{"id":30077,"date":"2015-02-14T13:45:00","date_gmt":"2015-02-14T19:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/?p=30077"},"modified":"2015-02-14T13:50:18","modified_gmt":"2015-02-14T19:50:18","slug":"baldwin-dont-sell-texas-school-for-the-deaf-property","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2015\/02\/14\/baldwin-dont-sell-texas-school-for-the-deaf-property\/","title":{"rendered":"Baldwin: Don\u2019t sell Texas School for the Deaf property"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Baldwin: <\/strong>Don\u2019t sell<strong> Texas School for the Deaf property<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>February 13, 2015<\/p>\n<p>By Steve C. Baldwin &#8211; Special to the American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>In regards to the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mystatesman.com\/news\/news\/budget-writers-discuss-possible-sale-of-texas-scho\/nj7hh\/?icmp=statesman_internallink_invitationbox_apr2013_statesmanstubtomystatesmanpremium#5a86db2b.3349757.735643\" target=\"_blank\">American-Statesman front-page story<\/a> on February 9,2015 \u201cSenators weigh moving Texas School for Deaf,\u201d history was repeating itself.<\/p>\n<p>My friends, who live in Taft and are 1944 graduates of Texas School for the Deaf, called me this week to say that the same attempt to move or sell the school happened several times in the past. My wife, Rosie Serna, a 1967 graduate, said that others have inquired about buying this prime property, but nothing materialized, happily eliminating any fear of altering the school\u2019s long history at its current location, where it\u2019s been since 1857. I also recall serious attempts to move Texas School for the Deaf to South Austin, but the 1989 Legislature wisely found it more efficient to implement the school\u2019s Campus Master Plan.<\/p>\n<p>Texas School for the Deaf happens to be just a small historic jewel in Texas\u2019 crown. Jokingly or not, it\u2019s no surprise that it is coveted in the eyes of drooling developers or legislators who are looking for money to cover the state\u2019s unmet needs. But the bottom line is: Texas School for the Deaf is rarely perceived as land for sale, and for good reason. It is the home of countless generations of deaf and hearing-impaired people who have found in this gem a place to learn, grow and belong, and to ultimately become independent taxpaying citizens. It has enshrined 159 years of deaf culture and deaf heritage and its history in South Austin is sacred. Would you sell the Alamo \u2014 or the Capitol grounds? Their land is valuable as well.<\/p>\n<p>Such attempts to move, sell or buy the school property may be nothing new, but this time the Texas Senate Committee on Finance, in responding to the dramatic presentation by the Texas Facilities Commission of the soaring needs of the school facilities, has unleashed a tsunami of concerns and fear among parents, students, alumni and friends. Though we once were home to cattle drives passing through in the 1870s, our community and neighbors have no desire to have any part of the campus become \u201cwagon wheel condo ruts.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In fairness to the Finance Committee, the senators are looking at viable ways to meet the Facilities Commission\u2019s 2016-17 biennium request of $37 million for deferred maintenance, upkeep and repairs.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the predicted tax cuts during this 84th legislative session and a ballooning Texas School for the Deaf student population, the senators obviously care about the school\u2019s programs. We are certain with the cooperation of the Facilities Commission, the school and state leadership, more creative solutions can be found than balancing the budget on the backs of deaf children and their families.<\/p>\n<p>We hope that they floated a \u201ctrial balloon\u201d with good intentions and will now focus on a more reasonable strategy to make some of the more vital repairs and perhaps consider a feasibility study if they think one is needed. It is our hope that state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, will heed the words of Mark Twain, who said, \u201cThe reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.\u201d Likewise the reports of the condition of the Texas School for the Deaf facilities have been greatly exaggerated. Visit the campus \u2014 read the blogs of our neighbors who consider it an oasis in the burgeoning traffic, tower cranes and concrete congestion of South Austin.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, it would defy common sense even to downsize the campus. Our Texas deaf community clearly and loudly resents such an absurd idea, for these reasons: 1. Texas School for the Deaf is the oldest campus in Texas, with 159 years of productive history; 2. The school is one of the best schools for the deaf in America; 3. Unlike most schools for the deaf, Texas School for the Deaf has an increasing student population and critical statewide outreach mission; 4. The Texas Legislature traditionally has held both the school and the deaf community in high esteem and supported its educational vision.