August 2006

The 2006-2007 school yearis just days away, and I am eager tobegin anew with each of you. Theback-to-school celebration promis-es to be one of the most colorfulevents we have ever had.

The summer has been a timeof planning and preparation for ourschool district. Planning is anessential part of each of our jobs.Planning allows us to have focusand vision. As the saying goes, “Ifyou fail to plan, plan to fail.”

A presentation was recentlymade to our principals about theimportance of vision. In the manu-script, “Focus your Vision,” writtenby National Geographic photogra-

pher Dewitt Jones, there are seven concepts forbuilding and sustaining a healthy vision:

1. Keep your vision focused. According to Jones, when we focus our vision, we will our purpose.

2. Stop, Look and Listen. Great visions don’t leap out to meet us. We must take timeto get a feel for the environment. We reallymust slow down to understand what is hap-pening.

3. Hold on to the best, let the rest fallaway. We must not try to accomplish every-thing but rather aim for the goals that reallymatter to us and make a difference.

4. Trust your intuition. If we learn to trustit, our intuition can reveal spectacular visions.

5. It’s not trespassing to go beyond yourown boundaries. Taking risks and expand-ing our horizons helps us turn vision intoreality, Jones says.

6. Make your vision big enough. Really bigvisions should never be focused too tightly.

7. Have passion. Energy is needed to realizeour visions.

As we enter the new school year, take amoment to reflect and ask yourself, “What is myvision?” With our most recent TEA ratings and theGovernor’s grant award to four of our school, Iknow we will accomplish great things together.

Have a great year!

Daniel Garcia, Jr., Ph.D.

Supe

rint

ende

nt’s

Mes

sage LISD is ready to score

another successful schoolyear! On Wednesday, August16, all LISD employees kickoff the year during the annualBack-to-School Celebrationat the Laredo EntertainmentCenter.

Doors to the annualGeneral Session open at 7:30a.m. for the health fair andexhibits. A variety of healthscreenings will be offeredfree of charge for LISD

employees. The programbegins promptly at 9:00 a.m.

Following the program,all LISD employees are invit-ed to stay for a tailgate partywhere a hotdoglunch will beserved.

Thekeynotespeaker will beChad Hymaswho will deliver amotivational andinspiring address.

Hymas was paralyzed follow-ing a serious accident in 2001which left him a quadriplegic.He has spoken at 160 differ-ent events traveling over

180,000 milessince then.

Parking atthe LEC is freefor all employees.

For more infor-mation, pleasecall the LISD

Office ofCommunications at

795-3293.

State accountability ratings recent-ly released by the Texas EducationAgency prove that Laredo ISD is mak-ing great strides in educating its stu-dents.

For the 2005-2006 school year,three Laredo ISD campuses receivedthe recognized rating. Last yearLaredo ISD had no recog-nized schools. Laredo ISDalso reduced thenumber of unaccept-able schools fromnine to six. The district alsoreceived a rating of academicallyacceptable. Overall, Laredo ISD stu-dents improved their test scores in theareas of reading, writing, mathematics,and science.

(continued pg.2)

SScchhoooollss hhiittttiinngg tthhee mmaarrkk,,tthhrreeee aattttaaiinn rreeccooggnniizzeedd ssttaattuuss

From left are J.J. Garcia of MacdonellElementary School, Sandra Muñoz ofKawas Elementary School and ImeldaMurillo, who was principal of HeightsElementary School last year.

Team LISD ready totackle new school year

2006 - 2007

GO TEAM GO!LISD

First day of work for campus-based personnel is Monday, August 14, 2006 at 8:00 a.m.

Finance Dept. garners honors for reporting system

Maintaining a strong sense of accountability for publicfunds, the Laredo Independent School District’s FinanceDepartment has received the Association of School BusinessOfficials (ASBO) International’s Certificate of Excellence inFinancial Reporting Program for excellence in the preparationand issuance of the Fiscal Year End 2005 school system.

Specifically, the award commends the district for provid-ing a high-quality Comprehensive Annual Financial Report(CAFR) for the Fiscal Year End 2005.

