KRAM1

Articles I saw said he was a $7mm donor to the school...including the arts/music, etc. areas...not just athletics. However, the amount and to which depts. does not matter in this discussion. He's a spoiled rich guy who is used to having his way...my guess, he is a big jerk with a big ego. But, I'm just guessing. Too bad...dumb move on the guys part. Having boatloads of cash does not in itself make one a class act or a smart person. This is a case in point in my opinion.

Maybe the looming budget cuts have something to do with this. I have no clue, but do know my wife's department at UNT has already been notified to save everywhere it can and look for cuts to come in the near future. Planning ahead is the by word on campus these days. Maybe the athletic department is trying to stretch the dollars it has for these sort of events as far as they can. Don't know, just pondering the possibility.

He isn't a $7million donor to the athletic dept. What more does the guy want? His name is all over the athletic facility? The amount he gave is large, agreed, but not large enough to give him hiring power in the athletic dept. If the guy wants to hire and fire coaches he needs to find a school that will let him be the athletic director. Who did he want one wonders? And, what made him think the guy he wanted was any better than who they hired? Poor baby, the current AD didn't kiss his rear enough, so now he and his big ego want to make an ass out of himself and make this demand on the university. My guess, the guy WAS consulted, but the AD went in a different direction, and that hurt the feelings of the donor...poor baby! He may have even bragged to his buddies that he really ran the dept. and told them early on who the next HC would be. Then, bam, it didn't happen and the guy is mad because he has egg on his face. I'll bet the documentation that accompanied the donation said nothing about allowing for the guys hiring input, and I'll even wager there are quotes that can be found of the guy saying that he did not want to run the athletic dept. What do you think? Sounds like a big case of sour grapes to me or the old kids schoolyard cry of "if you don't play by my rules I am going to take my football and go home". Sad so sad, that egos can get in the way of clear and rational thinking at times.

Nope don't, but am married to someone who has worked (and is continuing to work) in education for over 40 years. I can tell you that she talks about "waste" pretty often and has identified several areas that could be cut, and doesn't happen to believe one needs to throw more and more money at a problem in order to fix it. Tough times call for tough solutions. How many assistant superintendents does one school district really need? How many vehicles does a school district really need to operate? How many ESL programs does a district really need to fund? What size classroom could a district handle in lean times? How many retreats do board members need to take and where do they hold them? How many assistant coaches are really necessary (paid ones)? Would fees for extra-curricular activities be appropriate at this time? How many assistant principals are really needed to run the campus effectively? Are there ways to save in the cafeteria that have not been found? How about everyone taking a 10% temporary pay cut? Are all those classroom aides really necessary for the classroom to function properly? Is everyone on reduced/free meals actually meeting the eligibility criteria? How about working harder to get the kids actually in school so they will count toward state funding? How's the drop out rate working? Could we look at year round schooling to better utilize our facilities? Do we need all those specialized magnet and single-sex, over-age student schools? How about vouchers as a way to reward "good schools" and help close those that should be closed and lessen the financial burden? How about looking at the retiree benefit programs and the length of time needed to work to qualify for retirement? How big is too big? Don't tell me that a district like Denton ISD couldn't consolidate Argyle and say Krum ISD's and handle it efficiently and effectively with many fewer administrative positions and the costs associated with same. Look I know it's tough, but I can 100% guarantee you that not every cost-saving idea has been honestly looked at and reviewed. I am not saying that all the above would help nor are they all workable suggestions, but they all deserve discussion-honest and serious discussion and those listed are far from all that need to be considered. I could probably come up with 20-30 more within the next ten minutes. I am a fan of the arts/music, athletic and other such programs in the schools and have no desire to see any cut. And, I don't think they need to be cut, but every area and every department needs to do its part to help in this situation. Just throwing up your hands and blaming Perry and begging for more money will not solve the problem. It is way past time to start taking the emotion out of this situation and start attacking the problem without all the "not in my backyard" mentality that prevails. Time to find a solution.

John, I'm going to delete my original thread on this topic and let yours be the one for replies. No need for two of these things. I am sorry you didn't see my original post as no need to duplicate efforts. Appreciate you keeping everyone posted from the beginning. GO MEAN GREEN!

Sad to see this sort of thing go on, but some people just don't get the concept of a "gift" or "donation", I guess. I would imagine the guy will take a ton of grief over this (probably well deserved) and the end result may not be that he takes the cash back...UNT does have the D Dickey practice field after all.

John...I just posted this topic 2 min. before you did! I guess they can shoot at two messengers! ha! See you at the reception!

