Friday, March 11, 2011

a twist on bruschetta

Laura taught me how to make this (and her mom makes it for catering events) it is SUPER easy and I never bake/cook so you know even the simplest of minds can master this. ;) I made it for our teacher potluck and it was gone in 10 minutes! I really think this one's a keeper. Sorry I'm not fancy like most cooking blogs with pictures, but I think y'all can get it...;)

Broberg Bruschetta: 
My basic version is:

 Ingredients
1 loaf French baguette bread
1 small package of goat cheese
4-5 ROMA tomatoes (yes, it makes a difference)
1 package fresh basil (fresh is way better then the dried stuff we have in the seasoning rack for this)
1 small package of Parmesan cheese (fresh is best and you can grate on top of, but if not get the tub that is pre-shredded)

 
Directions
1. Cut up the french bread into slices. Mix together garlic powder, salt, pepper and olive oil into a bowl. Brush onto each baguette slice. Cook at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. It burns easily, so watch it. You are just making it toasty. :)

2. Chop tomatoes and combine in a bowl with fresh basil and a little bit of olive oil and set aside.

3. Spread goat cheese on baguette slices.

STOP HERE IF YOU ARE MAKING THE NIGHT BEFORE! (**personally, I think it's better to let the tomatoes sit in the oil and basil for a richer taste over night..and don't put the tomatoes on untik you are ready to serve. Soggy bread is no fun**)

4. Once you are about to serve, then put the tomatoes on the toast slices and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grate cheese generously on top.

It's very easy! If you want to be fancy, you can save a few basil leaves for the dish you serve it on as part of the presentation. :)

Enjoy! 


Looks similar to mine- add some salt, pepper and a little fresh Parmesan and you are set! Bon Appetit!




Tuesday, March 8, 2011

It's rodeo season, y'all

I've always loved country music, but I used to really be into Texas Country in college (maaaybe had to do with going to a very "country" university) but had seemed to have lost that loving feeling lately. I need some new music to gear up for spring and summer. PLEASE give me suggestions! There are some bands I have seen live, but haven't taken the time to really download/buy their music. Here are a few oldies but goodies...

ANYTHING Pat Green- seriously. Well, I take that back. I haven't listened to his new, new stuff. But ALL of his old stuff is golden.
My favorite is...



Not the best audio, but I still love it!

Another favorite by Robert Earl Keen, "Feelin' Good Again"


Eli Young Band- "When It Rains"
(an actual music video- you know they hit it big!)


Loved singing this song in college...

so many to choose from, but Randy Rogers Band is another great band...
"This Time Around"


and another...their biggest hit to date
"Kiss Me in the Dark"


and I don't know how you can't tap your foot along to this one...
Stoney Larue- Oklahoma Breakdown


Reminds me of 2 stepping in college!


Now I gotta plug my friend Clint's band Emory Quinn. They play SXSW, Chilifest, Gruene Hall- and quickly rising to fame! Clint and I were class officers together and it's so good to see him (and Nathan) when they come to town. I hope to see them in Austin over SXSW. Here's a song from the 2009 Black Tie & Boots inaugural ball in Washington, DC.
Emory Quinn- Devil's Disguise


What are some other favorites? I need to get a playlist going! :)

e

Monday, March 7, 2011

let's go fly a kite!

Reason #137,243,247 that I LOVE Austin, Texas. The annual Kite Festival at Zilker park was yesterday, and it couldn't have been on a more perfect day! I felt very very sick, but I did not want to miss this. I went with Casey, Brooke, David and Steve and we met up with Steve's brother Tom and his wife Jacque and a few of their friends. Steve and Brooke did most of the kite flying- I was nervous that I would hit a small child or crash into one- so I left that up to Steve :) There were hundreds of kites there- some super cute ones! Brooke and I can't wait for another day like that so we can go fly kites without a million people around. Not only was it a gorgeous day, but it was a great day to people watch too. We saw everything- from dogs as big as me, to a cat on a leash. Interesting people in Austin! Here are just a couple kites pictures I took. I want to buy a kite now :)



Have a wonderful Monday!

