teachers and administrators for all the problems, cut crucial support staff, and ran off the rest. This eventuality led to massive staff shortages and TEA taking over the special education department because they couldn’t provide timely evaluations. Almost 20 evaluators quit under her watch because they were treated like shit. When I left, 17 other elementary principals left the same year. Because we were treated like shit. Teacher turnover was over 50% per year at many campuses. It was the most toxic culture I’ve ever personally witnessed.

Additionally, she pissed off west Austin parents by getting rid of PTA funded positions, which left schools scrambling. The district had no plan to replace those services. Poorer schools made it work with title 1 funds but schools that didn’t qualify were screwed. The system needed to change but her communication was a giant middle finger to families willing to donate money to hire extra teachers - even teachers for schools their kids didn’t attend. Enrollment declines continue, which kicks the recapture formula into high gear, which turbo fucks the budget even further.

After using AISD as a stepping stone and creating irreparable damage in a short amount of time, she bounces. Now the school board has to put the pieces back together. Special education is falling apart, there are massive teacher shortages, the AP/principal prep programs were cut so no pipeline there, and parents feel burned. 

They decide they need somebody that understands East AND West Austin and can put a friendly face on the district. Somebody that gets AISD and will put people first. They don’t have many insiders to choose from because Elizalde ran them off, replaced them with her own people, then took her people to Dallas. So they go with Segura, who was a former AISD student, but not even certified to be a superintendent at the time.

It’s probably too hard of an undertaking for somebody’s first superintendent job but I understand why they went there. The summer after I left, I had a principal acquaintance call and ask me for a job. She had 20 unfilled positions and it was July. Dozens of schools were looking at starting the year with substitute teachers in 10-20 positions. Segura may have dropped the ball on some of this stuff with middle schools, but it’s important to understand the shit show he inherited from Elizalde. It’s also why he talks about not hurting staff with these changes, although we should always be talking about students first.

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Posted
1 hour ago, Larry T. Spider said:

West Austin problems.

Nope, a lot of Austin problems.  The way they reduced the width of side street entrance turns on major thoroughfares because of bike lanes, like on Slaughter in South Austin, most trucks including fire trucks can't even turn onto a residential street anymore without going into the oncoming lane.  Just fucking foolishness.

Posted
Just now, Judge Roybeanbag said:

Nope, a lot of Austin problems.  The way they reduced the width of side street entrance turns on major thoroughfares because of bike lanes, like on Slaughter in South Austin, most trucks including fire trucks can't even turn onto a residential street anymore without going into the oncoming lane.  Just fucking foolishness.

It was more of a comment about the boat.

  • Haha 1
Posted
39 minutes ago, Larry T. Spider said:

Wanted to give a some insight about how we ended up with the current superintendent. It’s way too long so TLDR: Elizalde caused this mess.

First we need to go back to Paul Cruz, who was a really nice guy and generally good to work for. He did a lot to train and promote from within so we were producing a lot of good campus administrators. I went through the AP prep program and principal prep program through the district. His downside was that he wasn’t strong with systems. Things became increasingly disorganized at a district level and there were redundancies in the admin office. Special ed was a particular weakness and we went through multiple (weak) directors.

When he moved on to UT, the school board wanted somebody to clean up the mess, cut unnecessary spending, and get things organized. My input was that they need a leader that understands east AND West Austin to effectively implement changes. Most districts don’t have both demographics in the same place.

Then the district did the worst thing possible. The hired Elizalde to be the hammer. She came in at a time when employees were leaving public education in droves due to Covid and she never read the room. She blamed teachers and administrators for all the problems, cut crucial support staff, and ran off the rest. This eventuality led to massive staff shortages and TEA taking over the special education department because they couldn’t provide timely evaluations. Almost 20 evaluators quit under her watch because they were treated like shit. When I left, 17 other elementary principals left the same year. Because we were treated like shit. Teacher turnover was over 50% per year at many campuses. It was the most toxic culture I’ve ever personally witnessed.