Someone needs a reading comprehension class. Not a fan, at all, of BR, but this criticism does not see to be earned or even on point. But, it's entertaining none the less.

And, your point is? I seem to recall a time when what you had to say actually added to a discussion. They not only make footballs in Ohio (as you well know), but the Finnish based holding company that owns the unit that makes the footballs has done a great job of keeping the plant in Ohio, keeping the traditional Wilson name, and keeping a good many US citizens employed for many many years. Could have easily moved the plant "offshore" a good many years ago, but to date has not chosen to do that. I would find it a bit "hard" for the Chinese owners of any foreign bank they bought with the intention of entering the US market to be able to move the branches offshore either.

Help...help...the sky is falling! Why wasn't it the Spanish invasion, the Swiss invasion, the German invasion when those foreign owned banks set up shop in the US? I happen to believe that the more nations are tied together economically, the less it is in either's best interests to be enemies. I recall when everyone was crying that the Japanese were going to "own" the US and mandate what everyone could or could not do. Now, the scare comes from the Chinese. Perhaps you should be much more concerned about the level of national debt help by China than a Chinese bank buying branches from another already foreign owned banking institution.

Good to see the win...way to go Tennis team! Maybe this will get the wheels turning on another great season...go UNT Tennis. I intend to see a match or two this year for the first time. Should be fun. GO MEAN GREEN!

OK, but you do realize that they are not buying branches of a US bank, right? It is a foreign bank that has branches in the US. There are several foreign banks that have US branches already and have had for many many years. By your logic, I assume they are all "financial whores" as well? One nice thing about this great nation of ours is that we have the right to do business with any private enterprise we choose...or not choose. Just don't do business with foreign owned banks if you don't want to do so. I choose to bank with a US based and US owned institution, but that's my choice. If you don't want to bank with a foreign bank, don't. Seems pretty simple to me.

No problem with him turning down Fed cash as it came with all kinds of strings attached as Fed cash ALWAYS does. It's not "free cash" to use as the state wishes. Which small schools are about to close in Austin? Are they charter schools? Maybe they should combine resources. If they were THAT good it seems to me that they could get some "outside" financial support to stay open if they perhaps combined with others, cut some overhead and fixed costs, etc. I don't know as I am not aware of the schools or situations you are talking about. My house and family is full of educators as well, and none of us like that certain programs are on the chopping block, but maybe it is time to think "outside the box" and find ways to keep these programs going other than to simply take the easy way out and throw money at them. How about combining some between schools, how about looking for additional outside support, how about maybe doing some additional fund raising, how about checking numbers and seeing if the programs are more luxury in hard times than necessary and on and on and on. Also, the preliminary budget proposal may or may not be the final...maybe some additional work can save more of these programs. Many of these programs fall into the extracurricular program offerings, just like the sports programs, so maybe there needs to be a hard look taken in the schools as to which of all these extracurricular programs are the most beneficial. One might also look at all the dollars being spent on ESL and all the bilingual programs for children whose first language is not English. Can some bucks be saved in those areas that might help "save" some of the programs you mention? Yes, throwing cash at it is a great band-aid that gets nowhere near the heart of the matter. Why not get really serious and do some really creative stuff and see what could really be done? Let's look at consolidating some school districts...seems to me that would save a bunch of tax dollars that now go to creating multiple administrations around the Austin area and across the state. Folks, there is not enough money and the people who are actually paying the taxes are getting tired of shelling out more and more for less and less results. More money is not the answer. More critical and creative thinking may well be.

Well, there was really no reason for you to have to justify why you don't contribute or to tell us all when it is that you might. I get it, and none of my posts are ever aimed at those who truly feel they cannot give at this time. You are not, believe it or not, the only person to have ever been in the situation that you are in financially. In fact, I dare say the vast majority of us on the board, myself included, have been in your situation. If you tire of it, understand it is not directed at you, but more to those who can give and choose not to do so. That is also their right, but, hopefully, they will change their minds and start to give a little back. Giving is a "learned" activity. Many people who live at or near the poverty level still give to the causes they see as important. They may not give money...or much of it, but they give of their talent and time. I happen to have been taught very early by my parents that I have a duty to others to give back, and I just found ways to do so and made the choices that, for me, were right regarding giving. My parents set the example for me and saw that I learned by their example. At the time, I wasn't real excited about giving back part of the money I earned around the house and at odd jobs and part-time employment as I grew up...but, the habit had been formed, and I guess it continues to this day. So, no offense, but no one here has ever "discounted" you...if you feel you have been discounted, it is of your own doing, it's not my doing or anyone else's as I don't think I have ever...EVER posted anything other than along the lines that people should do what they can...however large or small that amount might be....and only if they can. Your priorities are your priorities...there is no value judgment assigned...never has been...everyone gets to set their own. I have always respected that and never posted anything to the contrary. You set 'em...you own 'em. No need to have to justify why or what you do. Good luck and God speed with your priorities. They seem like good ones to me. GO MEAN GREEN!

