La Marque ISD strives to leave troubles behind
Headed into the new school year with La Marque Independent School District still facing an uncertain future, Superintendent Terri Watkins pledged to continue upward momentum in student achievement, keep a handle on the district’s finances and rebuild community trust.
The district has introduced a new math curriculum this year, and teachers will use teaching and classroom management strategies learned under a program call “Fundamental Fives.” The district will continue assessing students every three weeks instead of every six weeks and offer customized tutoring for students at risk of failing standardized tests.
Meanwhile, the district, with help from the Harris County Department of Education, has put its finances in order, leaving enough leeway to give a much-needed pay raise to district staff.
Watkins hopes the new strategies, improved test scores and healthier finances will be enough to sway the Texas Education Agency to allow the district to remain open under the current administration after this school year.
“Everyone is pleased with the fact that we did meet standards, and they’re pulling for us to do more and do better and be more stable,” said Edna Courville, the district board’s vice president. “We’ve got everything in order.”
Under threat from the TEA of closure this summer, the district launched an appeal and entered into an abatement agreement with the TEA, buying another year.
TEA spokeswoman DeEtta
Culbertson said in a written statement that the abatement remains in full effect and that no decision regarding the future of the district beyond this school year has been made. She said Commissioner Michael Williams continues to review the information regarding the district’s overall academic and financial performance and that a decision will be forthcoming.
In July, Williams held off on an order to close the district to await TEA accountability ratings. The district earned the state’s lowest academic rating in three of the last four years (the state did not issue ratings in 2012). It received a substandard financial rating for the 2011-12 year.
Culbertson said the commissioner could install new management, impose further sanctions or leave the district under the abatement agreement. The agreement stipulates the district would waive its right to challenge the TEA’s final decision.
Watkins has had her work cut out for her since taking over the failing school district in October 2013.
Finances were in disarray, student test scores were weak, facilities had not been well-maintained and enrollment had been dropping by from 150 to 200 students each year.
A similar drop is projected for this school year, which would bring the number of students down to 2,150 or less.
Watkins said that in addition to addressing finances and student performance, the district has established a maintenance schedule for enhancing facilities, boosting literacy for all grade levels and garnering community support.
Courville, Watkins and others in the community believe the recovery efforts are beginning to pay off, but warned it would take time.
“I feel the leadership we have right now is capable of bringing La Marque back, but it’s going to take time,” said Corinthia Williams, a 1991 graduate and founder of La Marque ISD Alumni Association.
“We are looking forward to the new school year,” Watkins said. “Teachers are getting ready for the fundamental fives and to meet our academic goals.”