CONSIDER THIS: Miller Jordan’s time has come

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

Michael Rodriguez

Michael Rodriguez

It’s been nearly a year since I issued a challenge to the San Benito CISD Board of Trustees, then-Interim Superintendent Alfonso Obregón and Miller Jordan Middle School Principal Mary Alice Leal to turn the oft-troubled campus around. Plaguing Miller Jordan at that time was yet another principal reassignment, the seventh of such occurrences in six years, and a recent history that included a teacher being arrested on campus, students that faced state jail felony charges for pulling a fire alarm as a prank, and substandard scores that many felt marred the name of what was once San Benito’s premier middle school.

These unfortunate occurrences were detailed in an August 2013 column that filled this very space where said challenge was issued. To fail meant that the officials I mentioned would be required to write a guest column explaining their failure.

The test results of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) have indicated that while Miller Jordan has not yet achieved its primary goal of producing exemplary scores, it has made progress in all but two subjects.

To be specific, Miller Jordan scored a 69 in Reading in 2014, up from a 65 in 2013; a 68 in Math, up from a 63; a 58 in Writing, down from a 63; a 65 in Science, up from a 58; and a 40 in Social Studies, down from a 42.

And, for the first time in eight years, Miller Jordan will have the same principal in place for more than a single school year.

Also, there were no teachers arrested on campus or students that faced jail time as a result of any on campus shenanigans – at least to our knowledge.

As I said last year, oh how times have changed.

What I’m left with is a bit of a dilemma, however. You see, while Miller Jordan’s STAAR scores show improvement, granted, regressing in the subjects of Writing and Social Studies (which were once my favorite subjects… but enough about me) continues to leave me concerned about the overall academic integrity of the campus. Then again, I must take into account that it’s only been one year… one very tumultuous year for all SBCISD campuses.

If it were up to me, I might have made the same decision about leaving Principal Leal in place; scores did, after all, improve and who better to continue those improvements than the person who led the charge. Still, there is much that needs to be done in order to address the areas of failure. And at the risk of sounding cliché, failure should never be an option. I wholeheartedly believe that the Miller Jordan educators who cried out to their Board members for stability earlier this year feel the same way.

Considering as much, I must say that I’m far more confident of Miller Jordan’s progress than I was almost a year ago, which pleases me being a former student of a once proud Cougar collective. But whether the campus has shown significant gains is not a matter for me to decide as it pertains to the challenge. It’s up to the public. If you remember, the challenge I issued was to be decided by an online poll at sbnewspaper.com, and I intend on keeping my word.

Let’s make this simple, folks. Vote “Yes” if you believe Miller Jordan is on the road to recovery. Vote “No” if you believe it’s on the path to ruin. We already know what’s at stake: about 700 words or so from the aforementioned district officials on why they failed Miller Jordan and how they plan to fix it. Or perhaps I’ll assign this task to a single SBCISD representative.

I very well can’t hold Limón to such a task since he was on suspension the entire year, and Obregón is no longer responsible for the district. Not to mention that current Board President Arnold Padilla has only served in said capacity for several weeks’ time.

So let it be Leal. I’ve met with her and have the utmost confidence that she’s a professional who can bear the brunt of this burden should it in fact come to pass.

In the interest of fairness, and if the online voting public voices a resounding “Yes” in favor of Miller Jordan, I promise to conduct some service (to be decided at a later time) for the campus. But let it be known that I absolutely will not stand on any street corners with a sign in hand.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2014/06/27/miller-jordans-time-has-come/

46 comments

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    • For shame on July 2, 2014 at 6:49 pm
    • Reply

    This is the negativity that has plagued MJMS, and prevents any progress. For those that are saying that administration has used school time for their own devices should really take a step back and take a hard look at themselves. They defenitly used class time for their own destructive devices. Do not blame others for your mediocrity and be accountable for your actions.

