WEATHERFORD —
Texas public schools may find a little breathing room after the announcement from State Rep. Phil King that the allocation of federal education dollars has been made available to schools, netting district schools in Parker and Wise counties a total of $8 million.
“This money will help save the jobs of teachers and classroom staff during these hard economic times,” King stated in a release. “It is crucial that during this difficult time, we focus on keeping money in the classroom to support the teachers who work so hard for our children and the future of Texas.”
Weatherford ISD alone will receive $1.2 million in funds, which may not be used for central office employees, administrative expenses or construction.
The money comes from the Education Jobs Fund, a new federal program that provides $10 billion in assistance to states to save or create education jobs for the 2010-11 school year. Jobs funded under this program include service providers for childhood, elementary and secondary education.
“We are very pleased that the Education Jobs Fund has been released from the U.S. Congress,” WISD superintendent Deborah Cron said. “Even though this money was supposed to have been received at the beginning of the school year, we are grateful that it has finally arrived.”
The funds, announced to schools Tuesday, were first issued from the U.S. Department of Education to the Texas Education Agency before making their way to the local district levels.
In addition to Weatherford, other districts in Parker County were also affected.
Aledo ISD received $699,091 in funds, Brock ISD received $159,050 in funds, Millsap received $154,205 in funds, Peaster received $190,795 in funds, Poolville received $104,079 in funds, and Springtown received $578,029 in funds.
In addition to teaching staff, the money may also go toward employees such as principals, assistant principals, counselors, librarians, secretaries, social workers, psychologists, interpreters, physical therapists, nurses, athletic coaches, security officers, custodians, maintenance crews, bus drivers and cafeteria workers.
Though the funds may help ease the financial situation for some districts, Weatherford is still keeping a close eye on the Texas legislature.
“House Bill 400 is the one we’re watching closely,” Derik Moore, director of communication at WISD, said. “On the Senate side, we’re watching Senate Bill 22.”
House Bill 400 relates to the flexibility for public schools to administer primary and secondary education efficiently, while Senate Bill 22 relates to public school finance and prekindergarten programs.
With the legislature still in session, Cron said Weatherford would make no definite moves until the session is complete.
“A decision has not yet been made as to how Weatherford ISD will use these funds because of the many unknown funding cuts coming from the state,” she said.
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Sludge spraying stopped for now
TCEQ’s DFW Region Director Tony Walker, right, heard from residents Monday morning, including many who live on J.E. Woody Road, Goshen Road or in Stella Estates, areas north of the Hutcheson Ranch hit particularly hard by the stench of sludge spread in a nearby pasture. Standing next to Walker is Parker County Judge Mark Riley.
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Raising a stink
PARKER COUNTY – A company using treated sewage product as an unconventional fertilizer has many near Springtown up in arms.
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American Legion post dedicates new building
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Second suspect in tire iron attack sentenced
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King talks legislative session
State Rep. Phil King on Thursday discussed the latest legislative session and current special session during a meeting of the Parker County Republican Women.
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- Local News
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POLICE BLOTTER: Weatherford police log busy weekend of calls
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ASK A MASTER GARDENER: There are ways to deal with moles
Moles dig tunnels under the surface of the soil in search of food, particularly grubs and mole crickets.
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POLICE BLOTTER: Three arrested for public intoxication
Here are Weatherford Police Department offenses and calls for service for the period 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday:
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ESD public hearing set for Tuesday in Annetta
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POLICE BLOTTER: Weatherford police log busy weekend of calls
- Sports
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Williams slugs way to APC’s Most Valuable
Weatherford first baseman Dustin Williams punched 15 extra-base hits while hitting for a .576 average for the Roos during the 2013 baseball season. The WHS grad heads to Oklahoma State in the fall to don a Cowboys uniform.
About the only negative you could conger from the season Roos Dustin Williams had was that the senior first baseman did not get to finish it. Helping Weatherford get back to yet another postseason, a clock-work occurrence for the Kangaroos after district baseball is done, Williams’ mishap in a late-district contest took him out of the lineup.
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In a quandry? ... Well, just bunt — Column
It has been a relatively long time since Rangers fans have seen such a drought ... and I’m not referring to the incessant lack of rain, and solar baking we are in the beginning throes of experiencing for the next three, four or perhaps even five months.
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WHS seniors go 8-for-8 on All-State Academic rolls
Despite eight out-going seniors on the 2012-13 version of his Lady Roos, Weatherford girls soccer coach Tyler Kernan has reason to feel relatively positive about next season.
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Summer athletic camps — June/July
July camp information has been added to the roster of athletic offereings for Parker County. Interested parties should not that many of the camps offer pre-registration advantages to make the camps more cost effective for parents.
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MLB squads draft four Coyotes, two Weatherford College exes
Like many talented players, Hunter Lockwood opted to play junior college baseball in hopes of being taken in the Major League Baseball draft. He transferred to Weatherford College after one season at the University of Oklahoma, where he tied for second in the Big 12 with 11 home runs, and was named to the All-Freshman Team.
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- Business
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A new science teacher
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Heading out
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Becoming empowered
- Lifestyles
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Morgans celebrate golden anniversary
Norris and Sandria (Sandy) Morgan, of Weatherford, will celebrate 50 years of marriage on June 15.
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Hiatt, Duckworth announce plans to marry June 29
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Weaver, Benefiel tie the knot in Grapevine
Rikki Leigh Weaver and Brandon Joe Benefiel united in marriage the evening of May 4, 2013, at Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine.
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From daughter to mother: a special Mother’s Day reflection
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Audet, Richardson plan October nuptials
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- Obituaries
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Janet O. Gilbert
Janet O. Gilbert, 68, of Bridgeport, formerly of Weatherford, died Wednesday, June 12, 2013, in Dallas from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
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Lula Belle Lane
Lula Belle Lane died Saturday, June 15, 2013.
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Ronald Henry Sowers
Ronald Henry Sowers, 68, loving son and brother, died June 15, 2013.
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Mitchell Don Woodruff
Mitchell Don Woodruff, 51, of Weatherford, died Sunday, June 16, 2013.
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Robert W. Featherstone
HARLINGEN – Robert W. Featherstone, 58, of Harlingen, and formerly of Weatherford, died Thursday, June 6, 2013.
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- Opinions
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NOW HEAR THIS: Is that a rainstorm on the horizon or a West Texas sandstorm?
One of the most defining aspects of my formative years during the 1940s and ‘50s, was the epic Drought of the Fifties. Lives were disrupted and the Texas economy was dealt a devastating blow. I would estimate that over half of the farmers in Parker County lost everything and were forced to move to the city in order to find work and feed their families.
Continued ... - NOTES FROM THE JOURNEY: Remembering a father's gift
- Letter to the Editor – June 14, 2013
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