What news in Education and our kids we have in El Paso Texas this week. National education experts visited Socorro Independent School District campuses Wednesday to decide whether the district should be considered the country's best at teaching children.
Socorro is one of five finalists for the $2 million Broad Prize for Urban Education, which is equivalent to the Academy Award for school districts that show the greatest improvement in student achievement.
To receive the prize, districts must also demonstrate that they have reduced the achievement gaps between poor minority children and their affluent Anglo counterparts.
A winner will be announced by U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Sept. 16 in Washington, D.C., and will receive $1 million in scholarships for high-school seniors who will graduate in 2010.
The other four finalists will receive $250,000 each in scholarships, which means Socorro is guaranteed that amount.
"Everyone is passionate and enthusiastic, but what this shows most is that we have established processes and strategies that will guarantee student success in the long-term, even if one of us leaves," said Pat O'Neill, the district's assistant superintendent for administrative services.
Education leaders have already looked at data that include scores from state standardized tests, performance on the SAT and ACT college entrance exams, and graduation rates.
Thursday, they will continue to examine operations, planning and instructional strategies in the district.
Two things stood out about Socorro during the trip -- high expectations for students and programs to help at-risk children.
So many districts claim they do these things, but we can see that this is really the case at Socorro, This is a district that has had such high levels of growth and could have easily collapsed like others with such increases in student population, but instead focused on academic rigor."
Socorro surpassed the state average at increasing the percentage of students who were proficient in math and reading between 2005 and 2008, according to the Broad Foundation.
The district also narrowed the achievement gaps in reading and math between poor students and more-affluent students. In 2008, Socorro outperformed other districts in Texas that have students in similar income levels in the two subjects.
Win or lose, the district will have access to scholarships from the foundation, which will be available to students who demonstrate academic improvement and show financial need.
I got my notice in the mail and the value only went up a few dollars. Great!!
My assistant got hers and her value is easily $30,000 more than anyone could sell it for. We must protest.
An acquaintance got theirs and it is easily $50,000 less than it would sell for. They smiled and left the conversation.
I hear from others theirs went up measurably. CAD (Central Appraisal District) advises they only upped the values about 2% overall.
My thoughts you ask? Property Values have decreased more than 2%. Taxpayers have a very limited window to request a protest. Must be filed by June 1 or 30 days from the receipt of the notice. Question we should all ask, can I sell my house for what CAD has it valued at?
Not sure, call your favorite REALTOR and ask for a CMA. Check out www.PropertyTaxesInElPaso.com
I was just reading the reviews of Mayor Cooks state of the city address. So some are to think the address was timed to benefit his reelection. While this blog is not supporting any mayoral candidate, I am wondering if the Central Appraisal District’s mailing of the Notices of appraised value are also late to benefit the election. Will we not get the overdue and long awaited for envelopes until after the election? Surely not. I have not heard anyone addressing the state of property taxes as they are. Plans are not to increase taxes but will be see significant increases in values. I think a lot of us are waiting.
Howdy all!
Spring has sprung, dust bowl is alive, buds and blooms are sprouting and to be noted this month is Easter, April 15 Income Tax Deadline and Central Appraisal Distruct mails out the 2009 PROPERTY TAX Valuations are due any minute.Will your valuation be higher or lower. Don't laugh! New website, blog and twitter just about Property Taxes in El Paso... www.PropertyTaxesInElPaso.com So drop on by the site, post your comments, tell everyone why we need taxes (and we do),your ideas for improvement if any and learn about filing protests, contacting elected officials that influence your taxes and share with your neigthbors and coworkers becuase in El Paso we are one great community together.
Deal of 2009
• 2,128 sq. ft., 2 bath, 5 bdrm manufactured home "GALAXY" - 
MLS® $50,000 - DEAL OF 2009 DOUBLE WIDE
MCCRACKEN, Military Heights - Deal of 2009! Come and check this out double wide trailer sitting on 1/2 acre. Yes and fenced! 5 large bedrooms 2 full baths. master bath has jetted tub and a shower, laundry room, two family rooms, formal dining, walk-in closets,. All this surrounded in mature large pine trees. a must see for the price......foreclosure and sold as is. Financing possible.