Bon Voyage, Caitlin!

So, for the past week or so, Alison and I have been feverishly (and happily) planning our dear friend Caitlin's departure from the United States. Caitlin will be moving to Bratislava, Slovakia for a year working her next couple rotations with Dell. Caitlin has only been in Austin for a year, but has quickly become a good friend, so needless to say, we will miss her VERY much! She loves St. Patrick's day, and won't be able to celebrate it here with us, so we decided to throw her a surprise dinner party with a St. Patrick's Day theme! After a couple close calls, we *think* she was surprised! It seemed to be so- success! Alison and I should totally go in the party planning business. Here are some fun pictures from the weekend- Thursday night too as we celebrated the departure of our favorite Spartan!
pretty girls at peckerheads!
you can't leave the country without first riding a jackelope!
surprise!!
happy girl :)
other green side of the table!
britta and eags!
our guest of honor and her boy
cutest shamrock ever!
most of the group!
st patrick's day came early this year!
we'll miss you two!
love me some ms griffin!
shots, shots, shots!!
We will miss you!!!

Friday, March 4, 2011

the tragedy of first position...

i saw this and could not stop giggling- she is so adorable (love that haircut!) and so persistent. this was totally me (minus the self proclaimed adorable part) but not very coordinated! Enjoy :)


great news!

Obviously nothing is finalized yet, but our superintendent posted this blog this morning:
http://powerofusinaustinisd.blogspot.com/2011/03/no-plans-for-school-closure-for-2011.html

Here is what it stated:

No Plans for School Closure for 2011-2012 with Current Budget Projections

Earlier this week, during discussions with the Board of Trustee on the District’s 2011-2012 Preliminary Budget, the topic of school closings arose. I want to repeat the message I said to the Board, and to the Austin community, during that broadcast and webcast Board Meeting: In this fiscal year 2012 budget, it’s not about school closure.

Assuming that our budget challenges do not become any more significant, beyond the $94.4 million budget shortfall, I will not recommend any schools for closure in the 2011-2012 school year. I will, however, continue to look for every operational efficiency available, if cost savings can be achieved. I anticipate that it will probably be in the area of  facilities about which we have already publicly spoken, such as the Alternative Learning Center building, the Carruth Administration Center, and other administrative buildings and lease spaces, portables, etc.

If, however, as the legislative session continues, AISD’s budget forecast worsens beyond the projected $94.4 million shortfall, the Board and Administration will have to revisit all possible options to save money, including school closings. We all certainly hope that won’t be the case.

In the meantime, and in light of the Facility Master Plan Task Force work, I continue to meet with individual campus communities and assure them, as best I can, that there are no school closures being considered for School Year 2011-2012.

And, finally, the Board of Trustees has the ultimate authority over any decision regarding school closures.

Thank you.

 ------
Soooo like I said, it's not final, but at least we have her supporting our school! Now we just need to kick butt on TAKS to prove we should be here! No problem :)

Great way to start the weekend!

e

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

new beginning

It's no secret that Ms. Chapa is not the size 4 (sometimes 2...ugh) that she used to be. I was my fittest in high school (of course) and my sophomore/junior year of college. Then what happened? Oh, I turned 21. It's only been the past 2 years (and most recently past year) where I have been bigger than ever. I'm not obese, I'm just no where NEAR where I would like to be. I know it is changeable and I just need to put my pedal to the metal. I have been really inspired by two women lately. They don't know it, but they are truly the reason that I'm taking better care of myself and getting back on track. I knew I kept all those 4 jeans around for a reason...;)