“Attaining an award such as this one adds confidence toour financial reporting system,” said superintendent of schoolsDr. Daniel Garcia, Jr. “We will continue to be highly respon-sible and accountable for our taxpayers’ dollars.”

The Certificate of Excellence in Financial ReportingProgram was designed by ASBO International to enable schoolbusiness officials to achieve a high standard of financial report-ing. The award, the highest recognition for school districtfinancial operations offered by ASBO, is only conferred toschool systems that have met or exceeded the standards of theprogram.

According to ASBO International officials, Laredo ISDvalidated the credibility of their school system’s operations,measured the integrity and technical competence of the busi-ness staff, assisted in strengthening their presentations for bondissuance statements, and provided professional recognition.

“In the wake of the budget crunch with public schoolfinance, Laredo ISD is doing its best to be fiscally sound withthe funds we currently have. These awards are evidence ofthis,” said Chief Financial Officer Jesus J. Amezcua.

For more information, contact the Finance Department atext. 3295.

Dol

lars

& S

ense

page 2Clases de Ingles como Segundo Idioma¿Le gustaría aprender Ingles en unaclase que esté diseñada especialmentepara su nivel de conocimiento?

Las clases de Ingles como Segundo Idioma para nue-stros empleados se están impartiendo empezando desdeel 28 de agosto. Nuestros empleados podrán empezar atomar las clases de Ingles como Segundo Idioma en elColegio Comunitario de Laredo (LCC). Los emplead-os que estén interesados y comprometidos en atenderlas clases de Ingles como Segundo Idioma que seránpagadas por el distrito deberán llenar una aplicación.Los empleados deberán de aplicar empezando:

jueves, 3 de agosto del 2006

• Oficina de Recursos Humanos1702 Houston9:00 a.m. a 11:00 a.m.

• Oficina de Recursos Humanos1702 Houston2:00 p.m. a 4:00 p.m.

For more information contact:Margarita B. Chavez, Human Resources Coordinator,or Jessica Rocha, Assistant Human Resources OfficerLaredo Independent School District1702 Houston St.Laredo, Texas 78040Phone: (956) 795-3201Fax: (956) 795-3205E-Mail: mchavez@laredoisd.org

ESL and GED Classes are subject to funding

SScchhoooollss hhiittttiinngg tthhee mmaarrkk,,tthhrreeee aattttaaiinn rreeccooggnniizzeedd ssttaattuuss

(continued from pg.1)

Earning the recognized rating were Heights ElementarySchool, Kawas Elementary School, and Macdonell ElementarySchool.

“We have cause for celebration because all of us are tak-ing steps in the right direction,” said Laredo ISDSuperintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Garcia. “There’s lots ofwork to be done. We know what it takes to get the job done.Our students deserve the best education we can give them.This is a work in progress, and there will be more milestones toaccomplish.”

Four other schools were close to attaining the recognizedrating. Tarver Elementary, Sanchez/Ochoa Elementary, AlmaPierce Elementary, and Lamar Middle are on target, Dr. Garciaadded.

Schools rated academically acceptable are Cigarroa andNixon High and Lamar Middle, as well as Bruni, Buenos Aires,Dovalina, Farias, D.D. Hachar, Leyendecker, Ligarde, Milton,Alma Pierce, Ryan, Sanchez/Ochoa, Santa Maria, Santo Niño,Tarver, and Zachry Elementary schools.

The TEA accountability ratings are based on dailyattendance, dropout rates, and all scores on the TexasAssessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).

August 2006

Your source for AdministrativeNews... Plus a whole lot more!Produced monthly for district employees by the Office ofCommunications and the Printing/Creative ServicesDepartment. Information may be submitted by calling theOffice of Communications at 795-3295.

Board of Trustees

John Peter MontalvoPresidentJesús J. GuerraVice PresidentGuillermina MontesSecretaryJorge L. RodríguezParliamentarianJosé A. ValdezTrusteeGeorge M. BeckelhymerTrusteeDaniel RigalTrustee

Dr. Daniel Garcia, Jr.Superintendent of Schools

Office of Communications

Marco A. AlvaradoDirector of Communicationsmalvarado@laredoisd.orgVeronica Castillón, APRPublic Information Officervcastillon@laredoisd.orgVeronica “Roni” CantúCommunity Relations Specialistvcantu@laredoisd.orgJeannette G. MartinezITV Coordinatorjgmartinez@laredoisd.org

Mario PerezPrinting Supervisormarioperez@laredoisd.orgPaola ArcosPublications Designerparcos@laredoisd.org

It is the policy of the Laredo Independent School Districtnot to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national ori-gin, gender, religion, limited English proficiency, or hand-icapping condition in its programs.

