October 2005

Denton Voter                             

The League of Women Voters, Denton, Texas, est. 1961

October 2005

Sue Smith, President
Ken Ferstl, Editor
P. O. Box 424945 TWU Station
Denton, TX  76204
www.lwvdenton.org

RECAP ON SEPT. MEETING

At our September meeting, Ken Banks, Environmental Director for the City, gave a fascinating presentation on water issues for Denton. He discussed our watershed and the impacts we have on it and outlined the excellent research the staff is doing to ensure drinking water quality. He also explained various issues having to do with our mosquito population. Ken is passionate about his subject and is an excellent speaker.
-- Peg LaPoint, Progam VP

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The League of Women Voters of Texas supports adequately funded state and local programs to reduce the incidence of domestic violence and to alleviate its effects.

Our local League (League of Women Voters of Denton) does not have a statement supporting local programs to reduce the incidence of domestic violence and to alleviate its effects.

Should we have a study to decide if we would like to have such a position locally? Or perhaps a concurrence would be more suitable if we have member agreement?

Jean Aboul-Ela would like to look into this issue and she needs some help from a committee. If you are interested, please contact her at 382-3878.

THANKS TO RESPONDERS

Linda Brock and Roberta Donsbach both dug through their files of League materials to add valuable documents that will be placed in the LWV-Denton archives at Texas Woman’s University. Thanks so much, Linda and Robbie! If others find materials, give Sondra Ferstl a call at 383-3775. It’s not too late to contribute!

PRESIDENT’S PODIUM

Thanks to Peg LaPoint, Program Vice President for leading us through a difficult discussion on two state issues, Drug Policy Reform and Public Transportation. All local Leagues will send their responses to LWV-TX. It will be very interesting to see the results.

If you missed this meeting, your next best chances will be October 13 and 27. The first will be a consensus meeting on Corporate Marketing in the Denton Independent School District. Maggie Dodd and her committee have been working tirelessly for a year on our local study. You won’t want to miss the discussion leading to consensus.

Constitutional amendment elections have the worst turnout of any election but are more important in the long run than any other election. Please be some of the few informed voters on this very important subject. Just reading the Voters Guide on the amendments has never been enough for me, so I depend on our discussion to help sort out the pros and cons.

”Your Elected Officials” is one of the most useful publications we have. When I receive action alerts from LWV-TX and/or LWV-US, it is the first thing I use to contact our representatives. Thanks to Sondra Ferstl, Byron Witmer and Kevin Carr for the September, 2005 edition.

If your email address is not in our membership handbook, please send it to me at lwvdenton@earthlink.net. It is very helpful in contacting members about meetings and action alerts.
-- Sue Smith

VOTERS SERVICE: A WHOLE LOT OF SHAKING GOIN’ ON

Sorry to reveal myself as having grown up in the era of rock ‘n roll, but voters service activities in September and October are leaving me breathless. Here’s why.

In early September the brochure Your Elected Officials (YEO) was updated. Kevin Carr (our honorary member and webmaster for the LWV-Denton website) spotted a couple of things that I had overlooked in preparing the copy. Byron Witmer produced the new version on his computer. Kevin posted the electronic version of the YEO at www.lwvdenton.org. We had 1,000 print copies photocopied and folded at Office Depot. Ken Ferstl prepared the mailing of the YEO to members, and Ken, Ann MacMillan, and Linnie McAdams helped me distribute bundles of brochures around town. Look for this YEO at libraries (public, college, and high school), the voter registration office, chamber of commerce, city manager’s office, recreation centers, etc. We are requesting reimbursement of the cost of producing the brochure from the LWV-Texas Education Fund.

Next, we ordered copies of the Voters Guide to the November 8, 2005 election (on the proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution) from the LWV-Texas Education Fund. Our order is for 1,000 copies in English and 200 in Spanish. These copies will be distributed not only to the same locations as the YEO, but also to several public libraries throughout Denton County.

Contacts made last year with two instructors in government at North Central Texas College have led to the opportunity to give presentations this year. On September 27, 28, and 29 I spoke to approximately 160 college students in Reta Oliver-Muller’s classes at the Corinth campus on how to register to vote, the importance of voting, and the issues on the ballot in the November 8 election. On October 4 I will give the same presentation for Jackie Nye to 36 students in the two classes of government, dual track (high school & college credit), at Sanger High School and 55 students in her Corinth campus college class.

