Board receives Accountability System Update at Aug. 3 Work Session

Vol. 33 No. 1/August 2023

The Spring ISD Board of Trustees met at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8, in person, and streamed via video conferencing, to address items on the agenda. President Justine Durant called the meeting to order. The Dekaney Wildcat Navy JROTC Battalion led the presentation of colors, with Cadet Commander Isis Perez leading the pledges to the flags. Carrying the U.S. Flag was Cadet Lieutenant Commander Deisy Alcocer. Carrying the Texas Flag was Cadet Master Chief Gabriella Lopez. The Left Rifle Guard was Cadet Petty Officer 2rd Class Christopher Zetino. The Right Rifle Guard was Cadet Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashley Vasquez. The Dekaney Wildcat Navy JROTC Battalion is led by Chief Petty Officer Victor Adams and Chief Petty Officer Robert Dunn.

Board receives Accountability System Update at Aug. 3 Work Session

On Thursday, Aug. 3, during the board work session, the Spring ISD Board of Trustees were provided with an update from Chief of Innovation Dr. Matt Pariseau regarding the state’s soon-to-be-released accountability system.

The Texas Education Agency’s current A-F system for rating Texas schools and school districts has remained largely unchanged since it was first introduced in 2017. Under state law, the intended purpose of the A-F accountability system is to help guide schools in improving student performance, eliminating achievement gaps, and preparing all students for postsecondary success.

Student proficiency, student growth, and the closing of achievement gaps are all factors in determining the ratings, but the metrics applied to some of the domains will be changing more than others as a result of the 2023 ratings system refresh.

There are several key points emphasized during the presentation to the Board that members of the Spring ISD community should keep in mind regarding these updates, including:

The STAAR/EOC exams were revised to include up to 14 new test type questions depending on the exam.
Several months after students completed STAAR testing and following the previous school year, the TEA’s refresh for the state’s A-F accountability system has yet to be completed.
Students, teachers, and the district as a whole will be graded by accountability rules not clearly communicated to educators before the 2022-2023 school year began.
- Some rules will use data from students who graduated in the 2021-2022 school year.
- Some rules will use data from students taking the tests in the 2022-2023 school year.

As a result of changes to the accountability system, many schools and districts will be negatively impacted by the new rules.

For high schools to receive an A rating under College, Career, and Military Readiness, TEA’s new rules require a 47% increase in performance over the students who graduated in 2021-2022.
This creates the misconception that high-performing high schools are drastically declining, even if their performance actually improved.
TEA won’t release scores for elementary and middle school students until Aug. 16, later than normal, because the STAAR test underwent major revisions in the spring. Students took the test entirely online this spring, and 25% of the test items are not traditional multiple-choice questions.

As a district, Pariseau noted that Spring ISD is committed to keeping families informed going forward, and the administration will update community members again when more is known about this year’s results.

“As we begin the new school year,” wrote Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa in a message to families and staff, “we are renewing our commitment to work diligently with our students every day – ensuring that we provide excellent outcomes and set our students on a path to future success.”

Recognitions

Since January 1984, the Board has recognized students and staff for major accomplishments beyond the District with Points of Pride awards. ABCD awards are presented to individuals or groups that go Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.

Points of Pride, ABCD Awards and Spotlights

Point of Pride – Wunsche students named SkillsUSA National Gold Medalists

The Board began with a Point of Pride recognition for Carl Wunsche Sr. High School seniors Jean-Paul Metoyer and Carl Omondi, who over the summer won Gold in the Web Design and Development competition at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.

The pair are a part of the Wunsche Coding Initiative, which was co-founded at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year by Omondi and fellow Wunsche student Aaron Lopez, a member of the Class of 2023.

“This initiative was founded to empower students to study and learn about computer programming, coding and website development,” Director of Career and Technical Education Cynthia Williams told trustees during her remarks. “We want to recognize and congratulate Jean-Paul and Carl for winning First Place Gold in the Web Design and Development National SkillsUSA Competition!”

Williams also recognized Wunsche CTE teacher Carolyn Gereke, who during her very first year as a teacher helped sponsor and oversee the Coding Initiative all the way through the national competition.

Board President Justine Durant congratulated both students for their win at both the state and national meets.

Read more on the Spring ISD News Blog.

Point of Pride – Spring High School Director of Theatre receives National Speech & Debate Association’s First Diamond Award for Coaching Excellence

Next up was a recognition for Spring High School Director of Theatre Marilyn Ocker, who recently received the First Diamond Award for Coaching Excellence from the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA).

“Ms. Ocker is usually hard at work making sure her speech and debate and theater students – she has that job, too! – enjoy the spotlight they deserve,” Spring ISD Director of Performing and Visual Arts Dr. Joe Clark told trustees. “But this evening it is our pleasure to highlight her leadership of this program, and to express our gratitude for all that she does on behalf of her students.”