NEWSFour schools recipients of Governor’s award

High performance and commitment to student achievement have garneredfour Laredo Independent School District schools an award of excellence from theGovernor of Texas.

Administered by the Texas Education Agency, the Governor’s EducatorExcellence Award Program-Texas Educator Excellence Grant is given to eligiblecampuses in school districts across the state. The grant is two-fold, allowingschools to award monetary funds to classroom teachers who have helped increasestudent improvement. The grant also compensates school support personnel andwill also fund training and staff development.

“This award speaks highly of our teachers’ commitment to student achieve-ment,” said superintendent of schools Dr. Daniel Garcia, Jr. “We are proud of thisaccomplishment because we know their efforts to go above and beyond are notgoing unnoticed.”

The program awards campuses with high percentages of economically disad-vantaged students that have demonstrated high levels of student achievement ormarked improvement in student performance. Each campus was eligible toreceive between $60,000 and $230,000 based on student population.

The recipients of the non-competitive grant include the following:

• Tarver Elementary School $90,000• Leyendecker Elementary School $100,000• Cigarroa Middle School $200,000• Nixon High School $230,000

House Bill 1 of the Texas Legislature appropriated $100 million in funds toaward campuses with high percentages of educationally disadvantaged studentsand a rating of exemplary, recognized, or who are in the top quartile of comparableimprovement beginning with the 2004-2005 school year.

Grant recipients will be eligible for continued funding for two additional years.

Recipients of the Governor’s Educator Excellence Award Program-TexasEducator Excellence Grant were Leyendecker Elementary School, TarverElementary School, Cigarroa Middle School, and Nixon High School.Representing the district on this achievement are school principals SylviaRios, Virginia Flores, and Mrytala Ramirez, superintendent of schools Dr.Daniel Garcia, Jr., director of curriculum and instruction Marcia Vogelsang,and principals Guadalupe Perez, Maria Oviedo, and Imelda Murillo.

page 4

A+ News welcomes the following

individuals to their new positions and

promotions:

• Juan Montemayor

Executive Director

for Human Resources

• Rebecca Pulido

Milton Elementary

School Principal

• Adriana Guzman

Sanchez/Ochoa

Elementary School

Principal

• Sylvia Moreno

Dovalina Elementary

School Principal

• Jesus Mario

CanalesProgrammer

Analyst

•

Notes fromHuman Resources

Employees set to receive morethan $7 million in pay raises

Nearly 4,000 employees of the Laredo IndependentSchool District will receive pay increases totaling $7.5 mil-lion as approved by the Board of Trustees during a specialcall meeting held July 20. The board also approved anadjusted pay scale for all district positions as presented byrepresentatives from the Texas Association of School Boards.

According to TASB, the district’s updated pay scale willbe “better aligned and competitive with local and regionalmarkets.” Salary increases for teachers, counselors, librari-ans, nurses, diagnosticians, clerical/manual trades staff, andadministrators take effect with the new fiscal year onSeptember 1, 2006 and will be retroactive from July 1, 2006.First-year teachers will earn $39,500 for 2006-2007.

The pay plan carries an overall price tag of $7.5 millionof which $5.5 million will be borne by the State of Texasthrough HB 1. The bill mandates all Texas school district toprovide teachers with a standard $2,500 across-the-board payincrease, with districts covering additional step increasesbased on years of service. Laredo ISD will fund the remain-ing $2 million in pay increases for paraprofessionals andadministrators, four and three percent from the mid-point ofthe new pay scale respectively.

For more information, contact the Human ResourcesDepartment at ext. 3201.

