Pete Rusek - Midway ISD Board of Trustees

TEXAS TEACHERS ARE SUPERHEROES!

"Celebrate endings—for they precede new beginnings."

This quote from Jonathan Lockwood Huie should inspire you to reflect on 2022 and celebrate your successes inside and outside of the classroom - there were MANY! You truly are superheroes. Please take a few moments to watch the video below that highlights the incredible work you are doing.

https://youtu.be/lznjsZYUYnw



Friend of the Year Dinner 2022 Intro Video

Congratulations and welcome back, Dr. Allen!

Dr. Chris Allen has been named Midway's lone finalist for superintendent. Learn more about Dr. Allen here: https://trst.in/iMejba

🎉 For the seventh year in a row, Midway ISD is being recognized for meeting the highest standards set by TEA in financial integrity and transparency. The district received an “A” rating indicating Superior Achievement for 2021-2022 under the Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas (FIRST).

➡️ Learn more here: https://trst.in/9Oh5BY

Early voting ends Friday 11/4. Vote early and miss the Election Day lines!

Join the conversation and share your thoughts ThoughtExchange makes your voice heard on things that matter.

Due to anticipated inclement weather, schools and all school activities will be canceled for tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. Full details at www.midwayisd.org.

As Midway ISD schools start back tomorrow, Tuesday, August 17th, our Woodway Public Safety Department would like to remind everyone about a few bus and traffic safety rules.

Texas School Bus Law:
-Stop for flashing red lights on a school bus,
regardless of which direction you're headed.
-Continue your trip once the bus has moved, the
flashing lights stop flashing, or the bus driver signals
it's okay to pass.
{Violations can lead to a $1,000 fine.}

Safety Tips for Motorists:
-Obey the posted speed limit.
-Fines double in school zones.
-Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
-Watch for children who might dart across the street to catch the bus.
-Put away your phones; they are prohibited in the school zones.

Midway ISD’s enrollment for new students and annual registration is now available online. Visit www.MidwayISD.org/backtoschool for more information.

Join us in our latest Thought Exchange about the 2022-23 district-wide rezoning at my.thoughtexchange.com/ #535931907. You can view the 3 different scenarios at www.midwayisd.org/rezoning.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

There is a contested race on the MISD school board ballot. Please be sure to vote!

Early voting starts today!

Click here to preview the Midway ISD Board of Trustees portion of the ballot: https://tx-mclennancounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11469/General-Ballot-Header---Ballot-Style--D

It's Public School Volunteer Week! We appreciate the hard work our parent and community volunteers do to help make Midway ISD such a special place. Thank you for caring for our students and staff! ❤️💙

Happy Veterans Day!
Our deepest gratitude to all who serve.

It is with great delight and deepest gratitude to all my supporters that I announce the 2020 Midway School Board of Trustees Election results:

WE WON!!

I want to say thank you to all of you who worked SO hard to make this moment possible. I am truly overwhelmed by such a show of support.

Many, many thanks to everyone who came out to vote in such an unprecedented, historic election. Thanks also to those who have made a point to extend your congratulations and best wishes.

I am truly grateful - and deeply humbled - by all the encouragement our leaders have received in recent days. And I am continually sustained by the faith and trust of our Midway families as we go forward to face the challenges that remain ahead.

Rest assured, I will continue to do all I can to ensure our children get the best education possible. I am committed to serving this district to the very best of my ability, making the most of my resources and experience.

Thank you again, Panther Nation. It is an honor to serve alongside you all!

YOUR VOICE, YOUR VOTE!

For more election information in the Waco area, please visit http://www.co.mclennan.tx.us/337/Elections.

Thank you so much to all who have already been to the polls!

In such an unusual school year, it’s heartening to see great traditions continue. Congratulations to a remarkable group of high school students. You represent Midway well!



MIDWAY TAKES CARE OF ITS OWN!

Did You Know?
This year Midway ISD will spend almost 85% of its annual budget on personnel—salaries and benefits to staff.

If we are to serve our students, we have to take good care of our STAFF. As a board member, I am privileged to come alongside them, initiating and approving measures to support all Midway staff.

Just this month, the Midway ISD Board unanimously approved ten early release days be incorporated into the school calendar to provide our secondary campus staff with the time requested to manage face-to-face and virtual responsibilities.

Here are some additional “Panther Perks” Midway has provided our personnel:
• ANNUAL PAY RAISE
• EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. The Employee Assistance Program provides Midway staff and families with immediate and confidential support to help resolve work, health, and life challenges, offered as an employer-sponsored benefit at no cost to staff.*
• EXTRA MILE AWARD. This award recognizes standout employees who are exceptional at their jobs, or who go above and beyond the call of duty for our district, a Midway student, or another staff member.*
• EMPLOYEE INSURANCE. Midway ISD maintains insurance premiums to offer a number of medical insurance plans.
• WELLNESS CENTER. Twenty-four-hour gym access with equipment and classes at very low cost to all Midway staff. (The facility was funded through unused monies from employee healthcare accounts that must be returned to the district.)

*The Employee Assistance Program and Extra Mile Award were put in place by the school board specifically to support and recognize employees.