    • LB on July 2, 2014 at 9:13 am
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    Well when students are passing state mandated test…I have to say it does fall back on the teachers.. teachers that apparently are not teaching materials that the students need to pass and then it falls on a administration for not hiring proper teachers . And of course students have to be motivated for these tests. So I guess the whole district needs to pull their heads out and start doing the job they are paid to do. And hire certified teachers

      • Hernandez on July 2, 2014 at 1:28 pm
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      I agree there are some students that are nervous or not motivated for the state tests. There’s pressure on everyone and that can throw everybody off. I think mrs. leal deserves another year to continue making progress, the only thing I see that is the problem are the teachers. Just go to work, do what your boss asks, and stop complaining.

    • Sadly, but true on July 1, 2014 at 4:23 pm
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    In my opinion, the poll will bear no merit given that majority of those votes more
    Than likely came from all the computers at Miller. They could have used 300 of those ipads. They have
    Over1000. Just saying.

    • Roy on July 1, 2014 at 4:04 pm
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    Whats it to you david what ex student’s name is? Why havent you asked the others what they’re name is? Is it because you are one of they’re relatives? Surely there is more than one person not using theyre name, and everyone is entitled to their opinion.

    • David on July 1, 2014 at 1:14 pm
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    Who is this ex student? And why has he/she not stated her name? Could it be a son or daughter? It seems to fishy and not until that person had worked for someone like Mrs. Leal will she have any concrete voice. Other than that she is speaking nonsense and you tell my her immature comments….surely a relative is writing!

    • ex-student on July 1, 2014 at 12:00 pm
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    Last time i checked it was the teachers that went to the media making Miller Jordan look like a circus, so blame those clowns for causing this. I blame YOU the TEACHERS for bringing a bad light to Miller Jordan!

      • The Negotiator on July 1, 2014 at 3:51 pm
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      EX STUDENT I going to give you some advice grow up. I guess your parents never taught you good manners,because by the way you write it seems very immature and disrespectful. My guess is you are the son of Ms. Leal or a very close relative. If you want to come to her rescue write something positive about her instead. When you can come up with something positive that she has done for parents,teachers, and maybe you write about it. Everything that has come out of your writing is nothing, but negativity so you have to ask yourself the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Don’t blame teachers for everything going on in that campus remember it starts at the top,and runs down hill if you can read between the lines. This person you speak very highly about, is also a teacher the difference she is in charge. I guess she falls under the same category. When you have facts not just hearsay let us know, instead of just running your mouth without a clue. The only question I’m going to ask you is, If you want to make a difference get your behind over there, and make a difference? I’ll be waiting for your immature response.

        • ex-student on July 1, 2014 at 7:09 pm
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        Why you mad? Lol… just about everybody is talking negative on the comments, and youre calling me out?… I didn’t even read the whole story you wrote because its just a waste of time. You should just take your own advice and grow up. This story is old already, Im done talking to ignorant people like you.. please don’t waste time writting back it just shows how immature YOU are!

          • The Negotiator on July 2, 2014 at 3:50 pm
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          MY POINT PROVEN.

    • Patty P on July 1, 2014 at 7:29 am
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    Who created all the drama for Miller Jordan? Who shifted the focus from instruction? Who supported teachers signing a petition during instructional time? The answer to quite simple, Mrs. Leal. She has promoted this type of behavior in order to expose “the lazy, unwilling teacher” at all cost. She has bid teacher against teacher. She has supported the staff’s public comment to the board and persuaded teachers to go to the media. Mrs. Leal has made this a circus. Many administrators go in and clean house, but you’ve never seen anything like what is happening at MIller. We may want to blame teachers, but in the end if you are a “good” principal, things like this don’t happen. Mrs. Leal has brought a bad light to MIller Jordan and she has no one to blame but herself.

    • Monica Lopez on June 30, 2014 at 8:33 pm
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    My daughter attended Rangerville Elementary when Mrs. Leal was principal. I love the Rangerville community. I grew up in a nearby ranch. My hope was that my child would have the same wonderful childhood memories by attending the school which I call my alma matar. Within the first few months it was quite obvious Mrs. Leal did not have the temperament, skills or ability to be a school principal. The manner in which she treated the students and staff was in reprehensible. I enrolled my daughter in a neighboring school as not to make waves. Now I hear Mrs. Molina is awesome. Too bad for my daughter that she was not lucky enough to have Mrs. Molina as her principal. Eventually, due to an excessive amount of complaints, Mrs. Leal was reassigned. I feel the solution should have been removal from the district. But who am I? Just a helpless, concerned parent and taxpayer. At the end I blame myself for not standing up to this principal. My vote would be a firm no.