Principals Academy. LISD administrators participatedin a five day Principals Academy which was held at theTAMIU Student Center. From left are Marcia Vogelsang,Yolanda Montemayor, Ernesto Guajardo, SeveritaSanchez, Jacobita Laurel, Sandra Muñoz, Lucy Flores,Adriana Padilla, Margie Coronado and Maria Oviedo.

August 2006Building Blocks

Building Blocks is a column designed tokeep you informed of construction projectsthroughout the district. The following informa-tion is provided by the district’s constructiondepartment.

Ryan and Daiches Elementary Schools areheaded back to their new campuses, while othersschools will be relocating to a temporary campusfor the 2006-2007 school year. Temporary schoolrelocations will be as follows:

• Buenos Aires Elementary School will berelocated to former Ochoa Elementary School, 310 W. Locust St.

• D.D Hachar Elementary School will berelocated to former Lamar Middle School, 2502 Galveston St.

• Leyendecker Elementary School will berelocated to the portable campus located at the former air base, 1810 Bustmante Street.

• Heights Elementary School will remain at the portable campus located at Milton Elementary School, 2500 Ash St.

• Sixth Grade “Little Christen” will return to its home campus at Christen Middle School, 2001 Santa Maria Ave.

Constructionalso continues atHeights ElementarySchool, CigarroaMiddle and CigarroaHigh Schools, and theNixon Field House.

For more infor-mation on these andother projects, contactthe ConstructionDepartment at ext.3619.

PC Support Specialist Rolando Leza delivers the 2006-2007 Information Technology calendar to JosieRodriguez, secretary to the executive director ofinstructional support services. Leza has been produc-ing the calendar for employees for last several years.

GED ClassesWould you like to earn yourGED at no cost to you?Employees interested in and committedto attending GED classes paid for bythe district must first apply.Employees may apply starting on:Monday, August 3, 20069 a.m. to 11 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Human Resources Department1702 Houston 2nd FloorFor more information contact:Margarita B. Chavez, Human Resources Coordinator, orJessica Rocha, Assistant Human Resources OfficerLaredo Independent School District1702 Houston St.Laredo, Texas 78040Phone: (956) 795-3201Fax: (956) 795-3205E-Mail: mchavez@laredoisd.org

ESL and GED Classes are subject to funding

The payroll department, located at 1702 HoustonStreet, is headed by Ofelia Pena, Benefits and PayrollSupervisor. Ms. Pena has been employed with the dis-trict for seven years. Ms. Pena graduated from MartinHigh School and attended Laredo Junior Collegebefore graduating from Laredo State University with adegree in General Business and Accounting. Sheworked at Armadillo Homes for 19 years before joiningthe school district.

Tell us your department’s roll in the district?

“Our main responsibility is to process all payrollchecks on a timely basis. Our payroll consists of $12million for approximately 4,700 employees of whichinclude bus aides, substitutes, and part-time employees.”

How does your department go about producingemployee paychecks?

“We work closely with the Human ResourcesDepartment to process new employee information. We

also work with the junior accountants to process any changesin an employee’s salary. Additionally, we must take deductionsfor employees that have life, dental, or medical insurance. Wealso calculate extra duty pay. Our office must also work withthe Attendance Office to make sure absences are reflected ineach paycheck.”

How can employees look at their payroll history?

“The Finance Department created an employee profilesystem to help facilitate online access to personnel and payrollinformation. Any one can access his or her profile from ourweb-site. To do this, employees can log-on to www.lare-doisd.org/employeeprofile. The screen will prompt you foryour user name, which is your social security, and a passwordwhich can be obtained by e-mailing myprofile@laredoisd.org.”

What other information should we know about the PayrollDepartment?

“Our department is also responsible for the timely submis-sion of all required federal, state, retirement, insurance reportsas well as any required reports. We also want to add that any

changes in personnel informationshould be communicated to theHuman Resource Office since weuse their information to produceemployee paychecks. Also, anychanges in W-2s should be com-municated to the Payroll Office.”

Payroll Departmentpage 6

The LISD Payroll Department is pictured from left to rightApril Merla, Head Payroll Clerk; Ofelia Pena, Benefits andPayroll Supervisor; and Payroll Deduction Clerks NormaAlfaro, Letty Gamino, and Araceli Sanchez.

