Methodist SL surgeons perform Fort Bend first - Page 3
WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 11, 2019
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Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 43 • No. 56
Jack’s FBISD moving ahead with plan to reinter By Landan Kuhlmann
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Despite stalled talks with Fort Bend County over how to navigate oversight of the reinternment of 95 sets of remains discovered at the James Reese Career and Technical Center construction site last year, Fort Bend ISD is moving ahead with Construction workers shovel dirt recently at Fort Bend a plan to give the “Sugar ISD's James Reese Career and Technical Center, where the remains of 95 African Americans were discovered last Land 95” a final resting place. year. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)
“There have been multiple meetings in the last few weeks, and there is one this week,” FBISD Superintendent Charles Dupre said. “We’re trying to negotiate with (the county) in good faith, and in a way that respects where we’ve been and where we’re going.” Meanwhile, the district is in the process of presenting a finalized contract to the board of trustees to move ahead
with a memorial service that would complete the reinternment of the “Sugar Land 95,” who are African Americans believed to have been part of Texas’ convict-leasing program that was in operation until 1911. Their remains were discovered last year, when FBISD began construction of its new career and technical building.
SEE SUGAR LAND 95, PAGE 7
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Suspects could be connected to other incidents From Staff Reports
Police have arrested two men in connection with burglaries in the Sugar Land area last month, and authorities believe the suspects could be connected to similar incidents in Fort
SEE SUSPECTS, PAGE 8
An instructor at Fort Bend ISD's Willowridge High School demonstrates how to implement data-driven instruction during a May 15 seminar. The district will be impacted by several lesgislative changes, which Superintendent Charles Dupre will discuss at an upcoming State of Schools address. (Photo from FBISD Facebook)
School leaders to discuss changes, challenges at annual address By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Robert Bostic and Charles Dupre oversee more than 80,000 students between them. The two area superintendents – Bostic for Stafford MSD and Dupre for Fort Bend ISD – are aware of the challenges facing public education in light of a growing county and student population. And they seek to improve the quality of their students’ lives and education. Bostic and Dupre will be part of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of Schools address Oct. 2 at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond, where they will discuss their shortand long-term goals as well as the challenges facing their districts. In FBISD, a nearly $1 billion bond and subsequent
projects involving technological upgrades and new construction are the impetus behind excitement for the district as it strives to accommodate a growing student population that is expected to reach nearly 86,000 by 2027. Dupre also will be discussing the impact of House Bill 3 – which requires school districts and open enrollment charter schools to increase salaries for certain staff – as well as other legislative actions from the recent session impacting public education in Fort Bend County. Stafford MSD’s optimism for the future centers in large part around an impending STEM school for grades 38, which it plans to open in time for the 2021-22 school year. Status quo won’t cut it Both districts are mirror images of Fort Bend Coun-
Stafford MSD students work in the computer lab. The district is in the midst of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) revolution in efforts to keep up with evolving trends in student preparation. (Photo from SMSD Facebook)
ty, constantly growing and evolving. To keep up with demand, both FBISD and SMSD have moved or are prepared to move forward with several new projects aimed at creating an environment more conducive to
serving its students. As part of a $992.6 million bond passed in 2018, FBISD dedicated $142.6 million to technological advancements, such as rolling out technology – laptops, tablets and other smart devices – in
every classroom in the district. Dupre said about half the district’s schools will have those implemented during
SEE LEARNING, PAGE 12
Sienna going gold to fight childhood cancer From Staff Reports Tapia-Marerro
Vallecilla-Sinisterra
An area neighborhood is continuing a recent tradition of contributing to the fight against childhood cancer. Sienna Planation has launched the “Go Gold Home Tour” this month, with proceeds benefitting A Shelter for Cancer Families (ASCF) and
Marlee’s Smile in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month during September. Both ASCF and Marlee’s Smile were founded by Sienna residents. Missy Amschwand Bellinger co-founded ASCF in honor of her husband, Tom Amschwand, who died at age 30 from sarcoma. The nonprofit provides tangible sup-
port to families affected by cancer. Marlee’s Smile was the wish of 12-year-old Marlee Pack, who battled rhabdomyosarcoma for four years before succumbing to the cancer in February. During her fight, Pack organized efforts to give oncol-
SEE GOLD, PAGE 11
Sienna has launched the Go Gold Home Tour to highlight Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and raise funds for two area charities. (Contributed photo)