Linnie McAdams and I have tentative plans to tape a program about the amendments for Channel 25. If everything goes as projected, this half hour show will run periodically, probably with a title of The LWV Speaks, from mid-October until Election Day. Look at the calendar on Channel 25 and check the schedule for that program.

Finally, the League received an invitation from the Lewisville chapter of the American Association of University Women to speak at their meeting on October 12. Since Sue Smith had other commitments that evening, I agreed to fill in for her. The subject of the talk will be our Denton LWV and our programs and activities.
-- Sondra Ferstl, Community Relations VP

Local Study Summary
Corporate Marketing in the Denton Independent School District (ISD)

Introduction
Business in Education
American corporations spend $1.5 billion a year on advertising and marketing to children, twice what they spent ten years ago. Business seeks access to age groups difficult to reach outside the school setting. It is interested in impacting curricula development, and seeks to improve the capabilities of high school graduates in the employment pool. Business expects to gain tax benefits for its donations to education, and to position itself as a responsible member of society. Business is beholden to its shareholders and is motivated by the profit margin.

Sometimes school boards and superintendents see only the fiscal concerns and leave the questions of principled underpinnings to professional associations, college professors, and civic organizations. With spending soaring and product hawking ventures burgeoning, corporate marketing in the public schools is a subject worthy of study.

Focus of the Study
The term “privatization” typically refers to shifting the delivery of services performed by public employees to private business. Denton ISD outsourced all its new facilities for grounds and custodial services, including two additional campuses and Central Services due to attrition. The district is in its fifth year of a preventive maintenance contract for all mechanical equipment.

This study has focused on commercial ventures of choice in the Denton school district, not those subject to the lowest bidder, which are up for public review. We have chosen to study commercial ventures which supplement the Denton ISD budget.

Corporate Marketing in Denton ISD
Collaboration
The Denton Adopt-a-School program is designed to bring business and education together. The Denton ISD Director of Communications and Community Relations recruits businesses, which are then matched with a school. The business may sponsor an entire school or a particular program or department. The agreement is informal and must meet with the principal’s approval. This voluntary commitment is yearlong and may be renewed annually.

There are a great number of local businesses participating in the program. Participation may take the form of tutoring, sponsoring after-school projects, field trips, or contests. Outstanding students may be recognized with a congratulatory ticket from El Chico for a complimentary meal, a ticket from Taco Bueno for the “top student,” a “Smoothie for Smarties.” The Teacher of the Year from each campus is awarded a ring from Jostens. Participating businesses may donate equipment or supplies. The business is recognized with a plaque displayed in the school foyer and may distribute flyers if it is “a true Adopt-a-School” contributor.

Charitable Contributions
The Denton Public School Foundation is a non-profit corporation founded for the purpose of raising and providing support for the teachers and students of Denton ISD. Monies raised are invested and distributed through a competitive grant and scholarship program. In 2004-2005 the Foundation awarded $49,961 in grants and scholarships to the district teachers, staff, and students. Funds are used to enhance classroom instruction and for staff development.

A total of sixty grants were distributed to ten elementary schools, the Ann Windle School for Young Children, two alternative settings, two middle schools, and one high school. Twenty grants were awarded to those who submitted proposals from Crownover Middle School, easily the greatest number for a school.

The annual Groundhog Day Gala, which is the Foundation’s only fund-raiser, features a silent auction of donated items by participating businesses and students groups, donated short vacations, and gift certificates.

Contractual Agreement Exclusive Product
In December 1997 Denton ISD entered into a contractual agreement with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company for the exclusive promotional, advertising, and product distribution rights with respect to all schools in the Denton district. This contract brought to the district upfront monies of $1,100,000, which paid for Astroturf at the Denton High School stadium. In addition to the initial payment, Cocoa-Cola agrees to pay the district $34,000 a year for fifteen years. With the opening of any new, additional school, the Advertiser will increase this annual funding by $2,000 per new, additional campus. Coca-Cola monies go into a general fund; monies are then funneled back to the schools. The principal of each campus decides how its share is to be spent. This exclusive product distribution contract will expire December 2012.

