ww www.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com
Phone: 281-980-6745
VOL 6 No. 38
FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
Official newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Sugar Land
iPads survive execution; Long live iPads By SESHADRI KUMAR A review of the Fort Bend ISD’s iACHIEVE project, which introduced 6,300 iPads in 14 schools last year, has resulted in negative findings. At the Sept. 9 board meeting, trustees heard a review by Gibson Consulting Group, Inc. Superintendent Charles E. Dupre, asked Gibson to prepare a report to document the history and current status of iAchieve, a brain child of his predecessor, Tim Jenney. The iAchieve program was launched in February 2012 with the initial objective of developing a software platform and a wireless network for the delivery of interactive science curricula for secondthrough eighth-grade levels at 14 FBISD schools. In the 14 months since the program began, the district expended or encumbered nearly $16 million in bond, grant, E-Rate, and general operating funds; acquired and deployed 6,300 Apple iPads; and taught science lessons to approximately 600 students in fourth, fifth and eighth grades over 60 class days. “Concerns about the program, its implementation and its cost have been raised by the Fort Bend ISD Board members and Superintendent, prompting the request for a review by Gibson Consulting Group,” according to a press release issued by the FBISD administration. The review was not positive. Gibson noted several findings in the report that will need to be explored including: unrealistic goals, poor contract management practices and poor project management. “We will follow up on those questions in a timely manner, and engage legal counsel where needed to determine
Fort Bend ISD celebrated the launch of Wave 1 of its iACHIEVE program on May 14, 2012 with a ceremony that welcomed students, teachers, district officials, and business and community supporters. Above, Colony Meadows Elementary School was among those selected for Wave 1 of the iACHIEVE program. Pictured (front row, from left) are: Christopher Roden, Elvin Yang, Irene Younan, Emma Day, Catherine Scott and Gene Dupont, principal at Colony Meadows; and (back) Melissa Bolding, assistant principal at Colony Meadows, Raghav Ram and Dr. Timothy Jenney, FBISD Superintendent. —FBISD file photo. whether any unethical or illegal activity may have taken place,” said Dupre in the statement. “As we move forward, we will develop sound plans in a transparent, collaborative manner that will be shared with the Board in a public forum to enable the District to capitalize on the investments of equipment, curriculum development and computer programming. The goal is to redeploy these resources in a manner that allows us to use them in our classrooms to support achievement,” Dupre said. Jim Rice, FBISD board president, said, “While the report from Gibson is not positive, we are confident the administration will develop future plans to redeploy these resources in a manner that allows the District to use them effectively in classrooms to best support academic achievement, as well
as addressing any questions raised by the report.” For the present, the district is encouraging campuses and classrooms with iPads to continue using the iPads and equipment to improve student learning under the oversight of the district’s Department of Digital Learning. In June 2012, the Project Sponsor resigned and was replaced by the acting Chief Academic Officer. In July, Superintendent Tim Jenney quit and was replaced by an interim superintendent. “Due to the district management changes and friction among the remaining original members of the iAchieve leadership team, progress of the iAchieve program stalled,” the report said. “Over 700 science lessons were completed in June and loaded into the platform. While several FBISD staff
Friends of Child Advocates
The FRIENDS of Child Advocates invites members of the Fort Bend Community to a Membership Coffee to be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the home of Farha Ahmed, 6 Ellicott Way in Sugar Land. “Interested parties are invited to come and learn about FRIENDS and the multiple ways we support Child Advocates in their endeavors to provide a voice for abused and neglected children. The dues paid by our members allow us to deliver special needs, goods and services for these children that other providers are unable to offer.” Coffee organizer Linda Page is excited that Farha Ahmed has volunteered her lovely home for the morning. “We always have fun at our coffees and try to offer entertainment as well as information. This year we will have a short demonstration on making Autumn Mesh Wreath with ideas for all season by Judy Maddison.” In July, due to the generosity of its members, FRIENDS was able to fill over 100 student backpacks. “This year we had an unprecedented number of requests for assistance with school supplies.” said Pat Somers, one of the school supply coordinators. “The students we serve were able to begin school with the specific school supplies required by the campuses they attend. What a great way to begin the year.” To learn more about Child Advocates of Fort Bend County, visit www.cafb.org. FRIENDS hopes that you will take a little time to have some fun and learn about their organization by attending the coffee. Stop by – and bring a friend! Above, Left to right -- front row: Lynn Halford, Gerri Brecker; Lisa Moore (CAFB), Pat Somers. Second row -- Peggy Jackson, Cathy Yasilli, Danielle Hames, Sue Hauenstein, Linda Page. Back row: Janice King and Joyce Ericsson.