Awesome, indeed. And, hopefully, it will lead others to look at what they can do to support the Mean green. Everyone can start at some level. I had a person I had been talking with hand me his new Mean Green Club membership form and check last evening at the game. As a volunteer rep for the Mean Green Club I thought he might be "ready" to join...he was! All it takes sometimes is someone asking for their membership and showing some appreciation for them doing so. If you are not a member...you can join for as little as $125 and they will even split that out into five payments of $25 each for you. PM me...let's talk if you are not a member! Let's take the lead from Mr. Khenue, and support the Mean Green. Also heard that every suite at the new stadium has been sold! WOW! And, that Club seats are beginning to move even faster! This is really great news! Time to get on board the Mean Green train...it's heading in the right direction and there is no turning back. You can help! Good things are truly happening for the Mean Green! GO MEAN GREEN!

What a great evening it was last night. First, it started off with a great meal from Prairie House in the Mean Green Room before the basketball game where we were able to "meet and greet" with lots of other members of the Mean Green nation. There was a very nice crowd last evening...even had to set up additional tables to seat everyone. Then, I had the pleasure of meeting our head cheerleader "Ashley" who I will be working with on the GMG.com basketball game...at the same time I got to chat with the GMG.com's own "Rudy" who was well situated in the student section beating up on the Ark. State bench. Then got to meet with STIX who drove up from Sugarland for the game and another great GMG.com member "Todd". At halftime I met "Travis" who will also be helping with the GMG.Com basketball game and his ex-UNT cheerleader wife "Gracie"...yes, Travis, you are a lucky fella. Then, in front of a great crowd of 4,800+, we got to hear about that wonderful $1,000,000 donation from the Khenue family. On top of that, I was presented an envelope by another great member of the Mean Green nation which included his MEAN GREEN CLUB application and check. I had asked him to consider joining the Mean Green Club as he already buys season tickets and is a member of the UNT Alumni Assoc., but had not been a Mean Green Club member. Well, he is now! Then, the Mean Green go out and absolutely destroy Ark. State in one of the best games I have seen them play all season...how about that shot by Johnson as the time ran out for in the first half. Man, I had to stay up late after getting home from the game as I did not want the day to end. Oh, almost forgot...got to chat with a couple of UNT football players as well...as a Mean green fan, it just doesn't get too much better than the evening I had last evening...amazing experience, and I am still smiling about it all. GO MEAN GREEN! STIX ... many thanks for driving all the way up from Sugarland to attend the game. See you for the Denver game!

Really great donation, thank you so very much. Yes, Kuehne is the father of Trip, Hank and Kelly Kuehne...all excellent golfers in their own right. Mr. Kuehne is also a UNT letterman. I believe in track and field. It is my understanding that he recently contacted RV and mentioned that he wanted to get "back involved" with UNT...his alma mater. Looks like he has done so in a very big way. Thanks so much. Another nice thing about this is that large donors know other potential large donors, so this may open the door up to even more support for UNT. Mr. Kuehne has been seen in the Mean green room recently prior to UNT BB games. Many, many thanks. Let's hope this spurs others to join the Mean green Club and support the Mean Green.

Along with the Prairie House, I enjoy it when Metzler's caters as well. I appreciate all the vendors who work with the Mean green Club to provide food and beverage. It is great to have them as partners to the Mean Green, and it's a really nice benefit to being a member of the Mean green Club. What a great night is was all the way around last evening to be part of the Mean Green nation! GO MEAN GREEN! Great crowd at the game as well...4800+