      • ex-student on July 1, 2014 at 11:56 am
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      I don’t remember anyone of my ex-classmates ever liking any principal. I think its because when your in school its all about being cool and your not cool if you like the principal.There was one principal everybody liked though, but that was because he let everybody kickback (students and staff). Well they demoted him because scores were real low and a new principal was assigned to the high school. People here just want kickbacks and a paycheck.

        • people will try anything.... on July 1, 2014 at 11:36 pm
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        ex-student are you sure you’re not the principal herself Mrs. Leal trying to defend yourself and make yourself look good. Well for one if you are her…do a better job at your JOB then writing ridiculous comments to try and save yourself. Let’s face it the truth always come out.

    • ContinuousImprovement on June 30, 2014 at 2:41 pm
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    YES. The #1 complaint by teachers across this nation is constantly changing demands on students and teachers, and while new curricula and testing and reporting and, and, and, … is a part of that picture, a revolving door of superintendents and administrators is a big part of the problem, too, and it’s the one variable within the school district’s control, mostly, to address. With massive changes brought in with every new administrator, nobody has the chance to take last year’s successes and failures, evaluate them, and improve. I’ve met Mrs. Leal, her instructional dean, and her AP, and am extremely impressed by all three. If they have secret agendas beyond doing what they believe is best for MJMS’s students, then all three should get Academy Awards for their flawless act. I think the greater probability is that they really do care, that they really are making progress, and that they are facing some very difficult, entrenched challenges. I wish all of MJMS’s administrators and teachers wisdom and strength as they do the hard work — sometimes making mistakes, to be sure — to turn the ship around in the direction of student achievement.

    • MJ Teacher on June 30, 2014 at 1:14 pm
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    Great job Mike! Unfortunately Screech Mrs. Leal isn’t going to get “Saved By The Bell”

    • Screech on June 30, 2014 at 12:16 pm
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    Mike, stop writing about Miller Jordan. No good ever comes from it. People(teachers especially) just use the articles as a way to vent about their frustrations and bicker back and forth, it’s just sad. Miller is never in the paper for anything good. BC and Riverside probably just sit back and enjoy the show, popcorn in hand. I feel as if Miller Jordan is a family with problems that everyone in the public knows about but really shouldn’t. Leal is the mother and the faculty is the dad in the middle of a bitter divorce publicly bashing each other, airing out their dirty laundry while the students are the children wedged in the middle, helpless and neglected. So please put an end to the fuel that helps already fuel a fire that is the novella, soap opera, reality show known as Miller Jordan. Don’t get me wrong, this is in no way your fault Mike, this has been going on for a while, I just feel like it’s gotten to be like TMZ. Leave Miller to their own devices, it’s sad enough as it is.

    • Javier Fernandez on June 30, 2014 at 11:52 am
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    I wish Miller Jordan the best. Unfortunately, Mrs. Leal is not the best choice to lead this school, or any school for that matter. I am a former parent and witnessed first hand the unprofessionalism Mrs. Leal exhibits. While I may not hold a masters level degree or am I proficient in the area of providing a quality education for students, I do know one thing; deceit is not a trait a school principal should possess. Mrs. Leal will say what you want to hear and do what is ethically repulsive. Good luck to the students and staff at Miller Jordan. My vote is NO; due to leadership or lack of.