Clark explained that the Diamond Award for Coaching Excellence is one of the highest honors a coach can achieve as a part of the NSDA’s recognition program, requiring years of coaching experience as well as impressive levels of student success during state and national speech and debate meets.

“Participation in speech and debate can have a life-changing benefit for all of our young people, and dedicated faculty coaches like Ms. Ocker put in a lot of time and hard work both inside and outside the regular school day,” Clark said. “Ms. Ocker is a longtime Speech and Debate coach who has had multiple students receive the National Speech & Debate Association’s Academic All-American Award, including Spring High School Class of 2023 Top-10 graduate Aliyah Nora.”

Ocker thanked the board and the district, and spoke briefly about her experience coming to Spring ISD at a crossroads in her own journey as an educator some 10 years ago, and of finding a home as a teacher in the district.

“I came to Spring ISD, and I really feel like you saved me,” Ocker told trustees.

“I was a struggling teacher of 24 years,” she continued. “I came here, and the wonderful people of Spring ISD and the amazing students have filled my cup and keep me wanting to do more for these kids. So, thank you all for giving me the opportunity to work with the students here and for working with you all. I love the fact that I'm here and I'm supported, and I've never felt this way before in any educational experience I've had.”

Spring High School Principal Jalen Hemphill was also on hand to congratulate Ocker, as were a number of theater teachers and speech and debate coaches from around the district.

Point of Pride – Spring ISD General Manager of Operations named 2023 Southern Region Planner of the Year by the Association for Learning Environments

The Board also recognized General Manager of Operations Gary Hutton, who was named 2023 Southern Region Planner of the Year by the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) during the organization’s annual conference in the spring.

The Association for Learning Environments – first established in 1921 as the National Council on Schoolhouse Construction – is a professional association whose core purpose is to strengthen learning for all through better learning environments. Its active membership is made up of nearly every discipline involved in school planning, construction, and maintenance, from school district facilities superintendents, to product suppliers, to architects working in the field.

“The Planner of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated dedication, professional excellence, and a commitment to the growth and overall success of both their region and the industry as a whole,” said Chief Operations Officer Mark Miranda during his remarks. “Gary was nominated by his peers in the industry, followed by a committee review of his body of work, personal accomplishments, and contributions.”

The organization maintains chapters throughout the U.S., as well as in more than 30 other countries in Europe and Australasia, with the Southern Region consisting of the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.

“Gary has been an invaluable member of the Spring ISD team, and in addition to his many day-to-day contributions, he's also a huge part of both of our bond programs,” Miranda said. “From the bond's inception and development, to supporting the Bond Steering Committee, to his ongoing work in bringing the vision to reality, Gary has been there every step of the way. Spring ISD is extremely fortunate to have someone of his talents and skills as general manager of operations, and it's an honor to be able to congratulate him this evening on this well-deserved Planner of the Year award.”

Hutton said he wouldn’t be able to accomplish what he does without the support of his dedicated Spring ISD team members, a number of whom attended the meeting to help congratulate him.

Superintendent's Report

Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa started off her remarks by talking about the buzz of activity across the district as teachers, administrators and other staff prepared for the return of students.

She began by recounting highlights from the district’s convocation events held at Fallbrook Church on Monday, Aug. 7, when more than 5,200 staff members attended one of three sessions complete with a lively campus and department roll-call, student performances, and a keynote address covering priorities for 2023-24 and elaborating on the year’s theme – “The Power of You.”

“We had a powerful experience, and I believe that we have set the stage for an unstoppable school year,” Hinojosa said, adding special thanks to Fallbrook Church Senior Pastor Michael A. Pender Sr. and Executive Pastor Olus R. Holder Jr. for hosting the convocation event and being such stalwart supporters of the district.

“A very special thanks to Fallbrook Church, Pastor O. and Pastor Pender,” she said. “They so graciously opened their church for an entire day – where we had three sessions for our convocation – and we were just treated so nicely, and we're just so grateful. Year after year, Fallbrook Church continues to be one of our closest partners and most giving of their location, but most importantly, their commitment and support of Spring ISD.”

She also commented on the performances at each event by the Roberson Middle School step team, who brought the house down with their high-energy routine and upbeat, positive energy.

“I also want to absolutely once again recognize Roberson Middle School and their amazing step team. You know, I had people come and say, ‘Are those high school students or college students you’re bringing back?’ And it's like, no, they're middle school students! And I'll tell you, they can compete at any level, even with college students. Their precision – they were amazing! So, I want to thank them. And I also want to thank all the people that worked behind the scenes to get this all organized.”