Additionally, she pissed off west Austin parents by getting rid of PTA funded positions, which left schools scrambling. The district had no plan to replace those services. Poorer schools made it work with title 1 funds but schools that didn’t qualify were screwed. The system needed to change but her communication was a giant middle finger to families willing to donate money to hire extra teachers - even teachers for schools their kids didn’t attend. Enrollment declines continue, which kicks the recapture formula into high gear, which turbo fucks the budget even further.

After using AISD as a stepping stone and creating irreparable damage in a short amount of time, she bounces. Now the school board has to put the pieces back together. Special education is falling apart, there are massive teacher shortages, the AP/principal prep programs were cut so no pipeline there, and parents feel burned. 

They decide they need somebody that understands East AND West Austin and can put a friendly face on the district. Somebody that gets AISD and will put people first. They don’t have many insiders to choose from because Elizalde ran them off, replaced them with her own people, then took her people to Dallas. So they go with Segura, who was a former AISD student, but not even certified to be a superintendent at the time.

It’s probably too hard of an undertaking for somebody’s first superintendent job but I understand why they went there. The summer after I left, I had a principal acquaintance call and ask me for a job. She had 20 unfilled positions and it was July. Dozens of schools were looking at starting the year with substitute teachers in 10-20 positions. Segura may have dropped the ball on some of this stuff with middle schools, but it’s important to understand the shit show he inherited from Elizalde. It’s also why he talks about not hurting staff with these changes, although we should always be talking about students first.

So is Elizarde the Mack Brown or the Charlie Strong here?

Posted (edited)
41 minutes ago, Larry T. Spider said:

Wanted to give a some insight about how we ended up with the current superintendent. It’s way too long so TLDR: Elizalde caused this mess.

First we need to go back to Paul Cruz, who was a really nice guy and generally good to work for. He did a lot to train and promote from within so we were producing a lot of good campus administrators. I went through the AP prep program and principal prep program through the district. His downside was that he wasn’t strong with systems. Things became increasingly disorganized at a district level and there were redundancies in the admin office. Special ed was a particular weakness and we went through multiple (weak) directors.

When he moved on to UT, the school board wanted somebody to clean up the mess, cut unnecessary spending, and get things organized. My input was that they need a leader that understands east AND West Austin to effectively implement changes. Most districts don’t have both demographics in the same place.

Then the district did the worst thing possible. The hired Elizalde to be the hammer. She came in at a time when employees were leaving public education in droves due to Covid and she never read the room. She blamed teachers and administrators for all the problems, cut crucial support staff, and ran off the rest. This eventuality led to massive staff shortages and TEA taking over the special education department because they couldn’t provide timely evaluations. Almost 20 evaluators quit under her watch because they were treated like shit. When I left, 17 other elementary principals left the same year. Because we were treated like shit. Teacher turnover was over 50% per year at many campuses. It was the most toxic culture I’ve ever personally witnessed.

Additionally, she pissed off west Austin parents by getting rid of PTA funded positions, which left schools scrambling. The district had no plan to replace those services. Poorer schools made it work with title 1 funds but schools that didn’t qualify were screwed. The system needed to change but her communication was a giant middle finger to families willing to donate money to hire extra teachers - even teachers for schools their kids didn’t attend. Enrollment declines continue, which kicks the recapture formula into high gear, which turbo fucks the budget even further.

After using AISD as a stepping stone and creating irreparable damage in a short amount of time, she bounces. Now the school board has to put the pieces back together. Special education is falling apart, there are massive teacher shortages, the AP/principal prep programs were cut so no pipeline there, and parents feel burned. 

They decide they need somebody that understands East AND West Austin and can put a friendly face on the district. Somebody that gets AISD and will put people first. They don’t have many insiders to choose from because Elizalde ran them off, replaced them with her own people, then took her people to Dallas. So they go with Segura, who was a former AISD student, but not even certified to be a superintendent at the time.