First inspiring woman:
Ashley V! I have known Ashley since high school. When we weren't chasing after the same lame boy- we were cordial. It wasn't until college that we became actual friends! She came up a couple times to A&M  and every time she would make me laugh until I cried. Her dry, sarcastic witty humor is so contagious (to want to be around...not imitate!) and I really was so happy we were friends. We don't talk much, but almost every time I go home (which is never anymore...sad)  I hang out with her, Shirlee, Jessica and Lauren. I really honestly love those girls. They are exactly what you see. They aren't fake to me (I hope! haha) and really good friends. They are those friends that don't judge you, really listen when you talk, and are SO.MUCH.FUN. I will go a year without contact, but when we see each other, it's like nothing has changed. Gah...now I want to go home! Anyway, Ashley was "the" hot girl in high school (and totally still is...but not in high school...that would be weird) all the boys loved her. She still is GORGEOUS (those eyes! I'm not gay, promise) but wanted to shed some drinking weight over the past year. Now, Ashley was not obsese, or even fat. I feel like we were similar body types- but now! Wow! She's a Skinny Minny, and she still wants to lose 15 pounds! She started at the beginning of January (like most) but has really kept up with it! I follow what she's doing on facebook almost daily- she's been working out every day (sometimes twice a day), eating less, and all healthy things, and....cut out alcohol. YIPES! So, I'm taking my shot at this starting Monday (2/28/11). I have exercized every day this week, and no alcohol, and no sweets so far! I have been eating smaller portions, and lots of fish, veggies, and fruits. So proud of Ashley. Once I get her permission, I'll post pictures that she has posted on Facebook- it's incredible the change! So proud of you Ash :)

Next inspiration- MOM!!
My mom is a bit older than me and Ashley, so it has always been a bit of a challenge for her to lose weight. Recently she has been taking up walking- and she has lost 30 pounds! She looks great. She's always been a pretty healthy eater, but now she's really cracking down and not allowing cheat days! (We've all been there!) She's still going towards her goal weight- but I know this is the thinnest she's been in years- so proud of you Mom! You always tell me how proud you are of me- now it's my turn! Maybe she'll let me post a before and after picture too :)

So, I'm in day 3. Today I have boot camp after work (I am walking so funny, the students think I'm crazy) which I'm not entirely looking forward to since Monday was 40 minutes of lunges, and lunges with weights and MORE lunges! But somehow I will do it and I will sleep goooood tonight! I hope that I can continue on this journey and I will  keep you updated on how it goes! I will post pictures once I get to my first goal weight! I'm excited, but I gotta get through the first two weeks- I hear those are the hardest! Any tips? I would love food suggestions and work out classes/exercizes!

xoxo
e

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

I'm back!

Ohhhhhmygoooodnesss! February has been from HELL! So glad that it's nearing the end. I have been working non stop getting 7th graders ready for their state testing next week, aaaand I have my identity stolen so any time I DID have during the day was on the phone with my bank- every.single.day. Horrific.

Honestly, I have nothing to report other that never loan your information out to anyone you don't know. I have my debit card in my wallet still, and I never gave it to anyone. Some stupid hacker or rude bartender or customer service person stole my info. I guess there are just always going to be dishonest people out there. It was bound to happen one way or another. Ho-hum. All I know is, don't bank with Compass Bank (now BBVA Compass). I know identify fraud can happen anywhere, but they were so unhelpful, rude, and just...dumb. It happened February 11th, and I still don't have any money. Negative $800 to be exact.

It's only Wednesday, but I am SO ready for the weekend! I have some friends that will be in town, and I am looking forward to just relaxing and cleaning and having a good time! I think I want to see a movie tonight. We'll see how that pans out...