<\/p>\n<p>From the perspective of its alumni, parents, students and the public, Texas School for the Deaf always will be an integral part of downtown Austin and Texas history.<\/p>\n<p>The Texas deaf community and the Texas School for the Deaf family can only hope that the Senate Finance Committee will use its wisdom and respect without bartering for the soul of Texas School for the Deaf.<\/p>\n<p>Baldwin is a former president of Texas Association of the Deaf.<\/p>\n<p>SOURCE:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"February%2013, 2015  By Steve C. Baldwin - Special to the American-Statesman  In regards to the American-Statesman front-page story on February 9,2015 \u201cSenators weigh moving Texas School for Deaf,\u201d history was repeating itself.  http:\/\/www.mystatesman.com\/news\/news\/budget-writers-discuss-possible-sale-of-texas-scho\/nj7hh\/?icmp=statesman_internallink_invitationbox_apr2013_statesmanstubtomystatesmanpremium#5a86db2b.3349757.735643  My friends, who live in Taft and are 1944 graduates of Texas School for the Deaf, called me this week to say that the same attempt to move or sell the school happened several times in the past. My wife, Rosie Serna, a 1967 graduate, said that others have inquired about buying this prime property, but nothing materialized, happily eliminating any fear of altering the school\u2019s long history at its current location, where it\u2019s been since 1857. I also recall serious attempts to move Texas School for the Deaf to South Austin, but the 1989 Legislature wisely found it more efficient to implement the school\u2019s Campus Master Plan.  Steve Baldwin is a former president of Texas Association of the Deaf.  Texas School for the Deaf happens to be just a small historic jewel in Texas\u2019 crown. Jokingly or not, it\u2019s no surprise that it is coveted in the eyes of drooling developers or legislators who are looking for money to cover the state\u2019s unmet needs. But the bottom line is: Texas School for the Deaf is rarely perceived as land for sale, and for good reason. It is the home of countless generations of deaf and hearing-impaired people who have found in this gem a place to learn, grow and belong, and to ultimately become independent taxpaying citizens. It has enshrined 159 years of deaf culture and deaf heritage and its history in South Austin is sacred. Would you sell the Alamo \u2014 or the Capitol grounds? Their land is valuable as well.  Such attempts to move, sell or buy the school property may be nothing new, but this time the Texas Senate Committee on Finance, in responding to the dramatic presentation by the Texas Facilities Commission of the soaring needs of the school facilities, has unleashed a tsunami of concerns and fear among parents, students, alumni and friends. Though we once were home to cattle drives passing through in the 1870s, our community and neighbors have no desire to have any part of the campus become \u201cwagon wheel condo ruts.\u201d  In fairness to the Finance Committee, the senators are looking at viable ways to meet the Facilities Commission\u2019s 2016-17 biennium request of $37 million for deferred maintenance, upkeep and repairs.  Despite the predicted tax cuts during this 84th legislative session and a ballooning Texas School for the Deaf student population, the senators obviously care about the school\u2019s programs. We are certain with the cooperation of the Facilities Commission, the school and state leadership, more creative solutions can be found than balancing the budget on the backs of deaf children and their families.  We hope that they floated a \u201ctrial balloon\u201d with good intentions and will now focus on a more reasonable strategy to make some of the more vital repairs and perhaps consider a feasibility study if they think one is needed. It is our hope that state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, will heed the words of Mark Twain, who said, \u201cThe reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.\u201d Likewise the reports of the condition of the Texas School for the Deaf facilities have been greatly exaggerated. Visit the campus \u2014 read the blogs of our neighbors who consider it an oasis in the burgeoning traffic, tower cranes and concrete congestion of South Austin.  Yes, it would defy common sense even to downsize the campus. Our Texas deaf community clearly and loudly resents such an absurd idea, for these reasons: 1. Texas School for the Deaf is the oldest campus in Texas, with 159 years of productive history; 2. The school is one of the best schools for the deaf in America; 3. Unlike most schools for the deaf, Texas School for the Deaf has an increasing student population and critical statewide outreach mission; 4. The Texas Legislature traditionally has held both the school and the deaf community in high esteem and supported its educational vision.  From the perspective of its alumni, parents, students and the public, Texas School for the Deaf always will be an integral part of downtown Austin and Texas history.  