Improving communications using LISD's website

For 2007 the School Board should take the opportunity, through its superintendent, to increase communications with the community.

There are a number of issues to consider, but now that the district's website has been functioning since September, accomplishing that goal is reasonable.

There has been some discussion on this. With the 2nd half of the school year underway, now is a good time to implement additional reporting of the District's goals and projects.

The Hood County News does an outstanding job following Indian athletic activities. More times than not, the coaches take responsibility for calling in the information. The News isn't staffed to cover Lipan's ongoing governmental activities, either city or school.

I know from past experience, rarely do interested citizens attend these kinds of meetings. Unless you have a concern to voice, meetings tend to be routine and without refreshments!

By statute, the Texas Open Meetings Act makes all kinds of records available for post review - upon written request. But that's not convenient, it's inefficient, and usually is unnecessarily perceived as adversarial.

Many school districts now provide current and archived agendas and minutes on their websites. I notice some superintendents post recaps of Board actions. Some are providing quarterly status reports of district accomplishments, student acheivements, construction projects, etc.

Larger schools hire a webmaster to control the unending possibilities of the website. With Lipan's current budget constraints, the school needs to carefully tailor its website to the basics.

Having your community as informed as possible is never wasted effort. Because of the important tasks ahead for the Lipan ISD, educating your citizen stakeholders pays dividends. LipanIndians.net presents an excellent opportunity.