We Are Committed to Our Staff—So Our Staff Can Provide an Exceptional Education for Our Kids!

Inspirational thought for the day:

OUR DISTRICT IS “SUPERIOR” IN FINANCIAL INTEGRITY!

The School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) holds Texas public schools accountable for the quality of their financial management practices. Schools FIRST encourages Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources, ensuring the best possible use of funds for instructional purposes.

This year, Midway ISD received a Superior rating (the highest possible level) from TEA - just as it has done the past several years.

The rating is based on staff, student and budget data, such as:
• Audit and financial reporting
• Revenues equal to or exceeding expenditures
• Sufficient funds (cash and investments) to cover operating expenses
• Debt service
• Contributions to the Teacher Retirement System

We are so proud of Wesley Brooks, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and his dedicated team. Thank you for putting Midway FIRST!

See the Texas Education Agency Report at https://tealprod.tea.state.tx.us/First/forms/Main.aspx, Midway ISD, District #039905

Additional MISD Financial Data is available at https://www.midwayisd.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=16872

EDUCATE THE VOTE: SCHOOL BOARDS AND PROPERTY TAXES

Local school boards DO NOT determine the property value of your home. If your home value has increased, you need to contact the COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT to contest, not the school board.

The only thing the school board does is determine a portion of the property TAX RATE.

When you vote in the election for MISD Board of Trustees, just know that whoever is elected will have NOTHING to do with how your property is valued, no matter what anyone tells you.

For the record, Pete Rusek's Midway school boards have gone from a tax rate of $1.64 in 2001 to $1.2364 in 2020. If you are paying higher property taxes these days, don't blame Midway or Pete Rusek.
- Midway parent and local CPA/businessman

https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/basics.php http://www.mclennancad.org/data/_uploaded/file/taxrates/2001TaxRates.pdf
https://www.co.mclennan.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/199/Tax-Rate-Information-PDF

WHEN THE TEAM WORKS TOGETHER, EVERYONE WINS!

“Whether you’re on a football team or a board-superintendent team, you’ve got to learn how to work well with your teammates—or risk dropping the ball. To accomplish great things for schools, the school board needs to work together as a TEAM.” In fact, the State Board of Education considers teamwork so critical to leadership it requires board-superintendent teams to receive team-building training every year.*

TEAMWORK IS CRITICAL FOR STUDENT SUCCESS.

The Midway ISD board along with the superintendent make up what’s known as “The Team of Eight”—and as team, we work well together. While each trustee brings different perspectives to the table, our board serves in a climate of cooperation and mutual respect. Our common goal is to act in the best interests of our students, recognizing that regardless of the outcome, the entire board will support the decision made by the majority.

LET’S KEEP TEAM PLAYERS ON THE MIDWAY SCHOOL BOARD!

*from Texas Association of School Boards, https://www.tasb.org/trustees/build-better-boards/board-development.aspx

Did You Know?

THIS ELECTION IS “UNPRECDENTED.”
Never before have we voted in local races along with the presidential election. We expect long lines and high voter turnout. We also expect countless registered Midway voters who aren’t aware there even IS a Midway school board race on the ballot—let alone who to choose.

OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE ARE LIMITED.
Social media sites have placed serious restrictions on political advertising, making it that much harder to reach voters online.

MIDWAY NEEDS OUR HELP NOW MORE THAN EVER.
Never before have we seen anything like this. Our students are struggling. Our staff is overwhelmed. Our leaders are exhausted. Hasn’t our community already suffered enough?

HELP US FINISH 2020 STRONG!

• SHARE THIS PAGE, and invite others follow.
• KEEP SHARING your favorite posts.
• YARD SIGNS. PM your address and we will deliver!

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Did You Know?

There are several significant issues facing the Midway ISD School Board at this time:
• Overseeing the completion and installation of multimillion-dollar construction projects on what amounts to four new campuses—significant growth for a district our size.
• Rezoning/redrawing attendance zones for each school once new campuses open.
• Long term plans for a new superintendent hire (as we know that is coming in the not-too-distant future).
• Ensuring our district remains financially strong in the face of expected financial shortfall following COVID—sure to reduce state funding for public education. (In 2011, while I was school board president, Midway ISD and countless other Texas school districts experienced a similar crisis when roughly $5.3 billion was cut from public education funds.)

Because of my years of experience on the board, I’ve had the opportunity to address ALL these issues (and more) during my service to the district. I am ready and able to help lead Midway into the future.

Inspirational Thought for the Day

EARLY VOTING BEGINS OCTOBER 13!

Tuesday, October 13, 2020 through Friday, October 16, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, October 17, 2020 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 18, 2020 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Hewitt City Hall/Library
200 Patriot Court
Hewitt, TX 76643

First Assembly of God Church
6701 Bosque Boulevard
Waco, TX 76710

For more information about times, locations and Vote by Mail, visit https://www.waco-texas.com/userfiles/cms-root/file/Early%20Voting%20extended%20days.pdf

🥰

A RUSEK REMEMBERS:
My Father, The School Board President

"When I was in the third grade at Woodway Elementary, my dad won a spot on the Midway School Board. Prior to the election, it was not unusual for him to spend time with us up at school for Bike Safety Week, Fall Fest, Second Grade Poetry Recital, etc.