The Texas deaf community and the Texas School for the Deaf family can only hope that the Senate Finance Committee will use its wisdom and respect without bartering for the soul of Texas School for the Deaf.  Baldwin is a former president of Texas Association of the Deaf.  SOURCE:  http:\/\/www.mystatesman.com\/news\/news\/opinion\/baldwin-dont-sell-texas-school-for-the-deaf-proper\/nj9c5\/?icmp=statesman_internallink_invitationbox_apr2013_statesmanstubtomystatesmanpremium#70b5f4ec.3932273.735643\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.mystatesman.com\/news\/news\/opinion\/baldwin-dont-sell-texas-school-for-the-deaf-proper\/nj9c5\/?icmp=statesman_internallink_invitationbox_apr2013_statesmanstubtomystatesmanpremium#70b5f4ec.3932273.735643<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Baldwin: Don\u2019t sell Texas School for the Deaf property February 13, 2015 By Steve C. Baldwin &#8211; Special to the American-Statesman In regards to the American-Statesman front-page story on February 9,2015 \u201cSenators weigh moving Texas School for Deaf,\u201d history was&hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-p\"><a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2015\/02\/14\/baldwin-dont-sell-texas-school-for-the-deaf-property\/\">Read more &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2],"tags":[287,4621,8388,35,24,23221,3777,23240,3366,852,853,23217,604,8122,80],"class_list":["post-30077","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-deaf-news","tag-alamo","tag-article","tag-capitol","tag-community","tag-deaf","tag-jane-nelson","tag-legislature","tag-rosie-serna","tag-steve-baldwin","tag-tad","tag-texas-association-of-the-deaf","tag-texas-facilities-commission","tag-texas-school-for-the-deaf","tag-texas-senate-committee","tag-tsd"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p752R-7P7","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":32470,"url":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2015\/12\/10\/finding-historical-value-in-the-texas-school-for-the-deaf-property\/","url_meta":{"origin":30077,"position":0},"title":"Finding historical value in the Texas School for the Deaf property","author":"Grant Laird Jr","date":"December 10, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Finding historical value in the Texas School for the Deaf property December 2, 2015 By Michael Barnes - American-Statesman Staff Was Texas Revolutionary War hero Deaf Smith really deaf? 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The wanton murder of a deaf pregnant farm girl is all but forgotten\u00a0for 60 years until doctoral student Keith Flynn, also deaf,\u00a0discovers the story and decides to look into it. 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We are excited to share some important information about Tejano history and as well as the well-known native\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;General&quot;","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/category\/deaf-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Rosie-Serna-flyer-by-Baldwin.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Rosie-Serna-flyer-by-Baldwin.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Rosie-Serna-flyer-by-Baldwin.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Rosie-Serna-flyer-by-Baldwin.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":32478,"url":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2015\/12\/10\/ebook-backspace-by-deaf-author-steve-baldwin\/","url_meta":{"origin":30077,"position":3},"title":"Ebook: Backspace by Deaf Author Steve Baldwin","author":"Grant Laird Jr","date":"December 10, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Backspace by Steve Baldwin The wanton murder of a deaf pregnant farm girl is all but forgotten for 60 years until doctoral student Keith Flynn, also deaf, discovers the story and decides to look into it. 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Deaf Smith: Frontiersman, Spy, Scout, Hero $38.99 Texas History Reshaped by One Man\u2019s Steadfast Loyalty BUY TODAY: https:\/\/www.savorywords.com\/shop\/p\/deafsmith Erastus \u201cDeaf\u201d Smith, who was a deaf scout and frontiersman, was more than a folk legend; he was a powerful force behind\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;General&quot;","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/category\/deaf-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/deafsmithcover1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/deafsmithcover1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/deafsmithcover1.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/deafsmithcover1.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30077","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30077"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30077\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30079,"href":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30077\/revisions\/30079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30077"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30077"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30077"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}