Hope everyone enjoyed National Margarita Day as much as I did!! :)

e

Sunday, February 13, 2011

happy birthday, david!

one of my very closest friend, david guy, turned the big dirty thirty this week! we had a really fun time planning his big day! we ended up renting a karaoke room at high ball- fun times! it was my first time to go, but i definitely want to go again soon! there was a lot of singing, drinking, and even a male genetalia cake (i won't post a picture of that haha) and nooo i was not in charge of the cake!

here are some pictures from the event:
party favors!

some lovely guests!

wooo party!

lovely ladies reppin' Annie's pub crawl

David and Jeff

the birthday boy!!!
Happy Birthday David!!

an update on the job front...

my, my, my...it has been an interesting week. we knew the announcement was coming, but it finally came via email friday. it was nice hearing straight from our superintendent, and not from the media. here is the email that all AISD employees received and I highlighted some interesting parts....

February 11, 2011


 
Dear AISD Colleagues:

 

 I am contacting you because tonight the District will post for the public, as an Agenda Item for the Monday, February 14, Board Work Session, the list of positions that the Administration has proposed for elimination as part of a districtwide Reduction in Force.

 
Over the past two years, Austin ISD has already cut $27 million from our budget, by eliminating more than 100 Central Office positions and initiating other significant austerity measures. However, this year it has become increasingly clear that AISD will be forced to take many painful steps, in addition to those that we have already implemented, in order to balance our budget over the next two legislative budget cycles. The State of Texas faces a two-year budget deficit of approximately $27 billion, and state funding cuts to public education are projected to be as high as $10 billion over the next two years. As a result, at this time, the District anticipates having to reduce our annual operating costs by a minimum of $94.4 million, which is about 13 percent of the District’s operating budget. We are also facing significant losses of state and federal grants.

 
Since more than 85 percent of our operating expenses are personnel costs, it is not possible to make these reductions without eliminating staff positions. As we make these difficult decisions, we realize that there are names, faces, and careers behind these positions, and that makes this process gut-wrenching.

 
But unfortunately, there is no way to balance our budget without such steps. Last night, I notified the Board that, regretfully, the Administration has identified more than 1,000 positions that would be affected by a Reduction in Force. These include 771 campus-based and 246 Central Office positions, for a total of 1,017 positions, out of a total current workforce of nearly 12,000. These reductions will cause an administrative reorganization, which means that there will also be some new, re-tooled positions created, as we reorganize and restructure, for a more cost-effective, leaner model. The Board will consider these Reductions in Force on Monday, February 14, and is scheduled to take action on Monday, February 28. The reorganization is expected to be presented at the end of March.

 
Our primary goal, as we face this very difficult challenge, remains on providing quality academic instruction with more limited resources. Make no mistake: reductions of this magnitude will have a fundamental effect on public education as we know it today in Austin. But as we restructure, the District will make the most effective use of our more limited resources, and we will continue our efforts to improve student achievement.

 
In the months ahead, as the budget picture at the state level and the availability of other resources becomes more clear, we will do our very best to minimize the painful effects that this Reduction in Force will undoubtedly create. As we move forward, our Human Resources office pledges to work diligently with each employee whose position is eliminated. These steps include:

 
  • Each employee will be assigned a contact person from the Office of Human Resources.
  • A representative from Human Resources will meet with each employee impacted by the reduction in force, review the implications for his/her future employment, and deliver an official letter of notification.
  • HR will provide employees with information regarding the application and interview procedures.
  • The HR web site will be utilized to provide relevant information to employees regarding the reduction in force.
  • A list of vacant positions will be generated and distributed to employees. (umm what vacancies?!)
  • An external hiring freeze will be implemented in the employment areas impacted by the reduction in force. (there has been a hiring freeze already...)
  • HR will facilitate opportunities for employees to interview for vacant positions. 
  • HR will provide assistance for employees to obtain additional teaching certificates. (which what $$?)
  • And, an internal job fair will be held for employees impacted by the reduction in force. (our school goes through this process every year since we are on the brink of closing every year. this is a waste of time because principals are forced to be there, including the schools up for closure, and no one is hiring, and if they are, they are usually within the school already)

 
I appreciate the professionalism of the entire AISD staff, particularly under such trying times. Thank you for your understanding.