It’s probably too hard of an undertaking for somebody’s first superintendent job but I understand why they went there. The summer after I left, I had a principal acquaintance call and ask me for a job. She had 20 unfilled positions and it was July. Dozens of schools were looking at starting the year with substitute teachers in 10-20 positions. Segura may have dropped the ball on some of this stuff with middle schools, but it’s important to understand the shit show he inherited from Elizalde. It’s also why he talks about not hurting staff with these changes, although we should always be talking about students first.

Thank you for your insight. Elizalde was about as bad as it gets, no doubt.   She and I had a couple of conversations, and I was stunned by her shortsightedness, anger, and to be frank, open racism.    I still think Segura is the most emptiest suit we've had in that role.  He's in way over his head and refuses to own his part in the mess, continuously blamiong Elizalde and Cruz for all of it.   That he was the best of nothing but bad options makes a lot of sense.

Between these moves (boning Lamar won't the last one) and vouchers, there won't be much of an AISD left in a few years.

Edited by Samson's Wig
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Posted
2 minutes ago, Larry T. Spider said:

If you combined the worst qualities of Charlie’s coaching with Herman’s personality.

and she would definitely pitch it to Wisner from the 1 yard line.

  • Rage+1 1
Posted
2 hours ago, Larry T. Spider said:

Wanted to give a some insight about how we ended up with the current superintendent. It’s way too long so TLDR: Elizalde caused this mess.

First we need to go back to Paul Cruz, who was a really nice guy and generally good to work for. He did a lot to train and promote from within so we were producing a lot of good campus administrators. I went through the AP prep program and principal prep program through the district. His downside was that he wasn’t strong with systems. Things became increasingly disorganized at a district level and there were redundancies in the admin office. Special ed was a particular weakness and we went through multiple (weak) directors.

When he moved on to UT, the school board wanted somebody to clean up the mess, cut unnecessary spending, and get things organized. My input was that they need a leader that understands east AND West Austin to effectively implement changes. Most districts don’t have both demographics in the same place.

Then the district did the worst thing possible. The hired Elizalde to be the hammer. She came in at a time when employees were leaving public education in droves due to Covid and she never read the room. She blamed teachers and administrators for all the problems, cut crucial support staff, and ran off the rest. This eventuality led to massive staff shortages and TEA taking over the special education department because they couldn’t provide timely evaluations. Almost 20 evaluators quit under her watch because they were treated like shit. When I left, 17 other elementary principals left the same year. Because we were treated like shit. Teacher turnover was over 50% per year at many campuses. It was the most toxic culture I’ve ever personally witnessed.

Additionally, she pissed off west Austin parents by getting rid of PTA funded positions, which left schools scrambling. The district had no plan to replace those services. Poorer schools made it work with title 1 funds but schools that didn’t qualify were screwed. The system needed to change but her communication was a giant middle finger to families willing to donate money to hire extra teachers - even teachers for schools their kids didn’t attend. Enrollment declines continue, which kicks the recapture formula into high gear, which turbo fucks the budget even further.

After using AISD as a stepping stone and creating irreparable damage in a short amount of time, she bounces. Now the school board has to put the pieces back together. Special education is falling apart, there are massive teacher shortages, the AP/principal prep programs were cut so no pipeline there, and parents feel burned. 

They decide they need somebody that understands East AND West Austin and can put a friendly face on the district. Somebody that gets AISD and will put people first. They don’t have many insiders to choose from because Elizalde ran them off, replaced them with her own people, then took her people to Dallas. So they go with Segura, who was a former AISD student, but not even certified to be a superintendent at the time.

It’s probably too hard of an undertaking for somebody’s first superintendent job but I understand why they went there. The summer after I left, I had a principal acquaintance call and ask me for a job. She had 20 unfilled positions and it was July. Dozens of schools were looking at starting the year with substitute teachers in 10-20 positions. Segura may have dropped the ball on some of this stuff with middle schools, but it’s important to understand the shit show he inherited from Elizalde. It’s also why he talks about not hurting staff with these changes, although we should always be talking about students first.

Don't forget that one guy who they hired post-Elizalde who promised to see AISD through the transition and stayed one year or less before leaving for Alief(?)

