The task force is charged to discover what is fostering a climate in which cheating is permissible, and worse, considered justifiable. I've asked the task force to report its findings by August 2000, so we can use them as the basis for recommendations to the 2001 Legislature. In addition, in line with my desire to return control to communities and individuals and to use technology to cut costs and increase quality, I also have created the Comptroller's School District Watch List. It will allow parents and other taxpayers to compare their school districts to others around the state in key categories. They can evaluate their districts' staffing and academic and financial performance.
Nothing is more important than education.
That's why reforming our education system is my top priority. A Texas School Performance Review of the Galveston Independent School District marks the first time that a school district will pay for a portion of the review. Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander's staff will begin the review in early November. The Galveston ISD Board of Trustees requested the review and agreed to pay 25 percent of the cost. The initial investment by Galveston school officials will bring a much greater return for the Galveston schoolchildren in a more efficient district.