Property information
• single story
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$800
- experience is priceless
Hacienda Del Norte, El Paso
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Howdy, this records 2 hours of what a Real Estate Broker does on Friday March 13 2009. A brand new grey and white paint miniature donkey. We have named him LUCKY. Little guy weighs 25 pounds and is full of life and energy. He will weigh about 200 pounds at maturity. Right now you can pick him up and my husband will not allow me to take him into the house. The thought is tempting and can you just imagine if I drove him around with me in my car while out showing and listing houses. We all would have fun!
So to all, wishes for luck and blessing beyond your imagination in 2009 and every year and should you need a REALTOR that knows no boundaries and is up for just anything, give me a call. I will introduce you to Lucky! He will like you!!
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• single story - $800 - experiene is priceless
Hacienda Del Norte, El Paso - Born on date, March 13 2009 goes by the name Lucky. Okay this is not a real estate for sale but sinere wishes that you enjoy the pics and" tour as much as we did the moment. Let me know if you want more updates on "Lucky"
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Hacienda Del Norte, El Paso
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Announcing a price reduction
on EPHomeSearch Real Estate Farm, a single story. Now
$800
- experiene is priceless.
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Wonderful Price and location
• 1,565 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story - MLS® $120,000 - Like new, 4 bdrm+loft
Paseos Del Este, Horizon City - This PREFORECLOSURE can be the best deal you will come across this year. Four bedrooms, with the master down. AND a loft too! Two and one half baths. Fireplace in formal living room. All appliances included in kitchen. High high ceilings. Brand new elementary school 1.5 blocks away. Minutes to loop 375 or I-10. Yes you need to see this one today.
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Paseos Del Este, Horizon City
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Announcing a price reduction
on 729 Paseo Sereno, a 1,565 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story. Now
MLS®
$120,000
- Like new, 4 bdrm+loft.
Property information
• 2,734 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story - MLS® $239,900
Park Foothills, El Paso - Great Park Foothills home. Yes one of the desired addresses! Single story, corner lot all rooms oversized. Upgraded and loved. 4 bedrooms (two master suites), 3 baths, 2 fireplaces. New roof, new kitchen, new water softener. new bathrooms (largest huge Master has jetted tub AND a wonderful Sauna). Water softener, Wonderfully landscaped with a backyard that says come on kids let’s play or to the adults lets enjoy the sunsets with views of mountains and the wild yonder. 4 minutes to Beaumont Hospital, US 54 down the road as well as Ft Bliss, Community College, and more. Make this wonderful home your today.
So some words and phrases that may be on interest to you
4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 master bedrooms, updated, granite counter tops, electric stove, corner lot, view of mountain, up on the mountain, 2 fireplaces, all rooms extra large, landscaped, grass, fenced backyard, garage door with openers, water softner, single story, Gator Fan, jacuzzi tub, sauna, close to beaumont hospital, close to ft bliss
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Tierra Del Este, El Paso - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 3041 TIERRA AGAVE on March 1 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
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Tierra Del Este, El Paso - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 3065 Tierra Fresno on March 1 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
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• 1,889 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story - MLS® $158,000 - The Price Is Right!
Hill Point Estates, El Paso - Charm and Charisma here!! Elegant flowing two story floor plan with that dramatic staircase waiting for those memorable pictures. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on the eastside snuggled in a private neighborhood that is minutes to Loop 375, Ft. Bliss, Hospitals, Shopping, Great Schools and more. This large corner lot has been professionally landscaped, front back and sides and says entertain entertain. Words mean nothing; you just have to see this one today.
Property information
• 1,889 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story - $158,000 - The Price Is Right!
Hill Point Estates, El Paso - Charm and Charisma here!! Elegant flowing two story floor plan with that dramatic staircase waiting for those memorable pictures. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on the eastside snuggled in a private neighborhood that is minutes to Loop 375, Ft. Bliss, Hospitals, Shopping, Great Schools and more. This large corner lot has been professionally landscaped, front back and sides and says entertain entertain. Words mean nothing; you just have to see this one today.
Property information