Posted
15 minutes ago, ChuckNorrisActionJeans said:

Don't forget that one guy who they hired post-Elizalde who promised to see AISD through the transition and stayed one year or less before leaving for Alief(?)

That’s Anthony Mays. He came with Elizalde and was her right hand man. He was actually competent and personable, but ultimately too associated with the Elizalde brand to get the job permanently.

Posted
6 hours ago, Samson's Wig said:

World's tiniest roundabout.  People heading north and south just treat it like it's not there and don't break stride as they pass through it.   I've had more near misses on my motorcycle there than anywhere else I ride.   People do dumb shit on roundabouts all over Austin (and Texas) but this one is special in its complete lack of thoughtful design, and more importantly the complete lack of need. 

Screenshot 2025-04-22 at 2.42.22 PM.png

Ah I see.  There are two of those micro roundabouts in Houston by Memorial City/Tallowood Church.  I feel like I've seen one somewhere in the Bouldin area, too.  

 

image.png.fdd16d378c6aaa1a6c52aaa5c0922c6d.png

Posted
Yeah, that roundabout sucks.
I was bringing the boat back from the shop and for some idiotic reason went through your neighborhood rather than 2222 thinking the hills weren't as bad. I couldn't get the boat around that going from driftwood to southbound lakewood. I had to back up and go the wrong way through the intersection to make it. 

giphy.gif
Posted
11 hours ago, texasdago said:

Ah I see.  There are two of those micro roundabouts in Houston by Memorial City/Tallowood Church.  I feel like I've seen one somewhere in the Bouldin area, too.  

 

image.png.fdd16d378c6aaa1a6c52aaa5c0922c6d.png

If I remember correctly, the Memorial City ones are even worse in that they have stop signs, completely destroying the advantages of the roundabout.

Posted
2 hours ago, ABZ said:

If I remember correctly, the Memorial City ones are even worse in that they have stop signs, completely destroying the advantages of the roundabout.

You are correct, sir!  Very Houston.  

...and then you have this one that has sat all by its lonesome for years and years

image.png.45dde101f5420c324993a91181c9403a.png

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Posted
11 minutes ago, texasdago said:

You are correct, sir!  Very Houston.  

...and then you have this one that has sat all by its lonesome for years and years

image.png.45dde101f5420c324993a91181c9403a.png

Ha. I lived in those Portico apartments back in 2011.

Posted
4 minutes ago, ABZ said:

Ha. I lived in those Portico apartments back in 2011.

I remember when that area was the offices of someone like Western Geophysical or some division of (now) Baker Hughes.  I wonder why they never developed that land.  Mind you, I like that it is still nice and open like that.  

Posted
Just now, texasdago said:

I remember when that area was the offices of someone like Western Geophysical or some division of (now) Baker Hughes.  I wonder why they never developed that land.  Mind you, I like that it is still nice and open like that.  

I remember seeing some monitoring wells, so I always assumed it was an environmental clean-up area from an old industrial site. Not sure why they built the nice roads with roundabout through it. The Western GeCo building that I remember was like a block or two east and south. 

Posted
15 hours ago, texasdago said:

Ah I see.  There are two of those micro roundabouts in Houston by Memorial City/Tallowood Church.  I feel like I've seen one somewhere in the Bouldin area, too.  

 

image.png.fdd16d378c6aaa1a6c52aaa5c0922c6d.png

The one at Kingsride feels even tighter than this one. It really sucks in a pickup. They don't even make sense, since they are four way stops. 

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Posted
23 hours ago, Samson's Wig said:

World's tiniest roundabout.  People heading north and south just treat it like it's not there and don't break stride as they pass through it.   I've had more near misses on my motorcycle there than anywhere else I ride.   People do dumb shit on roundabouts all over Austin (and Texas) but this one is special in its complete lack of thoughtful design, and more importantly the complete lack of need. 

Screenshot 2025-04-22 at 2.42.22 PM.png

Why the fuck would you put a roundabout at a T? Stupid.

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