April 22, 2010 - Be Sure to Vote in the AISD School Board Election - Clayton's District 7 up for election

Early voting for the AISD School Board Election starts Monday, April 26th and election day is Saturday, May 8th. Several positions are up for election: District 1 (1 candidate), District 4 (1 candidate), District 6 (2 candidates), District 7 (Clayton's district; 2 candidates), and At Large Position 9 (5 candidates). Important information:

• Preview a sample ballot, including candidate names.
• Early Voting: Monday, April 26 through Tuesday, May 4, 2010; Locations for Early Voting
• Election Day: Saturday, May 8, 2010 - 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Locations for Election Day Voting

 

New Laws Effective on September 1, 2009

New Texas Driving Laws Passed Regarding Teen Drivers and Child Booster Seat Usage - Parents need to be aware of recent new laws that go into effect September 1 regarding driving and child passenger safety:

• HB 339 prohibits teens under 18 from texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.
• HB 537 requires that everyone in the car, regardless of age and regardless of where they are sitting, needs to wear a seatbelt.
• HB 61 requires that all children younger than 8 years and less than four feet nine inches tall be in a child safety seat system.

Click for the flyer with all the details and helpful links.

From AISD: TX Ban on Wireless Communication Devices in School Zones

As reported in the news, the Texas Legislature recently enacted a new law regarding the use of wireless communication devices in school zones.[1] This new law prohibits all motor vehicle operators/drivers from using any wireless communications devices within an active school zone, with limited exceptions. The statute becomes effective today, September 1, 2009.

You should be aware of the following important provisions of this statute:

• It is considered a violation of state law to use any wireless communication device within an active school crossing zone, including cell phones, PDAs, computers, texting devices, pagers, and gaming systems. This includes on the school property in the arrival and dismissal lines.
• The law does not prohibit use if a hands-free device is used, such as a blue-tooth headset, earpiece, or speaker phone.
• Communications made to emergency response, hospital, fire or police department, health clinic, physician’s office, or for first aid treatment are also allowed.
• Use of wireless communication devices is not prohibited while vehicles remain stopped/parked.

Anyone caught driving through a school zone on a cell phone where there is clear signage banning it could face up to a $200 fine.

 

2004 BOND: PERMANENT RELIEF WITH MERIDIAN ES

Southwest Elementary School/Baldwin Elementary
The new design for the Southwest Elementary School, now known as Baldwin Elementary, was presented at a community meeting on March 26, 2009. The Ground Breaking Ceremony was on June 2nd.

Baldwin Elementary School is located on Meridian Park Boulevard near the intersection of FM 1826 and Highway 45 and construction has begun. The campus is scheduled to open in fall 2010. Click here to view the schematic designs.

August 26, 2008: Relief School for Clayton as part of 2004 Bond

The board took the vote after much discussion at the August 25th meeting on Site Selection for the new SW Elementary School. It was decided with a 7-1-1 vote in favor of the Meridian site. This is what we were seeking in order for our children to get the relief school as promised by 2010.

Part of the AISD Board Brief for August 25, 2008:

Southwest Elementary School Site  
 
On a 7-1-1- vote, Trustees approved the selection of a 14-acre tract of donated land for the site of the new Southwest Austin Elementary School — the seventh campus to be constructed under the District’s 2004 Apple At Work Bond Program. Additional testing will be conducted to ensure the environmental viability of the property. The site is located on Meridian Park Blvd., near the intersection of FM 1826 and Highway 45. The 32-classroom school will relieve Clayton and Mills elementary schools, and is scheduled to open in August 2010.  
 
Of the eight schools included in the 2004 Bond Program, five — Perez, Clayton, Overton, and Blazier elementaries, and Garcia Middle School — have opened. The Southwest Middle School, located at Slaughter Lane and FM 1826, is now under construction and will open in Fall 2009.  

*Update on 2004 Bond: January 31, 2008
The AISD Board of Trustees voted and APPROVED staff's recommendation on the two undesignated schools. The two schools as part of the 2004 Bond will be in North Central and Southwest Austin! Thank you to those who were able to attend the Special Meeting.

On January 14th, the board delayed to vote in order to get more information on a 3rd critical area of need, Linder Elementary. At the Special Meeting on January 31st, they received the requested information and recommendations for short-term and long-term solutions for Linder. After more discussion, a motion was made and the vote was taken. We are happy to report that solutions were provided for all 3 critical areas. As a result, Southwest Austin will get a new elementary school as part of the 2004 Bond!

Based on previous discussion, the new Southwest school would not be online until 2010-11 school year. Though Clayton will continue to experience growing pains during the next couple of years, relief is in site! The next step for AISD staff and board will be to determine where the actual site in Southwest Austin will be and where the boundaries will fall.

LINKS TO INFO :

• Staff Powerpoint presentation/recommendations on undesignated schools of 2004 Bond to the AISD board made on January 7th - click here.
• General information about the 2004 bond, click here.
  

2008 AISD BOND ELECTION

Update on Proposed 2008 Bond Election: May 11, 2008

Thanks and congratulations to AISD parents. On Saturday, May 10th, Austinites came to show their support for the 2008 School Bond. Despite low voter turnout, all 3 Propositions easily passed, each with over 69% of the votes.

This is great news for Clayton parents of future AISD high school students. AISD can now look for land in South Austin for a new high school to offer relief to Bowie, Austin and Akins in the future. And now that the land is approved, the next step to request funds for the actual school will hopefully be an easier process.

Thank you Clayton parents, family and friends who showed your support and commitment in taking time to vote for the bond.

DID YOU KNOW?:

• With the expansion of Kiker Elementary, addition of Clayton Elementary, the planned new elementary in Southwest Austin, and the addition of the New Southwest Middle School to relieve Bailey and Small Middle Schools, Bowie can not handle such growth in student population.
• Bowie High School currently has an enrollment of 2,771 with a capacity of 2,450.
• Under the SOS restrictions, Bowie cannot be expanded, either through building additions or portables.
• Bowie currently does not have enough lockers to accommodate the current student enrollment.  Seniors at Bowie are not issued lockers.
• The requirements of the new High School Redesign requires student advisory. Bowie does not have room for this required service.  Currently students meet with counselors in corridors and other common area spaces in the building because there are no rooms.
• Bowie has been closed to transfers for 12 years.
• Current Clayton 5th graders will start high school in less than 4 years in 2011-12; 4th graders in 5 years; 3rd graders in 6 years; 2nd graders in 7 years; 1st graders in 8 years; Kindergarteners in 9 years
  
  

If you have questions, please contact bonds@claytoncardinals.org.