October 26, 2009

During the past ten years Spring ISD has experienced record growth and changing demographics, factors that would present challenges both academically and financially for any school district. In spite of these challenges, Spring has documentation that shows positive and consistent gains in student performance while maintaining a solid financial standing.

“Based on a report by the Education Resource Group and results of state assessments, we are pleased to see that our district is making positive gains both academically and financially. It is encouraging to know that we are headed in the right direction,” said Dr. Ralph H. Draper, Spring ISD superintendent.

The Academic and Financial Performance Review for the 2007-08 school year was provided by the Education Resource Group (ERG). For its combined academic and financial performance, Spring ISD ranked 25 out of 200 large, public school districts in Texas. Based on the year-to-year rate of overall improvement, the district ranked
14 - only 13 districts demonstrated a greater rate of overall improvement. ERG bases its findings on data collected from the state’s Academic Excellence Indicator System.

Demographics, including enrollment, socio-economic status and mobility rates, are considered during the rating process, which makes the performance evaluation more equitable. Since the 1999-2000 school year, Spring ISD’s enrollment has been increasing at an average rate of 1,318 students per year or 5.9 percent. Only 27 districts in the sample group experienced greater rates of growth than Spring during the same time period.

While the district was experiencing rapid growth, significant change in the socio-economic condition of its students was occurring also. According to ERG, during a time period when the total enrollment increased by 11,867 students, the number of economically disadvantaged students who qualified for free and reduced price meals increased by 13,789 or 178.2 percent.

In spite of these demographic changes, since 2003-04 Spring ISD has improved its ranking for academic performance from 152 to 87. Four elements are evaluated to determine academic performance: the percentage of students meeting TAKS standards, four-year graduation rates and mean SAT and ACT scores.

The district’s performance on the TAKS has steadily improved over the past six years in all subjects, which includes mathematics, science, reading/English Language Arts, writing and social studies.

The ERG report showed consistent financial improvement for Spring ISD with a gain of four positions from 2006-07 to the 2007-08 school year. The district spent $958.30 per student less than predicted by the ERG performance model and was ranked 28 out of the 200 schools rated.

In addition, for the seventh consecutive year, Spring ISD has earned a rating of Superior Achievement. This is the highest rating possible from the Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas.

Spring ISD’s 2008-09 financial statements have been audited by Null Lairson P.C., the district’s external auditors. “The external auditors issued an unqualified opinion after reviewing transactions and internal control procedures. In their opinion the financial position of the district is stated fairly and accurately. The auditors also tested the district’s compliance with federal, state and local regulations and found no material instances of noncompliance,” said Christine Porter, associate superintendent for financial services.