Hinojosa also discussed site visits that she and her Senior Leadership Team members had made earlier on Tuesday to greet teachers, Child Nutrition staff members, and others around the district helping to prepare for the start of school.

“It was very exciting to be able to have shared today with all of our staff after convocation yesterday,” Hinojosa said, going on to speak about the preparations being made by staff across the district, including bus drivers, police officers, campus support staff and others.

“But most importantly, our teachers. Our teachers and principals have been working really hard, not only to catch up in their professional development to prepare for our students, but most importantly, getting their buildings ready,” Hinojosa said. “And I can tell you they're still in their buildings late in the evenings to make sure that they're ready to go, and on Thursday we will be visiting campuses all day, and so it's just an exciting time for us to welcome our students back, and just excited to be able to share this day.”

Just before concluding her remarks by wishing everyone a great beginning to the new school year, Hinojosa took a moment to recognize the accomplishments of those members of the Class of 2023 who had completed their requirements since the beginning of June and had graduated during the district’s summer graduation ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 5.

“Every year, you know we celebrate in June over 2,000 graduates, and it's amazing to see their accomplishments, their successes,” Hinojosa said. “But I think I can speak for the Board and all of us, summer graduation is extra special, because it's a group of students that have really oftentimes had to overcome challenges, but in their determination, they didn't give up!”

Trustees Remarks

At each regular board meeting, during Opening Remarks, each board member is given the opportunity to share information with those present.

Deborah Jensen
Position 1

Kelly P. Hodges
Position 2

Justine Durant
Position 3

Winford Adams Jr.
Position 4

Rhonda Newhouse
Position 5

Carmen Correa
Position 6

Natasha McDaniel
Position 7

Assistant Secretary Rhonda Newhouse added her praise of the convocation event and said how much she had enjoyed seeing faculty and other staff getting excited about the start of the new school year. Newhouse also added a special shout-out to brand-new Spring ISD Chief of Police Matthew Rodrigue and his department for their smooth handling of the event.

Vice President Winford Adams Jr. discussed his visit to the senior orientation at Westfield High School, where one of his children will be a senior this year. As both a board member and a Spring ISD parent, Adams said he is very conscious of how both he and others experience the district and its schools through both regular and occasional interactions. He then reflected on the superintendent’s comments during her convocation speech about the need to provide district stakeholders – including families, students, staff, and members of the community – with the best experience possible at all times.

“I want to emphasize for everybody watching, and for all of our staff that is out there in Spring land, that we have to continue to provide that high-quality experience and demonstrate kindness to everyone, grace to everyone,” Adams said. “Our kids need to see us doing that for each other.”

Trustee Natasha McDaniel said she had enjoyed seeing all the social media posts from teachers and staff about the hard work that they had been doing over the summer to complete professional development requirements and prepare for the new year.

“I just want to wish you a prosperous and unstoppable school year,” McDaniel said, “and just know that we are behind you 100%.”

Board President Justine Durant also commented on the hard work being done by staff and departments to prepare for the new school year’s beginning. Commenting on a safety committee meeting she had attended, she congratulated Chief Rodrigue on his new role in leading the Spring ISD Police Department and thanked his team for their efforts to ensure student and staff safety.

“I want to thank him for such an excellent job,” Durant said, “and the plan we have in place to continue to secure and make sure our kids are safe on all of our campuses and within all of our buildings – kids and staff – so great job on that.”

She said the Board had also been busy in recent days, with its August work session on Aug. 3, followed by a team-building workshop with the district’s Senior Leadership Team on Saturday, followed by convocation events all day Monday.

“So we've kind of hit the ground running as all the staff has, getting ready for our kids coming back on Thursday,” Durant said. “So, I just want to tell everyone to stay prayed up, support one another, and I think to kind of sum up, when we talk about ‘experience,’ it’s the Golden Rule – we just need to treat people the way we want to be treated, and that will help us be successful. So, thank you everyone.”

Updates

Audit Committee provides update

Board President Justine Durant explained that the review of activity funds was already underway heading into the new school year, and she thanked her fellow committee members – Assistant Secretary Rhonda Newhouse and Trustee Carmen Correa – as well as the district’s internal auditor Patricia Rios and her team for their collaborative efforts to ensure strong bookkeeping and fund management in Spring ISD.

“We want to congratulate the schools for having excellent and strong ratings and encourage them to keep up the good work,” Durant said.

Newhouse added her thanks, noting that the committee members had been reviewing the full report on the district’s 2022-23 internal audits.

“In June we all got a handbook on all of the audits that were done during the 22-23 school year, and I'd like to say, hats off to the schools for the excellent job that they did in working with Ms. Rios,” Newhouse said. “Thank you, Ms. Rios, to your team, and thank you for working with those bookkeepers to make sure that they were doing the right thing in handling their books at their schools. They did a great job.”