What was strange was that after the election he started spending so much time doing “school stuff” – without us! I thought that was weird, but assumed I could use it to my advantage. I began to plot to get Midway’s mascot changed to the Lisa Frank Rainbow Dolphin. My plot never really gained the momentum it deserved....

My point is this:

1. Please sign my Midway Rainbow Dolphin Petition!
2. My dad has always spent A LOT of time doing work for the school board. It has never been a "Third Tuesday of the Month" commitment. It’s a "take home briefings, do your homework, and talk about a lot of boring stuff while your daughter paints her toenails" kind of gig.

As I was growing up, my dad volunteered uncounted, unbillable hours for the Midway school board. And he was never even willing to dip his toe into corruption enough to help me out! Junior year, my prom date asked if my dad could intervene on his behalf to let him keep his hair long for prom. My dad declined.

Nepotism ain’t what it used to be, y'all ....

This November, my dad is running for re-election. You should vote for him. I can't promise he will help you with your prom date or change the mascot to nature’s most majestic mythical creature.

But I can tell you that he has been working in educational law for many years, and I guarantee he will always strive to do what is best for Midway."

-Rebecca Rusek Meyers, Midway HS Class of 2006

A RUSEK REMEMBERS:
My Father, The School Board President

"When I was in the third grade at Woodway Elementary, my dad won a spot on the Midway School Board. Prior to the election, it was not unusual for him to spend time with us up at school for Bike Safety Week, Fall Fest, Second Grade Poetry Recital, etc.

What was strange was that after the election he started spending so much time doing “school stuff” – without us! I thought that was weird, but assumed I could use it to my advantage. I began to plot to get Midway’s mascot changed to the Lisa Frank Rainbow Dolphin. My plot never really gained the momentum it deserved....

My point is this:

1. Please sign my Midway Rainbow Dolphin Petition!
2. My dad has always spent A LOT of time doing work for the school board. It has never been a "Third Tuesday of the Month" commitment. It’s a "take home briefings, do your homework, and talk about a lot of boring stuff while your daughter paints her toenails" kind of gig.

As I was growing up, my dad volunteered uncounted, unbillable hours for the Midway school board. And he was never even willing to dip his toe into corruption enough to help me out! Junior year, my prom date asked if my dad could intervene on his behalf to let him keep his hair long for prom. My dad declined.

Nepotism ain’t what it used to be, y'all ....

This November, my dad is running for re-election. You should vote for him. I can't promise he will help you with your prom date or change the mascot to nature’s most majestic mythical creature.

But I can tell you that he has been working in educational law for many years, and I guarantee he will always strive to do what is best for Midway."

-Rebecca Rusek Meyers, Midway HS Class of 2006

Inspirational thought for the day.

What are you looking for in a leader?

EDUCATE THE VOTE!

This November, we get to be part of history, as we vote in local races along with the presidential election. Voter turnout will be high, and we need to make sure all are highly informed.

Our local school district faces a contested school board race. Midway ISD is a highly sought-after district in Central Texas, with nationally recognized teachers, custom curricula and dedicated community involvement. It offers strong programs that educate our students with measurable success. Even amid the extraordinary challenges of a global pandemic, Midway has continued to provide the same high-quality educational opportunities our community expects—and our children count on.

Midway has everything in place to maintain its long history of excellence—and we need to ensure it has every opportunity to do so.

Midway needs YOUR VOTE for Pete Rusek, Place One, Midway ISD Board of Trustees:

• Mr. Rusek has many years of experience serving on the Midway board, with a proven track record of working effectively in the best interest of students, parents and the community as a whole.
• Mr. Rusek has overseen steady and significant growth to our student body, staff and physical plants—all while maintaining HIGH ACCOUNTABILITY RATINGS and LOW TAX RATES.
• Mr. Rusek has the integrity, commitment and experience our district needs to ensure its continued success.

Help educate the vote—OUR KIDS ARE COUNTING ON US!

For voter information, polling times and locations:
http://www.co.mclennan.tx.us/1137/November-3-2020-Joint-General-Election

RUSEK - THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MIDWAY

Reminder: today is the last day to register to vote in Texas! Follow this link for more information on how to get registered to vote: http://www.co.mclennan.tx.us/384/Voter-Registration

Continuing education for Midway ISD board members and administrators takes place remotely this week. We miss our in-person connection with colleagues from across the state - but learning a great deal from home.

MAN’S BEST FRIEND WANTS YOU TO KNOW:
Rusek is your Best Friend on the School Board!

Yard signs now available.
PM your address and we will deliver to your door!

Today is National Voter Registration Day! Visit nationalvoterregistrationday.org to find out more about registration deadlines, voting times and locations, whether or not you’re eligible to register, and to register if you haven’t already!

National Voter Registration Day National Voter Registration Day is a holiday celebrated on the fourth Tuesday of every September. It's goal is to focus attention on the importance of registering to vote and voting in our