Contractual Agreement: School Bus Advertising
School bus advertising has resurfaced as a source of funding for the “strapped for cash”
Denton ISD Transportation Department. According to the district’s Director of Planning and Transportation, the rising price of fuel and price of operations has forced the district to seek alternative means of generating revenue. Given the recent significant jump in fuel prices in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Denton ISD is scrambling for solutions to cover the costs. According to the Director of Transportation, the district is currently paying 36% more per gallon than it budgeted. If prices do not drop precipitously, the district could be spending as much as $200,000 more for fuel than was budgeted. Prolonged high costs could mean limited extracurricular travel for the district.

A proposed contractual arrangement with a school bus advertising company, Media in Motion, is expected to generate an estimated $187,500 @$150 a bus over a period of ten months if ads are placed on the district’s 125 buses. Media in Motion would solicit advertisements, install, and remove ad copy. The district would have control over the type of advertising displayed. A cancellation clause would be in place. At its 5-25-05 Board meeting, trustees discussed the possibility of the district generating its own ads as well as soliciting ads. The contract with Media in Motion was tabled.

Contractual Agreement: Scoreboard Advertising
In March 2004 the names of potential advertisers were sent requests for proposals for scoreboard advertising at the Denton ISD C.H. Collins Athletic Complex. The Chamber of Commerce was contacted, as well as major auto dealers, and banks. Weekly e-mails were sent to prospective advertisers; a request for proposals was carried by the Denton Record-Chronicle. Prices for ad space range from a top dollar of $12,300 per year for five years, to $2,000 a year for two years. Denton ISD, at its own expense, prepares the initial panel from data supplied by the advertiser. Denton ISD maintains the signs in good working condition and makes all necessary repairs. The district reserves the right to reject any copy that is offensive, false or misleading; is a violation of existing law; or in any way reflects negatively on any individual, firm, or corporation.

Partnership: Contract or Collaboration?
The Advanced Technology Complex scheduled to open in 2006 will be located next to the C.H. Collins Athletic Complex. Courses are designed to prepare students for careers in high demand occupations. Courses will earn community college credit, dual credit, and/or preparation for certification/licenses. This facility is offering professional/pre-college training for students in all Denton high schools. Course offerings include Engineering, Medical Health, Criminal Justice/Pre-Law, Visual Arts & Communications, Business/Marketing/Finance, Computer Technology, Applied Technology, and Personal Services (culinary arts, cosmetology).

As currently proposed by the Director of Career and Technology Education, the amount invested by the company partner determines the extent to which the business will be prominently displayed and its degree of involvement in lesson planning/curricula development.
The company “adopting” an academy/course would be displayed on a special sign outside the classroom door. Logo provided by the company would be on students’ lab shirts; name and logo would be displayed at the entrance of the Advanced Technology Complex. Name and logo would be featured in the Course Curriculum Guide which is distributed to 4,000 students and parents; name and logo would be on the Denton ISD Career & Technology website.

The company partner would be a part of a teaching unit so that students could learn more
about the business; employees would be invited to be guest speakers in the class. The company would be the center of one community service project a year. Career & Technology students could be at the partner company for a special sales event and act as interns or hosts; students could provide babysitting services for families looking for a car.

As a result of this involvement the company would have access to a trained workforce familiar with the partner company. Partner companies would be able to request employee training seminars and would be the first to recruit these students. As it currently stands, these partnerships have no contractual status. They are proposed as similar in standing to the collaborative arrangements of the Adopt-a-School program.

Policies
Federal: Nutrition
In keeping with federal nutritional standards, the Texas Department of Agriculture issued the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy which was effective beginning August 1, 2004. The intent of this policy is to encourage the consumption of nutritious meals, and to limit access to high-fat, high-sugar items during the school day. The policy only applies to food and beverages consumed during the school day for elementary schools, during meal periods for middle schools, and during meal periods in the food service area for high schools. The school or school-approved organizations conducting fundraising activities may take orders for restricted items during the school day and deliver these items after the end of the school day.

State: School Bus Safety
In 1998 the Texas Department of Public Safety issued its statement of general provisions for advertising (37 TAC 14.61-14.68). These sections set forth the allowable materials and locations for advertising or paid announcements on the exterior of public school buses. These provisions implement the provisions of HB 823, 75th Legislature 1997, which amended the Texas Transportation Code. The stature prohibits a school bus from bearing advertising if it detracts from or interferes with the effectiveness of required safety warning equipment. Safety warning equipment is defined as that which identifies a school bus, including but not limited to the exterior color, all lights, reflectors, identifying markings, emergency exit locations, and stop signal arm. Advertising shall not detract from or interfere with the visibility of pedestrians in the unloading and loading procedures.