      • Concerned citizen on July 1, 2014 at 11:28 pm
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      Well said…what I want to know is why in the world would administration allow this woman to become principal and stay principal at all these different campuses with so many grievances that have been done against her, and why hasn’t anything been done to her. SBCISD employees are at will employees, so why not get rid of her and get someone who is more qualified in all aspects (i.e. education, customer service, administration) Why is it ok for her to use sbcisd equipment for her own personal agendas (i.e. flyer written and distributed in teachers boxes by sbcisd personnel on the clock). Why is it that SHE and HER other administrators not to mention HER and THEIR (favorites) secretaries and clerical staff have given herself and them a huge stipend using the T.T.I.P.S. money that belong to the students, teachers, and T.T.I.P.S. staff. This lady is evil pure evil…not only to her staff but to the parents and students (oh wait not students she was never available to take care of them or would just leave them because she had to go). This isn’t about a coffee pot that the teachers and staff are upset about its about the fact that nobody under any circumstances deserves to be treated like a piece of nothing. What gives her the right to treat people the way she does. Oh yeah the people who won’t get rid of her. This isn’t about academics either or the scores because come on the scores didn’t go up by much. A true leader has scores go up substantially from such a low performing school. And the lady that was there before Leal well she was no better…Mary Alice Martinez was moved why. Funds that couldn’t be accounted correctly for, grievances that were done on her also. A true leader boosts morale not makes it worse. Some people choose to be just teachers and not administrators. Everybody always says that teachers are there just for the paycheck. If that were the case they wouldn’t put up with all the B.S. they have to deal with from administrators, school board, superintendents, parents, and students. Why doesn’t anyone ever say that administrators are only in it for the paycheck especially the ones that don’t get anything done. Something needs to be done for our children not for personal gain, money, or revenge because what are we as adults teaching the children of the future for the future.

    • Miller Teacher on June 29, 2014 at 8:52 pm
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    YES!
    First and foremost yes Miller is on the road to recovery. But beyond that and beyond any politics in the school are the politics of the question being asked here. A miracle is expected of Miller’s children, Miller’s families, and Miller’s staff. With enough time, enough support, and enough STABILITY, that miracle will be achieved. However every time that the community refuses to show even a modicum of confidence or give change the least chance, that miracle gets pushed further down the line. What our children need isn’t constant upheaval or a litany of questions about whether they or their school can succeed. What our children need is to be shown that they have the capability and so does Miller. This article is noble in intention, but misguided in all else because it will only reinforce the tragic notions so many of our children carry. Please I beg the community, stop breaking down Miller’s pride and come with a smile to help us build it.

    • Faithful Educator on June 29, 2014 at 5:12 pm
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    I stand behind what Sadly But True has to say. I teach at Miller Jordan and what I’ve seen and experienced is a principal that wants to be a dictator. I for one will not defend Mrs. Leal for the simple reason that what she portrays to the administration is not who she really is. Mrs. Leal does not put children first, instead she is more pre-occupied with what teachers’ personal conversations are about. Mrs. Leal should take classes in etiquette so she can learn what it is to be a professional. As a leader, one needs to know how to make parents and teachers feel welcomed on campus, so the environment on campus can be a positive one. Remember, positive thinking can be contagious, and it all starts with a positive thinking leader. I truly believe in teaching our children to do the best of their ability, and also instill good morals. Yes, it’s true a principals job is to run a good campus, and discipline teachers as well as students, when needed. I for one have witnessed what happens if a teacher doesn’t agree with what Mrs. Leal thinks is correct; what she does is target those teachers by giving them negative evaluations, and putting them on TINA’s {A teacher in need of assistance}. It is always a negative attitude, instead of trying to help these teachers. It’s sad to say, MJMS has lost several great teachers. The teachers that have left had great scores in the subjects they taught, and in no way were they lazy, or troublemakers. Some of you readers might see things differently, but the facts are facts. On a final note, if I haven’t left MJMS, it’s because I believe in our students and will not let them down.

    • Focus on June 29, 2014 at 3:16 pm
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    There are too many teachers that have lost focus on what’s important, the students, and are only there to collect a check with minimal work. The focus of any educator is how to improve students’ learning by the use of technology and unconventional strategies that will get these students interested in the subject at hand. Which takes hard work and dedication. Yet, these individuals are reluctant to jump into the 21st century and explore the innovative ways students are learning in today’s world. Many becoming stagnant in their way of teaching. Mrs. Leal has worked on making teachers accountable for the lack of academic achievement in their classroom and that didn’t fair we’ll with some teachers.
    Is Miller Jordan is suppose to be? No , but there is improvement in the right direction. I am confident that Mrs. Leal and the rest of administration will get M.J back on top.