Governance Committee provides update

Trustee Dr. Deborah Jensen said that the committee would have its first meeting of the new school year on Aug. 20, and she briefly outlined several priorities the committee plans to focus on over the coming months, including developing a more formal process of self-evaluation for the Board itself.

The overall process would be overseen by the Board President and include all trustees, but Jensen explained that the Governance Committee was in the process of reviewing board manuals from other districts for examples of how they employ local policy and state law to help support strong school board self-governance.

Jensen mentioned that the committee would also be reviewing board advocacy issues and the processes and avenues used in legislative advocacy, especially on the heels of a difficult legislative season in Austin, where many of the priorities of Texas school districts had not received sufficient attention at the Capitol to allow bills to move forward in school funding and other important areas.

“It has been a disappointing year with the Legislature,” Jensen said, “and so I think we need to revisit our process in that area.”

She also invited staff, school leaders, community members and other stakeholders to present the committee with any board policies that might be in need of updates or editing.

Finally, she noted that the Board’s Employee Excellence Award program may undergo some changes in the upcoming school year in order to make the process more efficient and to potentially recognize more people.

“One of the most frustrating things is when every single application deserves an award, and you've got to pick one person!” Jensen said.

Equity Committee provides update

Vice President Winford Adams Jr. said that the committee had not met in July, but was in communication with the administration – including Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa and finance chief Ann Westbrooks – about the district’s ongoing budget constraints and how those can be balanced against the continuing need to support all students in Spring ISD with the necessary resources.

“I had some very informal conversations with Trustee Correa around the way we're looking at budget and the way we're looking at equitable distribution of resources,” Adams said. “That is very preliminary. There are some tools available – some of them through the Georgetown Edunomics Lab – that I've already shared with Dr. Hinojosa and with Ms. Westbrooks.”

The committee will report back to the full Board as that work continues over the coming semester.

Community Engagement Committee provides update

Board Secretary Kelly P. Hodges directed staff and community members’ attention to the results of last year’s major board outreach efforts – Building Bridges with the Board, which was aimed at engaging families and community members, and Table Talks with the Board, which involved outreach to Spring ISD staff.

Overviews of several of the main topics of discussion and subsequent action items stemming from those gatherings have now been posted under the Outreach Efforts section of the Spring ISD Board of Trustees webpage, at the following links:

Building Bridges with the Board
Table Talks with the Board

“With that being said, we will implement that again,” Hodges said. “I believe we have two dates already, October and February, so we will launch that series again so that we can continue the work that we've started.”

Another push for the committee in the upcoming school year will be helping the district implement a voter registration and education initiative, especially aimed at high school upperclassmen who will be eligible and may wish to vote in upcoming elections.

Hodges explained that the committee was partnering with Executive Director of Family and Community Engagement Tranita Carroll to explore the possibility of obtaining grant funding to support that effort, and in addition, the district already had plans in place to partner with the Omicron Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to help provide voter registration services at select district events.

Action Items and Presentations

In other action, the Board approved:

Minutes from the June 1, 2023 special called session; June 8, 2023 work session; June 13, 2023 regular meeting; and June 27, 2023 special called session;
Order and Notice of Trustee Election for Positions 4 and 5;
Second Reading of Proposed Revisions to Board Policy DC(LOCAL) - EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES;
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, The University of Texas at Austin and Spring ISD Relating to Advise TX (Recurring Item);
Communities Foundation of Texas Educate Texas Grant;
Clinical Placement Site Agreement with the Western Governors University;
Renewal of CYS (Community Youth Services) Workers' Contract (Recurring Item);
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Texas A&M University for clinical teaching/educator placements between the University and the District;
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sam Houston State University for the Alternative Certification Program Internship;
Resolution Adopting Standards Pursuant to Texas Education Code Section 37.0814;
Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement for Foreign-Trade Zone Site;
Request for Proposals (RFP) #24-002 - Educational & Instructional Software/Subscriptions and Related Products & Services;
Request for Proposal (RFP) #24-003 - Box Trucks;
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #23-021 - Architectural Professional Services for the District's Education, Performance and Instruction Center (EPIC);
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #23-022 - Architectural Professional Services for the District's Spring High School;
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #23-023 - Architectural Professional Services Over $15 Million;
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #23-024 - Architectural Professional Services Below $15 Million;
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #23-025 - Construction-Related Professional Services;
2023-24 Modified Schedule State Assessment Testing Waiver;
2023-24 Remote Homebound Instruction Waiver;
Request for Proposal (RFP) #23-026 - Third Party Code Review & Texas Accessibility Standards Services; and
Taxpayer refunds (Recurring item).

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Board receives Accountability System Update at Aug. 3 Work Session

Vol. 33 No. 1/August 2023