members interviewed for this project expressed the opinion that the lesson quality was poor, none of those staff members were directly involved in the development of the lessons. The direction of the program was also changed in September 2012 when the curriculum directors responsible for the content were reassigned to other roles in the District. Of the original five key members of the project leadership, now only the Project Manager remained.” The FBISD former Superintendent Dr. Tim Jenney and former Chief Academic Officer Dr. Olwen Herron, both of whom played roles in the creation and development of the iAchieve program, were not available for interview. Incidentally, on Feb. 13, 2012, the board approved the purchase of iPads, 4-2. At that meeting, Trustees Jim Rice and Susan Hohnbaum voted against it. A $6 million federal grant money would have been lost if not used before September, 2012. Another $1 million from the George Foundation, initially offered for the Global Science Center, was also available. Spend that money first and do the rest later, Rice suggested at that time. The administration pushed the project so hard that the definition of a ‘pilot project’ was thrown out and the entire project was approved at once. Trustee Susan Hohnbaum then said it would be prudent to wait for the completion of the pilot project before ordering the full- scale project. Trustees Dave Rosenthal and Jenny Bailey were opposed to the iPads even before their election in May 2012. In See iPads, Page 3
Boogie 2014 M*A*S*H Bash
Fort Bend County Women’s Center and Classic Chevrolet will unveil plans for Boogie 2014. Mark your calendars now for a blast from the past party–The Classic Boogie M*A*S*H Bash is Monday, Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Classic Chevrolet Showroom at 13115 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. Activities scheduled include a fashion show, Corporal Klinger Wannabe Contest, appetizers and drinks. The Women’s Center encourages corporations or individuals who are looking to become a part of a great non-profit organization and help raise funds to help survivors of domestic violence and their children. Boogie is FBCWC largest annual fundraiser and celebrates the best of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The big event will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Stafford Center. Attendees are treated to an evening of dinner, dancing, auctions and a whole lot more! All proceeds raised from Boogie are used to provide women and children with free and confidential emergency shelter, counseling, crisis intervention, and other supportive services. To RSVP or to receive more information, call Jacki Breckon at 832-4351322 or email jbreckon@gmail.com by Monday, Oct. 21. From left, Cassie Oppman, Himesh Ghandi, Lizzie Dragon, Dorine Craig, and Title Sponsor, Don Kerstetter, Classic Chevrolet.
Bridge to link Sienna Plantation, Riverstone under construction Fort Bend’s two premier master-planned communities, Sienna Plantation and Riverstone, separated by a waterway since their inception, will be connected by year end when work crews complete a bridge over the Flat Bank Creek diversion channel. Currently under construction, the bridge will connect Sienna Springs Road in Sienna Plantation to LJ Parkway in Riverstone, thereby creating a ‘back door’ to both communities and an alternative to Highway 6. “Residents of both communities are going to enjoy this new accessibility between Sienna Plantation and Riverstone,” notes Alvin San Miguel, vice president and general manager of Sienna Plantation. The bridge also will provide another route to the Fort Bend Parkway which currently is being extended from Highway 6 to Sienna Parkway, just south of the Sienna Springs Road intersection. LJ Parkway currently ends just north of University Boulevard which was extended earlier this year to connect Highway 6 to U.S. 59. The parkway is named after Larry Johnson, founder of The Johnson Development Corp., one of Houston’s most noted master-planned community developers. Sienna Plantation and Riverstone, both of The Johnson Development Corp., are among the nation’s top-selling master-planned
Construction continues on a bridge over the Flat Bank Creek diversion channel which upon completion will connect the Fort Bend master-planned communities of Sienna Plantation and Riverstone. communities. Riverstone ranks for maps, information on build#8 and Sienna Plantation #13 in ers, amenities, schools and more. the recent mid-year 2013 report The center is open Monday – Friby Metrostudy of the nation’s top day from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; 20 master-planned communities Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. for new home sales. For more information, visit Visit the Sienna Home Finder Center, 5777 Sienna Parkway, www.siennaplantation.com.
10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor
www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745
Fort Bend Independent is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Stafford, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.