    • ex-student on June 29, 2014 at 12:25 pm
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    Guys quit hating she did good, you’re just mad because you can’t have it your way. You teachers complain to much. Too much complaining and not enough learning going on with you teachers. The scores probably couldve been higher but you teachers complain more than you teach. If you think you got what it takes then put your name out there, I guarentee, you won’t make much a difference in one year.

    • janej on June 29, 2014 at 12:15 pm
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    Ex-Student are you sure you are not the Dean from Miller Jordan? The Dean from MJMS likes to write letters of support for her BOSS and for teachers fabricating lies about other teachers under false pretense that it’s not her. If all those teachers that left were lazy and full of drama why did they settle their grievances in their favor? You see ex-student (???) the fact of the matter is you don’t know or want to accept the truth. Ask those teachers that left I’m sure they have documentation to proof you wrong. The entire Free World knows about Mrs. Leal and her unethical, unprofessional ways and her ONCE political cloud. Patience is a VIRTUE and things are slowly happening. First her nephew Villalobos and ex board member DE La Fuente are no longer able to help her. June Aguilera was not re-elected, so lets see who will help her now. The Dean will try since she can not give her scores but again they are all there to conspire and make things happen for them. Mrs. Leal has been out like 35 days on conferences she signs up herself to go. The Dean works super hard for FUEL up to Play 60 and does a wonderful hoop-la and all. If she worked that hard on curriculum and instruction the scores would certainly be up!!!! She was Science Dean and never picked up the scores then brought back to be Dean of all subjects and all the scores plunged even lower last year. This year they gained a few but believe me it’s the teachers not the administration or the DEAN. The Dean writes letter during instructional time, and gets substitutes to cover classes so her leadership team can make copies and distribute to teachers to sign interrupting classes. All this she did after 15 teachers went to express concerns on the Principal. Dots her “i’ and crosses her”t”‘s yes she does; to make sure her and the Dean get paid extra earnings for coming in on Saturdays to work on things that should have been done during the week.(but there’s money with the TTIPS grant so why not pay ourselves we deserve it for gaining a few points in two subjects but overall the scores are not where they need to be.) Ex-student if that’s who you are go back to Miller and get well informed before you disrespect teachers by calling them lazy. It’s obvious you flunked Charcter Lessons in school by your hard-working teachers!!!! Lesson #1 Respect Adults!!!!

      • ex-student on June 30, 2014 at 5:13 pm
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      I’m sure I’m not the dean, keep guessing fool. You want respect, you gotta earn it. Its obvious you spend more time wondering what mrs. Leal is doing than teaching the students. I’m not direspecting teachers, I’m just not going to respect a lazy person who thinks they can teach.

        • janej on June 30, 2014 at 6:02 pm
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        Respect if the last thing I would expect from someone who defends Mrs. Leal. I’m ending it with this:
        SOME PEOPLE MAY FOOL YOU FOR THE MOMENT,BUT BE PATIENT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. A PERSON’S TRUE COLORS WILL ALWAYS SHOW IN TIME.

          • ex-student on July 1, 2014 at 11:43 am
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          ” SOME PEOPLE MAY FOOL YOU FOR THE MOMENT,BUT BE PATIENT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. A PERSON’S TRUE COLORS WILL ALWAYS SHOW IN TIME.” – That goes for everybody not just the people you want to bash over the internet.

    • Teacher on June 29, 2014 at 10:20 am
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    I couldn’t agree more with your post Sadly but true! Don’t forget about the dean! She’s another one that should be let go!

    • parent2 on June 29, 2014 at 10:14 am
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    Come on, Mrs. Leal give them back their darn coffee pot in the Fall .. Maybe if they drink coffee they’ll(lazy teachers) have energy , to teach!.. lol

  1. It’s unfortunate but Ms.Leal will never be touched as long as Limon is our Super. She has the green light along with Sandra Tumberlinson to conduct themselves anyway they want without any repercussions! Mr.Limon is a fault for this whole mess so thank you super and the board members that continue to protect this bullies!!! Our school district is a total joke!!!