When revenues decline most politicians only think in terms of raising taxes. That's because most politicians are lazy. We have thrown more and more money at public education in this state only to see minimum results...speaking mainly of public elementary through HS education here, not higher education. But, anyone anywhere near any college campus of a public nature can tell you that the administrative staff continues to increase exponetionally. The are are more and more VP's and Ass't VP's being created monthly on many campuses along with all the support staff and expenses that go along with those positions. In addition, check out all the state owned vehicles of all kinds, take a look at some of the "external" programs offered (are they carrying their weight from a financial standpoint?), check out a good bit of the travel by both faculty, and administrative staffs (and the type of travel...1st class plane flights by some administrators in the past). There are plenty of areas to look at to "cut" spending in the state before you even think of raising taxes...these cuts could take place withoutout lessening the amount or quality of education provided. Raising taxes is the politician "easy way out" of not having to make the tough decisions. How many programs within public education in Texas have become defacto entitlement programs? How about reducing the number of school districts in the state? What about looking at all the various extracurricular activities offered? Maybe it is time to consider a small fee to those who participate in those extracurricular activities so the entire population does not have to see taxes raised in order to keep providing things that are not actually required to provide a very high quality public educational system. It really is time to think outside the box...would adding 2-3 kids to each class really effect the quality of education THAT much? Do we really need to provide "day care" in our public schools at taxpayer expense? Do we really need all those ESL classes and extra "catch-up" programs for folks who cannot (or will not) speak english? I am not advocating for one thing or another here, I am simply advocating for some creative "out-side the box" thinking with brainpower and not emotions. The "touchy-feely" stuff is part of what has gotten us in this budget mess in the first place. I GUARANTEE you that if I were give complete authority I could definitely find enough cuts and "other" things that would make up the deficit without cutting programs that lead to quality education. I think most folks here could do the same.

It has come up countless numbers of times. Obviously, TWU will do everything in its power to see that it does not happen. At one point, NT was not too keen on the idea either, but i don't know what the thinking is at this time. I would, from a tax dollar savings standpoint, like to see it happen and I think it has merit, but for Denton itself, i think it might be a bit of a shock. I cannot imagine what the good folks at TWU would think if it ever came anywhere near reality. At one time there was a big push to do some "joint programs". Don't know what ever became of that idea either, except that i don't think it got very far. TWU always seems to cast a "worried eye" toward it's much larger neighbor across town. As if the "sleeping tiger" was just waiting to ponce. Not much cooperation can happen when that attitude prevails. But, can you really blame them? I can't. Along these same lines...why not consider COUNTY School districts? Think of all the excess administrative staff and regulatory enforcement staff you could eliminate. Really...how many assistant superintendents does one school district need? Seriously!

Well, I'm in section 120 and lots of Gmg.com members are in that section and the two on either side. I think SUMG and crowd are in 119 low row near the court behind the UNT bench. I'm in 120 row m seats 9&10 on the aisle. Stop by and say hello. Would love to meet you. GO MEAN GREEN! Thanks for making the effort and the drive up to support the Mean Green. I think you'll be nicely rewarded for your effort. GO MEAN GREEN!

It's probably a better idea this year to not wait for the season ticket renewal forms to make the Mean green Club donation? Why...well because seat selection in the new stadium priority will be based on Mean green Club points. Mean Green Club point totals will be "frozen" as of March 1st of this year for seat selection purposes. So, if you send in the Mean Green Club renewal NOW you get points toward seat selection priority. If you wait until the season ticket renewals come out, you don't get the points for seat selection purposes. Just saying that you might want to give that some thought. As a volunteer Mean green Club rep, I'd be happy to chat with you more about this...just PM me and we'll "chat". GO MEAN GREEN...as Coach Mac said last night at the banquet "I can't imagine a better time to be at North Texas than right now". Now, that's what I'm talking about! GO MEAN GREEN!

+1 for you Sir...and, I do hope it is "for the last time".

So, did you give me the -1? Why? We seem to agree, really. I also agree with your assertion that Josh should not have had to play point. I have always thought he was much better suited as a #2 who played point out of necessity. I don't think anyone could really read my post and not think that I believe Josh has been a true asset and leader for this team. But, if you have watched him all these years, and I know you have, he does throw up 3-5 prayers every game. I just don't like seeing a point guard (or any player) do that sort of thing. No, he doesn't "gun it" from long range very often when the shots aren't falling, and as I said, is who I want at the line when the game is on the line, but he drives when he should hold it up and wait, and gets himself in positions that there is no way he can make the shot (OK, sometimes he does). My "standard" is for my senior point guard to run the offense and play strong defense, and to not have 3-5 "brain freezes" per game where he just throws junk up and prays that he either gets fouled or that, somehow, the ball goes in. I doubt that much different from your standards as I know yours are pretty high...as well they should be. See you Saturday! I know he'll both be watching Josh "do his thing" and bring the Mean Green home with another "W". GO MEAN GREEN!