Keep Eanes Informed                                                                                               

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From: S Bushart
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 10:48 AM
To: sbushart
Subject: Eanes ISD Community Update #14

March 29, 2006

Dear Eanes Friends,

 Those of us attending the Friday night home football games realize the value you in arriving early. Parking anywhere close to the stadium is a prized commodity available on a first come first served basis; unless of course you have purchased membership to the Westlake Chap Club at the "Champion Team" level for $1000.00. According to the Westlake Chap Club web page found linked to the Eanes ISD website,

" For those wishing to support the program on it's highest level, the Chap Club's "Champion Team" membership provides extra privileges and recognition for a contribution of $1,000. A Champion Team member receives premium awards such as preferred parking right next to Chaparral Stadium and prominent recognition as a top supporter of Westlake Student Athletes."*

On July 18, 2005 I submitted the following request to Eanes ISD:

Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, please allow me to view any and all documents that show or reflect  contracts, proposals, requests,  and/or agreements, between the Eanes Independent School District and the Westlake Chaps Club and/or Westlake Chaps Club Inc. related to advertising income generated by and/or associated with the reserved parking spaces on Eanes ISD property in exchange for Chaps Club membership dues between the dates July 18, 2000 and today's date. Responsive documents should include, but not be limited to:

- all written proposals submitted to the Superintendent of Eanes ISD,

- all superintendent written response to proposals,

- official minutes from board of trustee meetings,

- official record of board vote and approval of any and all associated proposals,

- district accounting and records related to any joint agreements between the Chaps Club and/or Chaps Club Inc. related to advertising income associated with the reserved parking on Eanes ISD property,

- records associated with the Superintendent's periodic reports to the Board regarding expenditures and progress on the joint project,

- records of district expenses associated with any contracts, proposals and/or agreements to include operating expenses, maintenance, insurance, and/or vandalism associated with reserved parking on Eanes ISD property,

- documents that identify the benefit related to the district's fundamental goals and mission of providing public education services to its residents in any agreement, or decision to expend its funds for or permits use of its services on behalf of individuals, private organizations, or nonprofit organizations

- all documents that show or reflect compliance with Eanes ISD Board Policy GK (LOCAL) which can be referenced at  http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/227909/pol.cfm?DisplayPage=GK(LOCAL).html  and Eanes ISD Board Policy CE (LEGAL) which can be referenced at  http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/227909/pol.cfm?DisplayPage=CE(LEGAL).html&QueryText=CE%20LEGAL 

Once again, Eanes ISD administrators directed legal counsel to file for an opinion from the Office of the Attorney General that would allow them to withhold all documents responsive to this request. Eanes ISD did not provide one single document responsive to this request.

Questions for Consideration:

    - As the stadium parking lot is public property purchased and supported with tax dollars, don't all taxpayers have a right to park in those spaces?

    - Who afforded the Westlake Chap Club the legal right/opportunity to benefit from the sale of memberships that provide reserved parking spaces on public property?

    - Does the Westlake Chap Club contribute financially to the maintenance and operations budget of our school district responsible for the upkeep of this public property?

    - If our board of trustees and/or school administration is going to allow the sale of reserved stadium parking spaces for football competitions, should the revenue be deposited in the district's general fund         benefiting  the entire school population as opposed to the Westlake Chap Club benefiting only athletics?

    - How much revenue did the Westlake Chap Club receive from the sale of "Champion  Team" memberships providing these reserved parking spaces?

    - Why did Eanes ISD expend taxpayer funds on legal expenses associated with their efforts to withhold this information from public disclosure?

Wishing all the best for our students, our parents, our teachers and our taxpayers,

Susan Bushart

Questions relating to radio broadcasting agreements, contracts, and advertising revenue can be directed to:

Susan Pulis, Assistant Superintendent Business Affairs   spulis@eanes.k12.tx.us 

Nola Wellman Superintendent  nwellman@eanes.k12.tx.us

EISD Board of Trustees   trustees@eanes.k12.tx.us

Westlake Chap Club Board of Directors (Co-Presidents) Liz Ann and Bill Orr  sharyorr@yahoo.com; billorr@orrholdings.com

Westlake Chap Club Board of Directors  (Advertising) Judith Cabaza-Perez and Romeo Perez  Jperez@eanes.k12.tx.us; rojuperez@aol.com

____________________________________________________

* See attachment Champion Team

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