August 2006

Roberto Hein from Region 1 provides training to centraloffice administrators on District Improvement Plan,July 2006

Dr. Lynn Erickson works with LISD administrators andteachers on Concept-Based Curriculum, July 2006

CCaalleennddaarr ooff EEvveennttssAugust

4 Payroll Deadline

9 New Teacher Orientation

10 Board Agenda Review Meeting

14 Return to Work(teachers and campus-based staff)

16 General Session at LEC

17 Regular Board Meeting

18 Pay Day

21 First Day of Classes for students

23 New Employee Orientation

23 Summer High School Graduation

26 Budget Workshop / Special Call Board Meeting

Laredo Health Coalition FairSaturday, August 12, 2006

8:00 a.m. to noonTwo Sites:

• United South High School Cafeteria 2001 Avenida Los Presidentes

• Nixon High School Annex2000 E. Plum

Services will include immunizations (please bring yourchild’s immunization record), eye exams, physicalexams (a limited number only to school age children notcovered by Medicaid, CHIPs or private insurance), andreferrals to health and social service agencies.

School supplies will be given to all children receivingthree (3) or more medical services

For more information call 718-6810, 717-6264, 795-4910, or 796-3223

Sponsored by the LaredoDaybreak, Seven Flags, andGateway Rotary Clubs, and the Laredo Health Coalition

page 8

The following convenient tax payment optionsare available:

1. ONLINE PAYMENTS:FOR LISD TAXPAYERS, LOG ON TOhttp://www.laredoisd.org/departments/taxoffice/default.htm

2. PAYROLL DEDUCTION:Available to LISD employees who own property inLISD and would like to take advantage of payrolldeduction. These forms can be obtained at theLISD Tax Office and/or can be sent to you at yourcampus/department via the district mail room.

3. TAX OFFICE LOCATION904 Juarez Avenuea.) Walk-ins Welcomeb.) Mail payments

4. TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR PROPERTYTAX LIABILITY:a.) Homestead Exemptionb.) Over 65 Exemptionc.) Disability and/or Disabled Veteran’s Exemption

FOR MORE INFORMATIONREGARDING PROPERTYEXEMPTIONS, CONTACTTHE WEBB COUNTYAPPRAISAL DISTRICT AT718-4091.

LLIISSDD TTAAXX OOFFFFIICCEE AANNNNOOUUNNCCEEMMEENNTTARE YOUR LISD PROPERTY TAXES PAID?

IF NOT, A LAWSUIT COULD BE FILED ON YOUR PROPERTYAND ADDITIONAL LITIGATION COSTS WILL BE INCURRED

904 Juarez Avenue, Laredo, Texas 78040 • 795-3300THE LISD TAX OFFICE THANKS YOU FOR INVESTING IN OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE.

10 Essential Health Tips1. Move More

Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climbstairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk yourdog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends; mow the lawn. Anything thatmoves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move'in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's greatwhen you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha,Cha, Cha… then do it!

2. Cut FatAvoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats

(i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such ascheese, cottage cheese, milk, and cream should be eaten in low fat versions.Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter, and saucesshould be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versionssuch as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for theday: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine… then be one!

3. Quit SmokingThe jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the

Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health,Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Justrecently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could itbe the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of latesmoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give upjust one cigarette… the next one.

4. Reduce StressEasier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some tech-

niques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30minutes a day doing something you like. Soak in a hot tub; walk on the

beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; lis-ten to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or ahaircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggra-vated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: Whenseeing red, think pink clouds… then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from PollutionIf you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-

filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercisingnear busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low.Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots ofshrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deter-rent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, andyour nose and your lungs as do pollutants… hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat BeltStatistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate

potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down andbuckle up.

7. Floss Your TeethRecent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth

flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who flosstend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for theday: Floss and be your body's boss.

8. Avoid Excessive DrinkingWhile recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for

men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause otherhealth problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought forthe day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental OutlookThere's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully

and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't beunhappy when you're smiling or singing.

10. Choose Your Parents Well The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just

because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't meanyou cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day:Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control yourown destiny.

