Michael Williams

BISD planetarium teacher urges board to reconsider cutting program

Sharon Rigsby, Beaumont ISD planetarium teacher at the Murry J. Frank Planetarium, has found herself once again on the district’s Reduction in Force (RIF) list.

The original RIF list, containing more than 100 teaching positions, including Risby’s, failed to garner enough support to pass at a Monday, June 30, Board of Trustees meeting.

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A teacher's take on TEA Commissioner Williams

TEA Commissioner Michael Williams and BISD teacher Alisa Courts

By Alisa Courts

Special to The Examiner

Monday, July 21, The Examiner gave me the opportunity to meet with Texas Education Agency Commissioner of Education Michael Williams alongside various local media outlets. After receiving our clearance to visit with him, we were ushered to the fifth floor of the Edison Plaza building. Moments later, Commissioner Williams entered the room, joined us at the table where we were seated, and greeted us.

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TEA releases figures on BISD telephone town hall

In a press release, Texas Education Agency Director of Communications Gene Acuña attempted to “provide some perspective” regarding the tele-town hall meeting Thursday, April 10, April 10. The stated goal of the telephone-based town hall was to hear specifically from community members about issues surrounding the Beaumont Independent School District.

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TEA to host Beaumont ISD tele-town hall April 10

AUSTIN – The Texas Education Agency announced today that Commissioner of Education Michael Williams will host a tele-town hall on Thursday, April 10, to hear specifically from community members about issues surrounding the Beaumont Independent School District.

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UPDATE: BREAKING NEWS: TEA recommends BISD takeover

TEA Commissioner Michael Williams (studiosuzelle.blogspot.com photo)

UPDATE: Jefferson County District Attorney Cory Crenshaw responds to the TEA announcement of a takeover recommendation.

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School districts face new accountability system for 2013

Michael Williams

Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams announced Wednesday, April 24, that the agency will be transitioning the way it rates school district accountability. According to Williams’ statement, the new 2013 state accountability system for school districts, campuses and charters in Texas will be based on four components, giving parents and taxpayers a more comprehensive overview of school district accountability. The first ratings under this system will be issued by the Texas Education Agency on Aug. 8. 

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