The past 4 years have seen Spring Branch make tremendous strides in improving the District.  My term began with the bricks falling off Stratford , followed closely by the unpleasantness of the investigation involving our former Superintendent that quickly led to her departure.  We were extremely fortunate to have Dr. Klussmann in the District, and he was the obvious choice to take on the Superintendent role.  Our Board and Dr. Klussmann have moved very quickly since that time.  We have developed goals and objectives, and the District’s Five Year Education Plan, Long Range Facilities Plan, and Long Range Technology Plan.

We have also set the goal of becoming the premiere college focused district in Texas.  To accomplish this goal, we strive for every student to complete high school and then obtain either a 2 year Associate's or 4 year Baccalaureate degree.  With this focus, our students will be provided both the academic and social and emotional support necessary to ensure that they are successful well beyond receipt of the high school diploma.

These efforts have shown tangible results.  Our TAKS scores and SAT and ACT scores show continuing improvement by nearly every student group.  The achievement gaps between the student groups have narrowed in each of the past 3 years and are now substantially less than they were in 2004.  Spring Branch continues to be recognized for superior achievement, including being chosen this year by Standard & Poor's as one of 77 Texas school districts to earn a rating of academic "outperformer."  Spring Branch was by far the largest school district to receive this recognition, with the next largest having half our enrollment. In December, the National Center for Educational Accountability named 8 of our schools as "Best Public Schools" in Texas.  And our students continue to outperform on the SAT.

We have also positioned the District well for the future through the passage in 2007 of the largest bond in Spring Branch history.  The Bond funds will replace 12 of our elementary schools between now and 2017 and will provide the necessary funds to adequately maintain our other 38 facilities. 

Our Long Range Technology Plan also positions Spring Branch to continue its leadership role in technology integration into the curriculum.

We have seen these accomplishments happen even though we have been a Robin Hood district the entire time I have served on the Board.  Since 2004, we have sent a staggering $60 million out of the District.  Despite this financial challenge, we have strictly controlled spending and have maintained one of the lowest tax rate in the area.  Our tax rate has dropped by 48.5¢ since I was elected in 2004.

To increase financial accountability and transparency, I requested that Spring Branch post its check register on the internet.  That occurred in November 2006 and made Spring Branch one of governmental entities in the United States to provide this information to its taxpayers.

As the Board's Legislative Liaison since 2004 (and the Board’s current Vice President), I have advanced our Board’s Legislative Priorities in Austin and continue to do so during the current Session.  We have been successful in getting legislation passed that prevents Houston Community College from being able to annex Spring Branch without a vote of Spring Branch residents.  We have eliminated Robin Hood on the local option portion of our tax rate, although we continue to advocate for the complete elimination of this hidden tax that represents our 2nd highest expense each year.  We have supported a 5% appraisal cap, and are pushing for the changes necessary to ensure that our over-65 taxpayers get the full benefit of the tax reductions passed during the 2006 Special Session.  I regularly post legislative updates and information on my blog at http://mikefalick.blogs.com.

My time on the Board has been a time that has brought excitement back to Spring Branch, and I know the near-term future will continue to be a dynamic period as we push the District to be among the best in Texas.  Here are a few of the things I want to accomplish in my next term: