From the Chair - December 21, 2011

I want to thank those of you who attended our meeting in Austin on December 2, 2011.  Although I could not be there, I have received a great deal of positive feedback about the meeting.  Also, for those of you that offered testimony on how the Council should spend its funds, I wanted to let you know that Council members are currently considering ideas and fine tuning their own proposals on the matter.  The Council will come together for a discussion on January 27, 2012, and we hope to vote on new investments then.  Again, thank you for your input and consideration of the matter.

2011 was a great and challenging year for the Council.  One thing I have learned from this experience is that this work is not easy.  Thankfully, we have a committed staff and thoughtful and engaged Council members to get this challenging work done.  Additionally, I am very grateful for the contributions stakeholders have made to projects like the development of new voluntary infant and toddler early learning guidelines for Texas and the development of early childhood data systems recommendations.  Texas has an incredibly strong and connected early childhood community, and the Council has benefited greatly from that fact.

I look forward to continuing this work in 2012.  Have a great holiday and new year.

Sincerely,

John W. Gasko Ph.D.