 
Sincerely,

 
Meria Joel Carstarphen,
 

 
Superintendent

So basically, what I am seeing as that even though there are schools up for closure, they are pretending that they aren't. They have planned out which jobs they need to cut, and those principals will talk to those teachers as early as this week. They are hoping that they (for some miracle) won'e have to cut these positions, but more than likely, they will be cut. Even my tiny little school has positions that need to be cut, and we already got an email from our principal confirming that she will be calling people in to talk to them. All teachers will be finishing out the school year of course (which will be difficult to focus I'm sure) but at least they know now so they can start looking for new jobs...whatever that may be. I don't aniticpate them talking to us tomorrow, only because they (the board) have not voted on this to be official yet. Not to mention, Valentine's Day if you're single, and then notice that you are losing your job...talk about a suicide watch....geez).

Scary times ahead. I really have no idea what kind of position I am in, but I'm trying to remain calm, because I know I have a job until July at the very least. Pray for me and all those teachers losing jobs. I pray they keep the right people in their positions so the kids have the best chance of a great education and a future.

I will keep you updated...

elisa

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Super Bowl!

Ok, let's try this again....Apparently in Internet Explorer, my blog shows up all jacked up, but it's fine on Safari and Mozilla. Hmmm. So, I'll try it in Internet Explorer and see if it works for the others...phew.

Like most Americans, I was glued to the TV for over 4 hours last night watching the end of another season of football. I was actually into the game this year, having friends from Wisconsin, so it was exciting to see who would win. Seems that not too many people wanted the Steelers to win, mostly because of their quarterback. I really liked some of the commercials last night, but there was a clear winner for me for best commercial. Here are my top 5 commercials:

5. CareerBuilder- Parking Lot

I mostly liked this one because it made Steve laugh so hard. And being over at his apartment complex, those tiny parking spaces...ugh. I could relate to this one so well!





4. Love Hurts- PepsiMax

Steve and I are always giving each other a hard time about the food we eat. In a loving way, of course. We try to help each other out, so this was funny to me. Especially how hard the woman threw it at the end!




3. Doritos- The Best Part

This was one of the first commercials I saw that I laughed out loud. You totally didn't see the finger part coming! Ahhh so funny. "Mmmmmcheeeeese"




2. Bridgestone- Reply All

HILARIOUS! I think we have all had that "oh crap" moment when we replied all, or even thought we replied to all. Whether it be a big deal, or not, it's still a scary feeling. I personally liked the coffee spillage part.




1. Volkswagon: The Force

This little boy was adorable. It wasn't the funniest, but definitely the cutest! But still funny. They unveiled who the little boy was on the Today Show this morning. He's a cutie! I just loved his mannerisms in this commercial. Easily numero uno to me!



What about you? Was there a commercial I totally left out? Doritos had one other I liked too, but the one I posted was better, in my opinion :) Time to hit the gym today to work off that queso and Super Bowl party deliciousness!




Wednesday, February 2, 2011

los libros

Oh, I am jumping on one of my resolutions (a month late)- to read more! I'm doing a devotional study with some girlfriends and this is the book we are reading:



I'm only one chapter in, but so far I really like it. The first chapter was about being more Mary, not Martha when it comes to being a hostess. Instead of running around preparing things (like Martha did for Jesus and the disciples), enjoy your company and don't sweat the details. A lot of times I take things personally when people cancel with things I've helped put together, or get stressed to make sure all the little things are ready, but really I should just relax and sit back and laugh! Enjoy the times I have with the girls, and the moments I get to see Steve. But most of all, when I'm home in SA, to enjoy the time I have with my parents now. Like Mary and Martha, they had no idea that Jesus was going to die, and I don't know how much longer I am going to be able to enjoy time with my parents. I also had a desire to call my Dad after the last episode of How I Met Your Mother. If you watch the show, you know what I mean!
A "fun" book I juuust started reading (barely through the first chapter) is a Jodi Picoult book called House Rules. Jodi is one of my favorite authors, so I'm hoping this is another good one! It's about a boy with autism who has the ability to help solves murders, but then he is framed for one of the murders. Sounds crazy, but leave it to Jodi to make it a great story (and I'm sure a tear jerker!) She has also written books like My Sister's Keeper and Nineteen Minutes!

I'll let you know how they turn out!


brrr!!

it is very, very cold here in tejas! things still haven't been decided on the job front, but other things are going great! steven has done an AMAZING job of getting my mind off of things.

friday night we stayed at the brand spankin' new W hotel in downtown austin. snazzy snazzy.
then we dropped by the jewelry store (for my first time ever!) and picked up these gorgeous beauties! i am so in love with them. the earrings are a bit different, but you get the idea! i am so lucky :)


i have a really big week ahead but some things i am looking forward to:
* the super bowl! love time with friends and good commercials!
* valentine's day! (i am still accepting ideas for presents for steven! something original)
* bunco! love time with my girls.
* relaxing/chill girls' weekend with some of my best friends!

have a blessed week- stay warm and safe! i hope austin gets some snow friday!!! 

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

gimme a job?

hi friends,
it's been a weird week around school, that's for sure. on monday night at midnight, the board voted to fire about 55 teaching/librarian/assistant jobs for the next school year. still on the table- closing about 9 (now 12) school in addition. originally, i thought it was one or the other and i would have been safe is they had decided to fire teachers (well, not safe, but more safe) however, that is not the case. it's a waiting game, and i dont like playing it! they will bring up more proposals in the march board meeting (seems like an eternity away) and probably won't vote on anything (i'm assuming) until may or june. in the meantime, around february or march i will start looking for other jobs, just in case. problem is...so are 1000 other educators. guess i need to find another trade for the next 10 years. anybody have any hook up in any industry? all i need is a chance...

or maybe this is my sign to go overseas? god help the usa if they are resorting to cutting education before other industries like sports or entertainment. sigh....
:/

Monday, January 24, 2011

umm, i love you, but....who cares?

so, don't get me wrong. i  love me some O... however, she is a little full of herself, no? last week was the first time i heard about this "announcement" she "needed" to make about a "big" family secret. already, i don't care.

so her "big" family secret came out today, which you can read about here. so if i found out today that i had a half sister, i would one, be pissed at my parents for not telling me, and two..get to know this girl. i feel like this is all a big hoopla in order for people to watch her show and tune into her new network. maybe patricia will get her OWN show on the OWN? fancy that. all i know it i saw this as breaking news on my computer and i just rolled my eyes. there are so many far more important things going on in the world...oprah needs to stop seeking attention and use her fame for more good. i dont think many people actually care about this, am i wrong?

it's a big day

today is a big day...the school board meeting tonight. i won't/can't go into too  much detail because it's all hearsay anyway...but there's a possibility that i, amongst many others, can lose their job in austin isd. rick perry wants a huge grunt of the budget cuts to come from education, why he does, is no clue to me. therefore, our district needs to cut about $113 MILLION. that's a huge chunk of change. there's a possibility about 300 teachers could lose their jobs. there's a possibility that 9 schools- from low performing to exemplary schools,- will close. it's a very tough and difficult time, and some decisions will be made tonight. i'm so glad i will have about 10 girls over at the apartment "watching" the bachelor (i will stream the board meeting from my laptop) so if it's good news, we can celebrate, and if it's b ad news, i'll have someone to console me! i never thought, when i was getting into education, that we would be as affected as other careers from the economy. education is supposed to never go away. i was joking to steve that his program at dell will need to only recruit from people outside of texas, because our future generation of students in texas are not going to have the same options and opportunities that we had. i know kids will still succeed. i know kids will still fail. our standards for ncbl won't change, but the classrooms sizes will be bigger, the support will be smaller. it should be an interesting time, that's for sure. i mean, it only makes sense to cut the most underappreciated, lowest paid job for your children...and pay coaches millions of dollars. makes sense....