!• Kudos to Sam Geise, Assistant

Principal at Santo Niño Elementary

School, who recently obtained his

Doctorate in

Educational

Leadership

from

Texas A&M

University at

Kingsville.

Extra Credit

August 2006

On July 20, 2006, the Laredo Independent SchoolDistrict Board of Trustees approved the renewal of thedistrict employees’ medical health insurance providerand related plans, effective September 1, 2006 thruAugust 31, 2007. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas hasbeen selected for a second year as the health insur-ance carrier for the above mentioned policy period.The approved plans include some increases in ratepremiums, some plan design changes in benefits, andan increase in district contributions.

Even though the insurance carrier remains thesame, the renewed plans now include increases inrates and several plan design changes necessary toreduce the 14.4 percent increase in premium rates.The Low Plan contains an 8.3 percent increase in ratesplus five (5) plan design changes in benefits, an 11.9percent increase in rates and one (1) plan designchange in benefits on the High Plan, and a 14.4 per-cent rate increase, but no changes in plan design orbenefits, on the State Comparable Plan.

Other than the increases in rates and the varioushighlighted changes in plan design and/or benefits, therest of the benefits basically remain the same, includ-ing the availability of the three local hospital healthfacilities (Doctors Hospital, Laredo Medical Center andProvidence Surgical & Medical Center). The availableprogram includes a 3-tier plan option for benefits (Low,High, & State Comparable Plans) as well as a 4-tiercoverage option for premiums (Employee Only,Employee & Spouse, Employee & Children, Employee& Family) under each plan benefit tier options. The fol-lowing attachments summarize these changes and pro-vide a breakdown of premiums that details specificamounts for which the employer and employees will beresponsible based on the individual employee’s type ofcoverage selection.

Additionally, the official 30-day “open enrollment”period, which allows new enrollment, changes, and/orterminations for all employees, will run from August 14

thru September 15, 2006. In addition to the campusvisits schedule, open enrollment will also be conductedat the Back-to-School General Session on Wednesday,August 16, 2006 at the Laredo Entertainment Center.It is mandatory that all employees wishing to enroll orto make any changes to their current level of medicalhealth insurance coverage complete a new BCBSTXenrollment application within the official open enroll-ment period. No action by individual employees willtranslate to keeping the same level of coverage, non-coverage, and all pertinent information as currently is inplace, but with the modified BCBSTX plans and at thenew rates effective September 1, 2006 thru August 31,2007. Since premiums are pre-paid, retro-activedeductions may occur as necessary.

Also, as a matter of information, the district contin-ues to strongly support the wellness of all districtemployees. Recent continued support includesincreased health insurance employer’s contributionamount per employee, currently at $225, by 4.4 per-cent_or $10_to $235, increase in district provided lifeinsurance coverage with Ft. Dearborn Life from$10,000 to $20,000 for all TRS eligible employees aswell as the continuation of the district providedEmployee Assistance Program with Deer Oaks EAPServices. All these current benefit upgrades are effec-tive September 1, 2006.

Click here for additional forms and information

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page 10

Throughout the summer months teachers and administratorsattended various educational conferences to help them pre-pare for the new school year. Here is a look at employeeswho attended special district presentations.

August 2006

Open Enrollment is the time period (30 days) when employees may enroll, terminate, or make changes to their health insurance plan. Open enrollment will take place from August 14, 2006 through Sepetember 15, 2006. Laurel Insurance representatives will be available at the enrollment sites to process any changes. Enrollments will be held during the dates & times indicated in the schedule listed below. All enrollment centralized sites and times are open to all staff at any of the sessions. As explained on the cover letter, no action by individual emplolyees will translate to maintaining the same level of coverage/non-coverage as currently in place, but with thenew rates.