    • Grandchildren on June 29, 2014 at 9:58 am
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    The SAD part of all of this is that where were the District Administrators this past year? If we are to believe it was “this bad” in the Fall of 2013, where was Ms. Sanchez and the interim superintendent? I can understand why the interim was shy about getting involved especially since he was only hired while those 4 board members plus 1 came up with “stuff” against Mr. Limon. Why didn’t Ms. Sanchez get involved? Pride, in getting involved as it was/is her job, should have made her go to that campus and more than once. Maybe she did; however, if she did, it wasn’t effective. For those teachers to speak in open session at a board meeting means they had had it. Plain and simple.
    I worry about my grandchildren going to this campus in a two months. Does the principal even want to be there? I respect the superintendent in not moving her but I also don’t want my grandchildren to suffer through a bad middle school time. This is a critical time in their developmental process. Teachers and all staff are a reflection of the principal. As a former kindergarten teacher, I know this for a fact.
    I do not want to say this but if a board member’s child or relative went to Miller Jordan, I have a feeling this mess would not have happened. I will be keeping a close eye on Miller Jordan Middle School. My grandchildren deserve the best education we can provide at SBCISD and if it is not happening, I will hold the principal and her staff accountable. That is the world from which I taught in during my time at San Benito.
    Good luck Miller Jordan. The Eyes of SB are upon you for sure.

    • Sadly, but true on June 29, 2014 at 8:58 am
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    I suggest not to take Ms. Leal’s words as fact. There is plenty of documentation to back up how administration has failed teachers, staff and students. Take a look at all the grievances (more than a dozen). Morale was low. Ms. Leal started on the wrong foot lowering school morale by locking the coffee pot and only taking it out after there was a letter to the editor back in November. She plunged morale to its lowest after that. Take a look at how many teachers and staff left this year. Two of them walked out. Take a look at how many teachers and staff have requested a transfer after knowing that Ms. Leal is staying.
    Ms. Leal divided that house. She Used teachers against teachers making up lies with the intention of getting rid of them.
    So sad that fairness and equality was never there. Only selected few were left alone.
    Back to the challenge. Miller Jordan deserves better and better is not this administration. Miller Jordan does not deserve an assistant principal who exhibits no professionalism. How professional is it that this person howls through hallways and laughs at parents. By the way check on certification status. The majority of teachers, students, parents, and staff would agree that this administration receives an “F” in the grade book.

    If you like to be harassed, bullied and intimidated come work for this admin.

      • ex-student on June 29, 2014 at 12:30 pm
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      Wow your upset over a coffee pot ha ha. That’s it? You were probably one of those teachers spending more time in the break room than the classroom, and you say students come first?

      • Focus on June 29, 2014 at 3:39 pm
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      You are focusing on the wrong thing … Coffee pots being put away , really ? That’s your main concern ? How low should moral get over a coffee pot? Get over it! Mrs. Leal did a lot to lift morale , those that didn’t participate in the luncheons or accept tokens of appreciation were people upset about having to make the positive changes needed to improve student achievement. As for the two that walked out , all I can say the cloud of negativity that blanketed that school began to lift soon after their departure. As for administration those howls were of motivation and encouragement, in my opinion it showed their enthusiasm and willingness to help students and staff succeed.

    • Enlightened on June 29, 2014 at 2:05 am
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    First of all, I can see why some would say that Miller Jordan is on the road to recovery. They did post some gains in some subjects. Not large ones but they nonetheless, they were gains. This would seem to show that at least they are on the right track. I, however, don’t believe that they are on the road to recovery because even though there were gains, they are still well below the state average across the board. And since they are below the state average now, where will they be next year when the passing standard is increased?

    Let’s look at the math test in particular. This year, 8th grade students were asked to answer 22 out of 56 questions correctly to meet the state standard. That is only 39% correct. This is the same standard that was used last year. Last year, only 63% of Miller Jordan 8th grade students could get at least 39% of their test correct. This year, only 68% of Miller Jordan 8th graders could get at least 39% of their test correct. Not much of a gain from one year to the next.