District Policies: Legal
Denton ISD is governed by the restrictions of outdoor advertising as defined in policy GKB (Legal). Charitable raffles also covered in policy GKB (Legal) are subject to the Charitable Raffle Enabling Act. An organization qualified to conduct a raffle for the purpose of benefiting the district or school must meet the requirement of the Act.

District Policies: Local
Policy GKB (Local) requires approval by the superintendent or his designee before the school facility can be used to advertise, promote, sell tickets, or collect funds for any nonschool-related purpose. The district retains final editorial authority to accept or reject submitted advertisements.

District Oversight: Fundraising
Procedures and Guidelines for fundraising activities by booster clubs and PTA’s exist in some length. Guidelines have their use, but it is to be remembered they serve only to guide behavior and as such do not carry the weight of policies which require compliance.

Booster clubs promote parent and community involvement in the district’s academic, fine arts, and athletic activities. Booster clubs may raise funds to supplement the district’s program offerings.

Local PTA’s operations are governed by state and national mandates. Local campus PTA by-laws are on file with the campus principal. The superintendent should have on file the Denton PTA Council by-laws.

The district doesn’t do an audit of fundraising records. Financial statements vary widely. A booster club should request an audit by the district’s auditor each time its fiscal year funds exceed $25,000. The Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Academic Programs monitors booster clubs and PTA’s to see that they are following guidelines. Profit or loss statements are checked. The district has no oversight authority.

Band, athletics, speech and drama must abide by University Interscholastic League
regulations which limit award monies. Students cannot accept monies; coaches are limited to $300 per year.

Door to door sales are prohibited at the elementary level; however, students may sell to family and friends.
Pep rallies are held to solicit student participation in fundraising activities. Prizes are awarded students with high sales records. The encouragement to sell is a well-designed high-powered, motivational event. Incentives to sell are enticing. Funds from sales may provide for field trips; allow the campus to purchase science and/or physical education equipment. Fundraising events support theatre, choir, and athletics to name but a few in sampling.

Conclusion
Supplementing the existing Denton ISD budget is recognized as a genuine concern given a growing student population with its diverse needs. Although investment by business in education is a means of alleviating fiscal concerns, it is well to proceed with caution. The nature of that relationship should be well defined and managed according to established rules of practice.

Corporate Marketing in Denton Independent School District
Consensus Questions

1. What is the role of business in fundraising for education in the Denton Independent School District?
Check any which apply.
_____contractual agreement (exchange of rights for funds)
_____collaboration (mutual benefit resulting from joint effort)
_____charitable contribution

2. Should business be a source of funding to augment state and local tax revenue in the district?
____Yes ____ No ____ Undecided

3. Do the following corporate fundraising activities and/or marketing ventures promote or detract from public education in Denton?
Mark each entry as P(promotes), D(detracts), or U(unsure)
_____designing curriculum guides
_____corporate-sponsored lesson plans
_____school bus advertising
_____recognition of donated supplies, equipment, etc.
_____athletic score board advertising
_____use of student volunteers at corporate locations
_____promotion of savings for a particular bank
_____wearing company logo patches
_____naming a building
_____textbook cover advertising
_____naming a wing or room of a building
_____merchandise sold by students

4. Do the resources offered by the company balance the resource mix (advertising space, students & staff) of the school district?
Mark each entry as A(acceptable), N(not acceptable), or U(undecided)
______naming a school facility, wing or room
______help in designing curriculum
______school bus advertising
______preference in access to graduates for hiring
______corporate logo on school facilities or uniforms
______merchandise sold by students

5. Current Denton ISD policies and guidelines for fundraising activities are adequate.
_____strongly agree ____agree ____disagree ____strongly disagree

6. Should there be policies to guide oversight of fundraising/marketing activities in the Denton ISD?
___ Yes ___ No ___ Uncertain

Know someone who might be interested in joining the League?  Let us send two complimentary issues of the Denton VOTER.  Send name, address, phone number, and e-mail address (if known) to Sondra Ferstl, 1505 Victoria, Denton 76209, or smferstl@charter.net.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sue Smith, President
Peg LaPoint, Program VP
Linnie McAdams, Organization VP
Sondra Ferstl, Community Relations VP
Ann MacMillan, Treasurer
Maggie Dodd, Secretary
Jean Aboul-Ela, Director
Ken Ferstl, Director