on a happy note, the bachelor IS tonight (wine will be a'flowin'), and it shall be fun. i get to see neary's baby girl tomorrow, and laura's dress on wednesday! life is good. even when politicians are not :)

enjoy the day!

recommendation of the day: menage a trois wine- the red or white. steve and my favorite wines (him red, me white). we go through pretty much a bottle a week or two. don't judge. try it out :)

any other wine suggestions are welcomed as well :)

Sunday, January 23, 2011

imma nerd.

i just spent a couple hours working on my blog with steven. he didn't even know i had a blog! it was actually very fulfilling, but now i realize that i have a ton of work to do for work tomorrow. great weekend behind, great week ahead. bring it on, monday! i will welcome you early for i have not prepared much at all :)


recommendation of the week: beef cerveza fajitas at polvo's on south 1st street. to.die.for.


Friday, January 21, 2011

tough times for education

...a letter from our superintendent....

Dear AISD Colleagues:

I wanted to inform you as quickly as possible about where we are on creating an
administrative recommendation to close the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget gap,
against the devastating consequences that the proposed State Spending Bill,
made public this week by the House Appropriations Committee, would have on
the operations of the Austin School District. As you may have heard, public
education in Texas will bear the major brunt of the reductions in the proposed
two-year spending bill, which could reach as high as $10 billion. Foundation
School funding, and virtually every grant program to assist public schools, as
administered by the Texas Education Agency, is proposed for significant cuts, if
not complete elimination.
While districts across the state have been preparing for significant state budget
cuts, well-respected education consultant Lynn Moak says the proposed state
reductions are roughly two to three times more significant than what most Texas
school districts were preparing to handle. Mr. Moak was quoted in the Quorum
Report as saying of the House leadership’s proposed budget, “They had a 60-
year commitment to public education, and by not funding at the minimum, at the
base formulas, they’ve failed to meet that commitment. We’ve never done that.
We didn’t do that in 2003 when they had a $10 billion funding crisis. That’s what
makes this crisis different for public education.”
Based upon our preliminary analysis of the House’s spending proposal, AISD’s
budget crisis has become significantly more challenging. No longer are we
looking at a deficit of $54 million, or even $90 million, which some once thought
was highly exaggerated. Based upon the proposed state funding cuts, it now
appears that AISD must achieve reductions of approximately $113 million, to
balance spending with available revenue for School Year 2011-2012. Our
analysis shows that it is unlikely that AISD will be able to absorb all of these
costs in one year. Therefore, we are working to spread the reductions out over
two years, whenever possible.
In the past two years, we have cut $27 million from the Central Office budget, by
eliminating more than 100 positions and enacting a hiring freeze; restricting travel
and curtailing operating expenses; eliminating paper pay checks; moving towards
self-insurance; and undertaking other cost-savings measures. We also have
plans for Central Office to operate on a 10-hour/four-day work week in July to
save on energy costs, and other operational expenses.
Based upon the well-attended series of Employee and Community Forums that
the District held in the latter part of 2010, on-line parent and staff surveys, and
other outreach, we were able to achieve some agreement on additional budget
cuts totaling nearly $25 million for SY 2011-2012. We have just received the
results of a staffing review that we worked on with the Texas Association of
School Boards, identifying areas of campus and administrative operations where
the District is over-staffed and understaffed, as compared with peer districts and
state averages. Those TASB staffing guidelines can produce savings of $4-6
million.
The Administration is proposing that the District’s Fund Balance be reduced by at
least $15 million to help off-set the impact of these additional cuts. Still, very
difficult days are ahead. School closures are still being reviewed. Positions will
be terminated. Programs will be cut, or eliminated. All of this is discouraging, but
as hard as it is, we must remain focused and committed to our main
objective—keeping our classroom instruction strong, and helping our students
succeed.
On Monday, January 24, the AISD Board of Trustees will approve the staffing
formulas that are necessary to allocate personnel to individual campuses. The
recommended staffing formulas will be based upon feedback from our
stakeholder and the findings of the TASB review, as well as the changes to
classroom curriculum and course offerings that will be necessary for AISD to
balance its budget. I encourage you to watch the Board Meeting, beginning at 7
p.m., either on AISD-TV, Channel 22, or the AISD Website at
http://www.austinisd.org
In closing, let me thank you, again, for your dedication to Austin students. While
you continue your daily focus on educating Austin students, the Administration
and Board of Trustees remain committed to considering every option available on
minimizing the impact of these budget cuts on classrooms and staff. I will
continue to keep you apprised of significant developments, as we proceed
through these very difficult times.

