Post by Tim Collins on Apr 17, 2009 6:32:59 GMT -7
EPISD hires morale booster
Ex-radio host, principal Strelzin to help struggling schools
Zahira Torres / El Paso Times
Posted: 04/17/2009 12:00:00 AM MDT
EL PASO -- Popular former radio talk-show personality and retired Bowie High School principal Paul Strelzin was hired as a consultant four times in the past two years to boost morale at El Paso school district campuses.
Strelzin, whose show focused on general themes including politics, education and sports, was paid a total of $23,200 for working 58 days ;D to encourage student, teacher and staff morale and implement parent involvement at Austin and Bowie high schools, according to district administrators. Both campuses are facing possible state takeover for not meeting federal accountability standards for the past six years.
Strelzin, whose guests have included El Paso Independent School District administrators, said his consulting contracts did not sway his opinions on his show.
He has another $8,000 contract to perform the same duties at Ross Middle School. Strelzin is one of several consultants in the district and is paid with money from the district's general fund, at a time when administrators have tapped into the district's $55 million savings fund to pay for $6 million in technology.
"We have a strong fund balance," said Superintendent Lorenzo Garcia. He added that the reserve fund grew from $30 million three years ago to the current level.
Administrators said that board trustees approved hiring Strelzin, but that district administrators set the terms.
Garcia said that motivational speakers are part of the process to improve struggling campuses.
"We have the principals and directors there, but sometimes when you bring somebody from outside, you are able to bring a fresh perspective and facilitate things a whole lot faster," Garcia said.
School administrators said they did not document what Strelzin did at each campus. District officials said they did not require consultants to document daily work.
"Maybe there is not documentation on every one of the events, but the principals were there to make sure that the work was being done," Garcia said.
While written records of each of Strelzin's daily activities with students and staff do not exist , principals of two campuses offered some estimates Thursday.
Jesus Chavez, Bowie High School's principal, estimated that Strelzin served as a motivational speaker at about five assemblies, one faculty meeting, 15 individual meetings with teachers and counselors and four professional learning committee meetings. He also had 40 meetings with administrators and assistant principals and made 100 classroom visits, Chavez said.
Austin High Principal John Tanner estimated that Strelzin spoke at 11 motivational assemblies and pep rallies, 20 faculty meetings, and 12 individual meetings with teachers and counselors. He also made 80 classroom visits and attended 60 administrative meetings, Tanner said.
Both principals, who in the past also made appearances on Strelzin's radio show, said that the former principal inspired students and teachers in a way that district and campus staff could not.
Strelzin said he has contributed to building a stronger staff at the campuses, helped new principals get acclimated and worked with students to help them pass state standardized tests.
"Most of the principals coming into these schools don't have the experience that I have," Strelzin said. "I don't think the district has the versatility or the ability to send someone out to work with these principals every day. I think the district has a lot on its table."
Strelzin, who hosted talk shows on KROD-AM and most recently on KHRO-AM until January, said he believes that Garcia is doing a good job leading the EPISD but that his work with the district never compromised his criticism of Garcia.
"I don't think he does everything right," Strelzin said. "I'm certainly not a cheerleader for him."
Zahira Torres may be reached at ztorres@elpasotimes.com;546-6156.
El Paso Times reporter Ramon Renteria contributed to this story.
Ex-radio host, principal Strelzin to help struggling schools
Zahira Torres / El Paso Times
Posted: 04/17/2009 12:00:00 AM MDT
EL PASO -- Popular former radio talk-show personality and retired Bowie High School principal Paul Strelzin was hired as a consultant four times in the past two years to boost morale at El Paso school district campuses.
Strelzin, whose show focused on general themes including politics, education and sports, was paid a total of $23,200 for working 58 days ;D to encourage student, teacher and staff morale and implement parent involvement at Austin and Bowie high schools, according to district administrators. Both campuses are facing possible state takeover for not meeting federal accountability standards for the past six years.
Strelzin, whose guests have included El Paso Independent School District administrators, said his consulting contracts did not sway his opinions on his show.
He has another $8,000 contract to perform the same duties at Ross Middle School. Strelzin is one of several consultants in the district and is paid with money from the district's general fund, at a time when administrators have tapped into the district's $55 million savings fund to pay for $6 million in technology.
"We have a strong fund balance," said Superintendent Lorenzo Garcia. He added that the reserve fund grew from $30 million three years ago to the current level.
Administrators said that board trustees approved hiring Strelzin, but that district administrators set the terms.
Garcia said that motivational speakers are part of the process to improve struggling campuses.
"We have the principals and directors there, but sometimes when you bring somebody from outside, you are able to bring a fresh perspective and facilitate things a whole lot faster," Garcia said.
School administrators said they did not document what Strelzin did at each campus. District officials said they did not require consultants to document daily work.
"Maybe there is not documentation on every one of the events, but the principals were there to make sure that the work was being done," Garcia said.
While written records of each of Strelzin's daily activities with students and staff do not exist , principals of two campuses offered some estimates Thursday.
Jesus Chavez, Bowie High School's principal, estimated that Strelzin served as a motivational speaker at about five assemblies, one faculty meeting, 15 individual meetings with teachers and counselors and four professional learning committee meetings. He also had 40 meetings with administrators and assistant principals and made 100 classroom visits, Chavez said.
Austin High Principal John Tanner estimated that Strelzin spoke at 11 motivational assemblies and pep rallies, 20 faculty meetings, and 12 individual meetings with teachers and counselors. He also made 80 classroom visits and attended 60 administrative meetings, Tanner said.
Both principals, who in the past also made appearances on Strelzin's radio show, said that the former principal inspired students and teachers in a way that district and campus staff could not.
Strelzin said he has contributed to building a stronger staff at the campuses, helped new principals get acclimated and worked with students to help them pass state standardized tests.
"Most of the principals coming into these schools don't have the experience that I have," Strelzin said. "I don't think the district has the versatility or the ability to send someone out to work with these principals every day. I think the district has a lot on its table."
Strelzin, who hosted talk shows on KROD-AM and most recently on KHRO-AM until January, said he believes that Garcia is doing a good job leading the EPISD but that his work with the district never compromised his criticism of Garcia.
"I don't think he does everything right," Strelzin said. "I'm certainly not a cheerleader for him."
Zahira Torres may be reached at ztorres@elpasotimes.com;546-6156.
El Paso Times reporter Ramon Renteria contributed to this story.