Waco Independent School District’s preliminary STAAR data shows some gains and setbacks at campuses with failing ratings.
TEA
The Waco Bridge’s news coverage of the Texas Education Agency’s involvement in Waco area schools.
Posted inEducation
Texas education chief appoints former Waco ISD official to head Connally
The state of Texas has chosen a former Waco Independent School District administrator as superintendent to lead Connally ISD during its state takeover. Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath picked Josie Gutierrez to lead the 2,000-student district, citing her success in improving outcomes and strengthening teacher retention as former deputy superintendent and an assistant superintendent […]
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Q&A with Andrew Kim: Connally ISD’s new state conservator sees a path to “excellence”
The veteran educator says more teacher development training, more instructional time and a change in expectations will turn around the struggling district.
Posted inEducation
Interactive: Look up your school in our relaunched Texas Public Schools Explorer
It’s easier than ever to go deep on Waco-area school trends with this tool developed by our partners at The Texas Tribune.
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Connally ISD cancels bond plans as it seeks to shrink its footprint
Connally ISD board of trustees called a $5.9 million bond election in February, then canceled it based on declining enrollment and the projected cost savings due to consolidating three elementary schools.
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Connally ISD will consolidate elementary schools starting next school year
The Waco-area school district said declining enrollments necessitated the changes.
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Staff at two struggling schools could reapply for jobs under Waco ISD charter deal
The Waco ISD board agreed to move forward with a contract with Third Future Schools to operate South Waco and Dean Highland elementary schools in a bid to avert a state takeover of the whole district.
Posted inEducation
Connally ISD shares the demographic profile of school districts vulnerable to state takeovers
Inequality helps explain why many of the schools under intervention in Texas share nearly identical characteristics.
“Not everybody gets a hot breakfast and Mom taking them to school or putting them on the bus and giving them a kiss on the cheek,” said Jill Bottelberghe, Connally ISD superintendent.
Posted inEducation
Local school district demographics predict who goes to college. Look yours up here.
Midway, China Spring and Lorena students were about twice as likely to graduate college than peers in the economically disadvantaged Waco, La Vega and Connally ISDs, based on long-term data.
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State appoints conservator over Connally, two other ISDs
“The work ahead will focus on partnering with district leadership to strengthen academics and keep Connally ISD students, teachers and staff at the center of every decision,” Kim said.
