When dealing with enrollment growth, the No. 1 priority as a district is the protection of classroom sizes. Because of the deep cuts made to public education by our Legislature this last session -- more than $9 million for MISD -- we already knew our class sizes would be rising. Out of more than 130 positions that were dissolved this summer during our budget process because of the revenue cuts, roughly 80 were teaching positions. I already have given the OK to re-establish 20 teaching positions -- all at the elementary level -- to deal with this increased student enrollment. These 20 positions will place a $1.3 million impact on our budget, but I feel the academic needs of protecting classroom sizes far outweigh the financial burden. We either will maintain a balanced budget by finding cuts elsewhere throughout the school year, or I will recommend to the MISD Board of Trustees to pass a budget amendment in order to use the district's fund balance.

Read more: Exciting times at MISD include the need to hire 20 additional teachers - Mywesttexas.com: Education http://www.mywesttexas.com/life/education/article_689359a4-74c0-570a-99cf-853c5bc33c92.html#ixzz1hrfisdJd 
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

I love when the scientists have to admit they no idea what's going to happen! See the graph and story below.

Dear Texas GOP leadership and candidates:

As we wrap up a very long day from today's redistricting hearing in front of the federal panel in San Antonio, we wanted to again keep you informed of the latest news and where we anticipate going from here.

The majority of the issues that were addressed today related to the immediate and pressing issue of candidate filing. Tomorrow, we expect an order from the panel that will ratify the agreement between the two political parties to extend candidate filing through Monday, December 19thfor all races and positions on the ballot.

'Facing an election challenge next year, this Administration has chosen to target efforts by the states to protect the democratic process.'

Judge Andrew Napolitano at the Defending the American Dream Summit from AFPhq on Vimeo.

Jonah Goldberg at the Defending the American Dream Summit from AFPhq on Vimeo.