Heights 8:30 to 9:30 Ryan 8:30 to 9:30DD Hachar 10:00 to 11:00 Milton 10:00 to 11:00Kawas 1:00 to 2:00 Lamar Middle 1:00 to 2:00Ligarde 2:30 to 3:30 Nixon High 2:30 to 3:30

Cigarroa High 8:30 to 9:30 Zachary 8:30 to 9:30Cigarroa Middle 10:00 to 11:00 Memorial Middle 10:00 to 11:00Santo Nino 1:00 to 2:00 F.S. Lara Middle 11:00 to 11:30Daiches* 2:30 to 3:30 J.C. Martin 1:00 to 2:00

Buenos Aires 2:30 to 3:30

Wednesday August 23, 2006Alma Pierce 8:30 to 9:30 Dovalina 8:30 to 9:30Sanchez/Ochoa 10:00 to 11:00 Leyendecker 10:00 to 11:00Macdonell 1:00 to 2:00 Christen Middle 1:00 to 2:00F.S. Lara High 2:30 to 3:30 Martin High 2:30 to 3:30

Monday, August 28, 2006Bruni 8:30 to 9:30 Technology 8:30 to 9:30Farias 10:00 to 11:00 Operations 8:30 to 9:30Santa Maria 1:00 to 2:00 Food Service 10:00 to 11:00Tarver 2:30 to 3:30 Transportation 10:00 to 11:00

VMT Magnet 1:00 to 2:00Administration Offices 2:30 to 3:30(Board Room)

Any necessary changes outside the listed sites and times, during August 14, 2006 thru September 15, 2006, can be processed at LISD Payroll Department located at 1702 Houston (795-3244) and/or Laurel Insurance Agency located at 4519 San Bernardo, Laredo, Tx (724 - 9083).

Friday August 25, 2006

Tuesday August 22, 2006Monday, August 21, 2006

Thursday August 24, 2006

Thursday, August 17, 2006 Friday, August 18, 2006

Laredo Independent School District2006 Annual Health Insurance EnrollmentBlue Cross Blue Shield: 9/1/06 to 8/31/07

LAREDO ISD Renewal for Group No. 99154

September 1, 2006 – August 31, 2007

CHOSEN BENEFIT CHANGES – LOW PPO

BENEFITS CURRENT BENEFITS

%CHANGE

EST. ANNUAL CLAIMS CHANGE

Deductible $600/$1,200 in-network & out-of-network $500 -2.50% ($174,991) Coinsurance$5,000/$15,000 in-network & $10,000/$30,000 out-of-network

$4,000

-1.00%

($69,996)

Office Visit Copay $30 $25 -0.60% ($41,998) ER copay $150 then deductible and 70%, copay waived if admitted

$75

-1.00%

($69,996)

$1,000,000 lifetime maximum $2,000,000 -1.00% ($69,996) Totals -6.10% ($426,977)

CHOSEN BENEFIT CHANGES – HIGH PPO

BENEFITS

CURRENT BENEFITS

%CHANGE

EST. ANNUAL CLAIMS CHANGE

Deductible $600/$1,200 in-network & out-of-network $500 -2.50% ($198,,032) Totals -2.50% ($198,032)

BENEFIT CHANGES – STATE PLAN PPO

BENEFITS

CURRENT BENEFITS

%CHANGE

EST. ANNUAL CLAIMS CHANGE

No Benefit Changes N/A N/A N/A

MEDICAL PREMIUM RATES – LOW PLAN PPO Lives Current Renewal-Final* Employee Only 1,681 $249.68 $270.40 Employee and Spouse 45 $489.49 $530.11 Employee and Child(ren) 103 $441.39 $478.02 Employee and Family 23 $735.20 $796.22

MEDICAL PREMIUM RATES - HIGH PLAN PPO

Lives Current Renewal-Final* Employee Only 1,249 $272.59 $305.02 Employee and Spouse 74 $518.36 $580.04 Employee and Child(ren) 279 $467.43 $523.05 Employee and Family 81 $778.55 $871.19

MEDICAL PREMIUM RATES – STATE PLAN PPO

Lives Current Renewal-Final* Employee Only 8 $447.61 $512.06 Employee and Spouse $851.65 $974.28 Employee and Child(ren) $766.95 $877.39 Employee and Family $1,278.47 $1,462.56

*Renewal figures takes into account the benefit changes mentioned above.