    Now let’s jump to the upcoming school year. 8th grade students will be asked to answer 28 out of 56 questions correctly (50%) to meet the state standard. Miller Jordan 8th graders are already starting below average. How much further will they be left behind when the standard to pass increases? What about in two years when the minimum passing standard will be 36 out of 56 problems (64%)?

    While I certainly don’t want to take the wind out of the sails for Miller Jordan, the reality is that there is still a big gap that needs to be crossed to have students come up and achieve. Will stability help? I sure hope so. Mrs. Leal did get some results but If I were her, I wouldn’t expect a pat on the back for a job well done. There is lots of work to be done and she has been given another year to show that she is the right person to get the job done.

    With that said, I would like to remind everyone (administration, teachers and staff, parents), the focus should be on the students and their learning, not on politics. Remember, the right path is not necessarily the easiest path. There will be tough decisions to be made and no doubt, some of those decisions will be unpopular. But if they are made with the best interests of the students in mind, how could they be wrong?

    I wish Miller Jordan the best of luck and success in their future endeavors but as of right now, I will have to vote no….

    • Melissa on June 28, 2014 at 6:05 pm
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    I vote yes!

    • Educator on June 28, 2014 at 4:27 pm
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    Learning success and failure happens in the classroom. When will the people of San Benito begin to hold the teachers accountable? That is what Mrs. Leal is trying to do. This situation is purely politics and nothing more.

    • Got it on June 28, 2014 at 4:25 pm
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    You hit it on the nail …mrs leal is a bull and her tactics are unacceptable in today’s society. She has unethical practices that fail to accomish anything worth mentioning. Why don’t you look into how many teachers filed complaints and how many have bailed out before TEA comes in to investigate her illegal practices.

    • San Benito Resident 1 on June 28, 2014 at 12:19 pm
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    The campus politics at Miller Jordan are a joke. The improvemnt that you are recognizing is a result of an action plan put in place because of the failures by the person that “lead the charge”. There is no way that you can compromise a students learning experience because we barely improved yet still failed on massive scale. Failure is failure and there is no thin line or gray area when it comes to pass or fail. THERE IS NO SUCH ANIMAL AS ” I FAILED A LITTLE BIT”. Lets start interviewing and put real LEADERS in that position.

      • ex-student on June 28, 2014 at 3:59 pm
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      You are a joke, she improved that school her first year there. You are probably one of those lazy teachers that were complaining. You can’t have success without wanting it, those teachers who made a lot of drama clearly don’t want those students to have success. If you think you can lead put your name out there, if not then shut up and stop complaining

        • Bet A Clue on June 29, 2014 at 12:40 pm
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        Yep…..well said ex-student. Goes to show what is going at Miller based on the way you responded. A straight on attack , followed by a disparaging remark, ending with a non-forceable demand. Wow….yea…You showed us.

          • ex-student on June 30, 2014 at 5:00 pm
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          By us, did you mean you teachers? Do you want your coffee pot back is that why your mad?

          • ex-student on June 30, 2014 at 5:18 pm
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          Was I being too harsh? Hmmm….do you want me to tone it down…….yeah…..well I’m not

            • Get A Clue on July 3, 2014 at 9:47 am
            • Reply

            Sorry ex, I am no teacher. The facts stand for themselves. You obviously have a dog in the fight so you are either going to go for or against the group. And in “us” I meant the community that reads this. You just showed us how an ex-student behaves coming from Miller Jordan. I’m sure you are the only ex-student that behaves in this manner. If you want to debate….debate, If you want to argue…then stand alone arguing. Have a great day.

    • I vote on June 28, 2014 at 12:13 pm
    • Reply

    I’m voting yes! It took a lot work to bring the dead campus to a workable campus. I have got to admit that it wasn’t easy for Mrs. Leal to get to third base on this campus. Many obstacles from the “top” to the teachers reluctance to let her take the bull by its horn.
    Mrs. Leal certainly has what it takes to put the “dot” on the i and to cross all of the t’s.
    I want to congratulate her (Mrs.Leal) and and staff at MJMS for coming forward at the front of a two barrel raffle!

    Now, take it to home plate Mrs. Leal!

      • ex-student on June 28, 2014 at 4:16 pm
      • Reply

      Well said

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