August's Letter from the Editor
As temperatures rise during the summer months, ourbrcollective attention invariably turns to water — our most important naturalbrresource. As we’ve have gradually settledbrin to the tenets of restricted water usage this time of year, we are becomingbrmore aware of the fact that irrigation accounts for as much as 60 percent ofbrour summertime water demand. Yet as we do our best to preserve and cultivatebrour lawns, it’s important to know that the Carroll Independent School Districtbris also facing a decline of another precious resource — experienced educators.As temperatures rise during the summer months, ourbrcollective attention invariably turns to water — our most important naturalbrresource. As we’ve have gradually settledbrin to the tenets of restricted water usage this time of year, we are becomingbrmore aware of the fact that irrigation accounts for as much as 60 percent ofbrour summertime water demand. Yet as we do our best to preserve and cultivatebrour lawns, it’s important to know that the Carroll Independent School Districtbris also facing a decline of another precious resource — experienced educators.
This past May, the school district joyfully recognized thebrretirement of 31 teachers. Asbrpersonalized sheet cakes rolled in and praises were extolled, out went morebrthan 700 years of collective educational experience. As with any organization,brthe loss of so much experience will take some time to overcome.
Notably, 33 of those years belonged to Patty Willingham —brthe 2012–2013 K-6 Teacher of the Year. Selected by district parents, coworkersbrand school-board trustees, Patty and her career-long dedication to the childrenbrand families of Southlake were honored at the district's year-end ceremony.
From chalkboards to Promethean Activboards, over the coursebrof three decades, Mrs. Willingham excelled at three different Dragon elementarybrcampuses teaching grade levels from second to eighth. Along the way, she passedbron the joy of learning to thousands of students.
Although highly competitive, CISD's salaries rank somewherebrin the middle of the pack according to the United Educators Association'sbrannual Comparison of Teacher Salaries
for 2012-2013 (listed atbrUEATexas.com). As we begin a new school year, it is encouraging to know thebrschool board has unanimously accepted a three percent pay raise for all CISDbremployees. The bump in salary can only help attract and retain more experiencedbrteachers like Patty Willingham in the future.
Yours in Southlake Style...
Mike Tesoriero