Public hearing on possible state sanctions scheduled for Sept. 23 at Worsham Auditorium
Like a lot of other people, Snyder ISD officials are searching for answers in the wake of a letter from the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) commissioner informing them of possible sanctions against the school district.
During their Thursday meeting, SISD trustees discussed the letter and its possible implications on the school district.
The letter from Mike Morath informed the district that it faces the sanctions because of continued student performance issues at Snyder Junior High School, which has been rated as “improvement required” for the past five years.
Morath’s letter stated that if the school district’s appeal of the latest SJHS rating is denied, he would be required by the state education code to either close the campus or replace the SISD school board with a board of managers.
Whether it is a strictly “either-or” situation concerning the junior high school is somewhat vague.
SISD Superintendent Dr. Eddie Bland said it is possible SISD may receive some “wriggle room” from TEA in dealing with the situation, but he couldn’t say for sure one way or another.
In fact, school district officials have very few answers at this point, he added.
“At this point, it’s hard to answer any questions,” Bland told trustees. “We’ve had very limited communication with TEA on this matter. So, between now and Dec. 13 (when the appeal decision is expected to be announced), about all we can do is to consider what our options are.”
The school district will solicit public input into the situation when it conducts a public hearing on Sept. 23 in Worsham Auditorium at Snyder High School.
“Obviously, none of us are excited about this,” Bland said. “About all we can do at this point is make sure our kids are getting the instruction they deserve, whether you agree with (the possible sanctions) or not. If you start focusing on things you can’t control, you start neglecting the things you can.”
Faced with their possible removal from the school board, trustees were understandably subdued, but Board President Ralph Ramon voiced support for junior high school officials and teachers in their effort to improve the campus’ academic performance.
“Even if by the state’s standards, the junior high school is on improvement required, I think when the final decision is made, I would like Mr. Morath to come to Snyder ISD and see the things that are going on,” Ramon said. “(Snyder Junior High School Principal Rebecca) Mebane and the teachers there are doing a great job. I’m not saying the decision (Morath) is going to make is necessarily the wrong decision, but I would like him to see what we’re doing to improve. We’re definitely not neglecting our students.”
In other business Thursday, trustees approved the school board ethics and procedures handbook and the 2019-20 Lonestar Governance plan.