Sincerely,
Meria Carstarphen



:(

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Eeeek!!!!

OhmyGOD! So ready for the weekend!!! I have the next couple days off for textbook meetings (sounds boring, but they are actually really fun!), then Friday is the Girl Talk concert, and Saturday...the day has come...finally...for the first time in my adult life....I GET TO SEE MICHAEL PHELPS SWIM!! Pending he doesn't get in trouble with the law before then, but still. If you know me at ALL, you know this is huge, and momentous and akjdhflakjdhflkajhdfa!!!! I don't plan on meeting him, buuuuuuuuuuuuut just sayin'...there's a chaaaance.

 Oh yeah, Ryan Lochte will be there too! He's a wonderful swimmer, just really obnoxious. I can't wait to see all the former and current Olympians compete. Should be a GREAT night!



Thursday, January 6, 2011

Ready for the Cizzle Bizzle!

That means Cotton Bowl, duuuuuhhhhh.

So excited for the game tomorrow night! I can't decide if I want to watch it with a group of people (mainly non Aggies) or watch it alone haha. I'm very particular about my surroundings and I don't want distractions/haters around!

I hope, hope, pray, pray, wish, wish we WIN!

This is the only (and most recent) blog where I see we are predicted to win. Doesn't matter what people think- 12th man is (hopefully) going to show up!

Gig 'em :)

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Happy New Year!

...well a couple days late!

Not anything out of the ordinary, but I have been really inspired by Steven recently. I really want to make it a personal 2011 goal to make more time for myself- not time meaning laying on the couch and watching TV, or taking naps...but doing new things and meeting new people, hanging with old friends and really making myself happy. Not relying on a job, or a boyfriend, or my family, or my friends to make me happy. Getting up and finding MANY outlets to happiness. Last year it started out that way- and then I got lazy and in a rut. I let people bother me too much with their attitudes and selfishness. Maybe I need to be more selfish in the fact that I don't need to worry about their problems and attitudes, but let it go, smile, and surround myself with people that make me smile and appreciate me as much as I appreciate them. :)

This year I also really want to pray for guidance with a career. I know education in some aspect is for me, but I'm not sure where. I want to be passionate about  my job everyday, and some days it's REALLY hard. I love, love, LOVE my kiddos, but there are so many other ways I could help them out and reach out to them besides academics. Who knows what my dream job even is, or where it is. I'm using 2011 as a year to let God guide me to where (either here or there) and what I need to be doing to make my life more useful and glorifying to Him. Or maybe since this rut is over, I'll wake up and realize I"m already in my dream job? haha

Just taking it one day at a time! So thankful for my understanding, honest, and completely loving (including all my imperfections) man in my life. Without him, I would be a very different person.

Can't wait for 2011! Already have a Vegas trip in the books (Late April), and a trip to the Mavs/Spurs game in DALLAS (omg i can't WAIT!) ready to go. Possibly a trip to San Diego in March for Broberg's bachelorette, and a trip TBD (crossing my fingers for Los Angeles) with just Steven in July. Don't see how we could top 2010...but I always like a challenge....;)