Health Insurance Rates Summary

Low Plan – 8.30% Increase, High Plan – 11.90% Increase and State Plan – 14.40% Increase

Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Effective September 1, 2006 – August 31, 2007

2004 – 2005: District Contribution: $225.00 2005 – 2006: District Contribution: $225.00 2006 – 2007: District Contribution: $235.00 Employee Contribution: See below

Low Plan

04-05 Cost*

04-05 Emp. Pays*

05-06 Cost**

05-06 Emp. Pays**

06-07 Cost***

06-07 Emp. Pays**

Employee Only $257.02 $32.02 $249.68 $24.68 $270.40 $35.40 Employee & Spouse $503.89 $278.89 $489.49 $264.49 $530.11 $295.11 Employee &Child(ren) $454.37 $229.37 $441.39 $216.39 $478.02 $243.02 Employee & Family $756.82 $531.82 $735.20 $510.20 $796.22 $561.22

High Plan

04-05 Cost*

04-05 Emp. Pays*

05-06 Cost**

05-06 Emp. Pays**

06-07 Cost***

06-07 Emp. Pays**

Employee Only $280.61 $55.61 $272.59 $47.59 $305.02 $70.02 Employee & Spouse $533.61 $308.61 $518.36 $293.36 $580.04 $345.04 Employee &Child(ren) $481.18 $256.18 $467.43 $242.43 $523.05 $288.05 Employee & Family $801.45 $576.45 $778.55 $553.55 $871.19 $636.19

State Plan

04-05 Cost*

04-05 Emp. Pays*

05-06 Cost**

05-06 Emp. Pays**

06-07 Cost***

06-07 Emp. Pays**

Employee Only $460.77 $235.77 $447.61 $222.61 $512.06 $277.06 Employee & Spouse $876.70 $651.70 $851.65 $626.65 $974.28 $739.28 Employee &Child(ren) $789.51 $564.51 $766.95 $541.95 $877.39 $642.39 Employee & Family $1,316.07 $1,091.07 $1,278.47 $1,053.47 $1,462.56 $1,227.56

*04-05 Cost - Effective from September 1, 2004 – August 31, 2005 **Current Cost - Effective from September 1, 2005 – August 31, 2006 *** Renewal Cost - Effective from September 1, 2006 – August 31, 2007

GROUP LIFE BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Please print. Form must be completed, signed and dated in ink. 2. Do not erase or attempt to make corrections or use whiteout; use a new form. If strike through is made, initial change. 3. If the rights under this policy have been transferred, the Owner must sign the form. 4. The change in beneficiary will become effective on the date the Insured/Owner signs the request, whether

or not the Insured/Owner is living at the time the request is filed. All prior beneficiary designations are revoked. Any benefits we may have paid prior to receiving this request will meet our contractual obligations to the extent of those payments.

Employer Name: Group Number:

Name of Insured: Co. ID# Certificate Number:

Employment Status (check one): Active Retired Long Term Disability Primary Beneficiary Name:

Social Security Number Relationship Date of Birth Benefit %

Primary Beneficiary Name:

Social Security Number Relationship Date of Birth Benefit %

Primary Beneficiary Name:

Social Security Number Relationship Date of Birth Benefit %

Contingent Beneficiary Name:

Social Security Number Relationship Date of Birth Benefit %

Contingent Beneficiary Name:

Social Security Number Relationship Date of Birth Benefit %

Contingent Beneficiary Name:

Social Security Number Relationship Date of Birth Benefit %

SIGNATURES: _________________________________ ______________________________________ ___________

Signature of Insured Signature of Owner (if other than Insured) Date Signed Beneficiary Designation: Please give full legal name of each beneficiary.

Primary Beneficiary means the person or persons who will receive the benefits at the Insured's death.

Contingent Beneficiary means the person or person who will receive the benefits if the primary beneficiary is not living at the time of the Insured's death.

Will/Trust - FDL is not in a position to determine the validity of your will or trust beneficiary designation. It is possible that due to the language of your will or trust, distribution of proceeds would be unclear in the event of your death. Proceeds could be delayed or subjected to the need for a court order. To reassure yourself about the clarity and adequacy of your designation, please obtain an opinion from legal counsel.

Note: Proceeds are paid in equal shares to the named beneficiaries surviving you unless you indicate otherwise. This form does not apply to any retirement, pension, thrift or 401(k) plan for employees of HCSC. Return this original signed form to __________. Keep a copy for your records.

Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Company