State releases preliminary school accountability grading system
The state of Texas will be releasing preliminary grades for every school and district on Jan. 6, 2017, in accordance with a law set to go into effect for the 2017-2018 school year. The school accountability system will undergo changes as a result of the passing of House Bill 2804 by the 84th Texas Legislature. Under the new guidelines, campuses and districts will receive a letter grade A-F based on five areas of performance, or “domains.” All five domains will be individually graded to generate a total grade for each school and district. Round Rock ISD continues to be compliant with state standards for all schools. The Board of Trustees and entire District believe parents and taxpayers deserve accountability and high performing schools; however, a single grade system based mostly on a standardized test does not accurately convey the services schools provide children. [State releases preliminary school accountability grading system]
Board adopts priorities for 85th Legislative Session
The Board of Trustees will be asking state legislators for flexibility to better provide career skills and college readiness services to students during the 85th Legislative session. In addition to the priorities approved during the Dec. 15, 2016, regular meeting, the Board has asked the state’s governing body to reconsider the A-F accountability system and the current school finance formula that will send $18 million of local property tax collections out of Round Rock ISD in 2017-18. The Legislature starts its 85th session on Jan. 10, 2017. [December 15 Board Briefs, 85th Legislative Session Priorities]
Trustee Romere plans Board resignation later this month
Round Rock ISD Trustee Terri Romere plans to submit a letter of resignation from the Board after serving students and advocating tirelessly for initiatives, including vertical alignment, vocational training, local control, and fiscal responsibility, since 2010. Romere, who serves in Place 4, is serving her second term on the Board, which expires in 2018. During her service, she has been in leadership roles on committees and as the Board secretary. The Board plans to have an action item regarding her resignation on the Jan. 19 regular Board meeting agenda. During her time on the Board, Romere has supported the passage of a $299 million bond, expanded agriculture science programs, approved a Strategic Plan, hired current Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Flores, and adopted a District of Innovation plan that will give families more flexibility, while also being supportive of teachers. [Trustee Romere Plans to Resign]
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Editor’s Note: District Digest is a publication from the Round Rock ISD Communications Department. We distribute this newsletter through our website, social media, and through partnerships with principals, directors, teachers, specialists, and staff across the District. The District Digest is published biweekly and includes a high-level overview of initiatives being discussed and implemented with the Board of Trustees, Executive Leadership Team, and Community Committees. Please email Community Relations if you have any questions about the newsletter or Round Rock ISD.
