Time feels like it’s moving awfully fast, and it’s hard to believe we’re already into the third week of summer break. Last week, I was able to spend a few days with my sons doing one of our favorite things: fishing.  As my kids grow up, head to college, and begin to make their own way in the world, I’m reminded that these moments together are more precious than ever. I hope you are finding ways to make memories this summer as well. 

Yesterday, our Board convened for their regular monthly workshop and meeting where our team presented some promising data related to our board goals. When we set these goals in 2020, it was done with intention. We knew that we couldn’t make huge gains overnight… After all, education is a journey, not a sprint to the end. But we did approach our work with thoughtful professional learning to empower teachers with new techniques for teaching standards, such as using interactive learning labs. Now that the year is over, we have end-of-year MAP data for our students in grades 3-8 and preliminary STAAR data for all grade levels that shows measured progress. Together with other indicators such as standards-based reporting and developmental reading assessment (DRA) results, we saw the following gains:

• 14% increase in college career + military readiness
• 10% increase in students meeting early numeracy indicators
• 10% increase in students meeting early numeracy indicators

More data will be available throughout the summer that will continue to help inform our practices so that we can continually work toward improvement.  STAAR data for your student is available now Skyward. I encourage you to review this information and reach out to your child’s campus if you have any questions about those reports. Full district results are anticipated in August so look for more information on that as we kick off the new year. 

Our board adopted the district’s compensation plan at last month’s meeting, and last night, they adopted the full 2022-23 budget. This is an intricate process.  Like you, we are facing increased costs for all of the products and services we provide. While property taxes are going up, the new revenue generated goes back to the State. In fact, we anticipate receiving fewer dollars per student than we had last year based on the current State system for school finance. Meanwhile, we remain committed to increasing pay for staff and doing what’s best for kids, and the board’s actions reflect that. 

As a reminder, there are a number of ways you can follow our progress:

• Our board meetings are live-streamed and recorded and you can view them here: www.georgetownisd.org/board
• Through updates on our board goals
• In monthly board briefs
• On social media: @GeorgetownISD and
• Through eNews at www.georgetownisdnews.org

I’ll be in touch again next month with more updates. In the meantime, we’ll be updating our website with everything you need to help you plan for back to school. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions.

With gratitude,
Fred Brent
Georgetown ISD Superintendent