There is good news in GISD and more work to be done.

Three years ago I pledged to help ensure that the district: evaluates every decision based on its impact on student learning; encourages & enhances the district’s most valuable resource -- teachers & staff; restores trust in fiscal responsibility; equitably distributes resources & opportunities across all schools; & fosters active participation by parents in their children’s education & the system. Much progress has been made that reflects this commitment.

District Successes
• Highest Academic Ratings Ever: 3 exemplary schools – the first since 2001 – including Austin Magnet School, an east end middle school open to students from all over the island; 3 recognized schools; 3 acceptable.
• Ball High Advanced Placement: Ball ranked in the top 5 percent of 27,000 U.S. high schools in Newsweek magazine’s AP rankings.
• Unitary Status: After 50 years of federal judicial scrutiny GISD has been declared desegregated.
• KIPP Academy: GISD and the nationally acclaimed charter school cooperated to open a school within GISD that will serve Pre-K through 8th grade.
• Teacher Pay: Teacher pay increased to be competitive with other local districts.
• Low Tax Rates: GISD’s tax rate is lower than 11 of 13 districts in the region.
• Responsible Financial Management: “Clean” audits; achieved the highest possible rating under Texas’ Schools FIRST financial accountability rating system; Fitch Ratings affirmed its A+ Rating on bonds and revised the Rating Outlook to Stable from Negative after Ike.
• Post Storm Response: Reopened schools three weeks after Ike; retained all teacher and staff jobs for the year in spite of 20% decline in enrollment; bused students from temporary homes including on the mainland; operated the city’s refuge of last resort at Ball High.
• Grant Monies Obtained: GISD has been awarded $28 million in grants for numerous programs including tutoring, after school and summer enrichment activities, and the new Ball High Prep STEM Academy and Early College High School.
• Expanded Participation in Fine Arts: Having a dedicated Fine Arts Director has helped organize and emphasize the Fine Arts curriculum and offerings and increased participation.

I seek reelection to continue to help the district: raise the achievement level of all students; make informed decisions about facilities; efficiently manage limited financial resources; & provide excellent educational choices.