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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 AUG. 15 SEPT. 12, 2023
EDUCATION EDITION 2023 MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS INCREASE The Texas Department of State Health Services surveys high school students about their behavior every odd numbered year. According to the Texas Youth Risk Behavior Survey, high school students were asked if they felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row so that they stopped doing some usual activities during the 12 months before the survey.
Live Oak’s Vista Ridge community gets a new trail
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Universal City leaders talk venue tax priorities
Considered suicide
Felt sad or hopeless
Made a plan to attempt suicide
City & County
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EDUCATION EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District • Judson Independent School District
2017
2019
2021
1 IN 10 youth in the U.S. are experiencing depression. Over
59.8% of youth with major depression do not receive treatment. Over
3 RD for the highest prevalence of mental illness in both adults and children combined. Texas ranks
51 ST as the worst in the nation for access to mental health care.* Texas ranks
*NOTE: THIS SURVEY INCLUDES WASHINGTON D.C. AS A SEPARATE AREA SOURCES: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL, MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Pastry Corner serves up fresh desserts, breads
School districts step up to address student mental health needs
22
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
BY TRICIA SCHWENNESEN
have really skyrocketed—and sui- cidal ideation and homicidal ide- ation,” said Cassandra Gracia, director of counseling; and college, career and military readiness for Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD. She explained that students who may have experienced sui- cidal thoughts have moved to more extremes, such as planning a suicide
attempt, or a student who may have self-harmed is now considering harm or violence against others. Students have always faced challenges, Gracia said, but when they returned to their class- rooms for the 2022-23 school year, there were second graders entering their elementary school CONTINUED ON 20
Northeast San Antonio Metro- com-area school counselors are reporting a greater number of stu- dents are needing mental health care services to address depres- sion, anxiety and traumas, such as food insecurity and homelessness. “From a mental health perspec- tive, I’d say anxiety and trauma
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM EDITOR Tricia Schwennesen REPORTER Jarrett Whitener GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brendan Rodriguez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Stephanie Schillaci METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna MANAGING EDITOR Miranda Jaimes MANAGING COPY EDITOR Beth Marshall ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 3522 Paesanos Parkway, Ste. 304, San Antonio, TX 78231 • 866-989-6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES nemnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nemads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM JASELLE: The new school year starts this month, which means packing favorite lunch snacks, setting alarms earlier and getting back into a routine. Our front-page story discusses mental wellness for students and what resources districts are providing to help. We wish all of the new and returning families a wonderful year full of new adventures and smiles. A big “Thank you” to the educators and school staff for all that you continuously do to pour into and lift up our children! Jaselle Luna, PUBLISHER
FROM TRICIA: This year the Texas Legislature made changes to the standardized State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness that affect school districts across the state, including those here in the San Antonio area. On Page 13, we take a look at the changes and how students will be affected. Tricia Schwennesen, EDITOR
CORRECTION: Volume 2, Issue 10 On page 11, In the Real Estate story the ZIP code 78108 saw a decrease of 12.69% in the number of homes sold year-over-year rather than an increase. The 78266 ZIP code is the only ZIP code to have an increase in the number of homes sold.
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • AUGUST 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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Sunstorm Vans
Montanio Park Trail
COURTESY SUNSTORM VANS
COURTESY THE CITY OF LIVE OAK
COMING SOON 6 To help support South Texas Chick-fil-A restaurants, a new distribu- tion operation is being built in Selma. Chick-fil-A Supply, which will be located at 7654 Ben E. Keith Way, Selma, will be a more than 185,000-square-foot facility that will provide jobs for more than 100 people and support more than 100 restaurants in the region, according to Chick-fil-A public affairs. According to the business’ website, Chick-fil-A Supply began in 2020 with the first location in Cartersville, Georgia. Other locations have opened in North Carolina and Ten- nessee, with additional locations coming soon, including one in Dallas. Opera- tions for the Selma facility are expected to begin in the second half of 2024. 7 A new trail opened in Live Oak on July 17. The Montanio Park Trail adds 1,630 linear feet from the Vista Ridge subdivision to Avery Road, and has an en- trance between 7513 and 7515 Avery Road, Live Oak. To celebrate the trail opening, City Council, staff and other leaders held a dedication for the project, which was a joint effort between the city and The Presidio Group, which developed the Vista Ridge subdivision. Avenue 16 was the con- tractor for the project. This trail will con- nect to a future trail running from Avery Road to Woodcrest Park. According to city staff, the new connecting trail will mea- sure out to an additional 2,500 linear feet for walking and biking. 210-653-9140. www.liveoaktx.net www.cfa-supply.com IN THE NEWS
ninth Neighborhood Hospital under the Baptist Health System. According to a July 10 news release, Baptist Neigh- borhood Hospitals are small-format facilities that offer similar service lines as traditional hospitals, but with a smaller footprint. The 9,933-square-foot location will have 10 patient rooms comprised of nine exam rooms and a triage room. 210-622-8220. www.baptistneighborhoodhospital.com 4 Universal City officials held grand openings for two playgrounds located at city parks. On July 28, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at A Cimarron Park, located at 368 Wagon Crossing, Universal City. On Aug. 11, a ceremony was conducted for the new playscape at B Veterans Park, located at 737 E. Aviation Blvd., Universal City. The project added a playscape to the park, which includes slides, benches and other amenities. Play equipment is targeted for children ages 5-12. Both parks include shaded coverings to allow use during the summer months, according to city staff. 210-659-0333. www.universalcitytexas.gov 5 A new health-centric juice and smoothie bar had a grand opening in Universal City on Aug. 5. Universal City Healthy Spot offers protein shakes, energy drinks and other beverages. According to the owners, the shakes are water-based beverages, and nutritional snacks will be available at the location. The business is located at 2150 Universal City Blvd., Universal City, which is the former location of UC Nutrition. 726-229-9406. Facebook: Universal City Healthy Spot.
UNIVERSAL CITY BLVD.
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GULF ST.
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NOW OPEN 1 The city of Schertz is home to a new Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply loca- tion. Located at 17975 I-35 N., Ste. B200, Schertz, the new store opened July 18, bringing a selection of clothing, tools, sporting goods and other products to meet home and outdoor needs. Ac- cording to the business’ website, John Murdoch opened the first store in 1994 in Bozeman, Montana, and the business has since expanded to over 30 stores across Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, Texas and Wyoming. The Schertz store is one of seven locations to open in Texas. 210-853-2485. www.murdochs.com
2 Sunstorm Vans in June opened at 508 Gulf St., Unit 117, Cibolo. The business is an RV rental company that focuses on camping trips and equipment. Customers can rent vans that are unmarked and designed to meet camping needs with some vans coming with additional storage space, a kitchen area or other amenities. Alongside rentals, the website also allows customers to purchase the custom vans. 210-380-3810. www.sunstormvans.com 3 A new Baptist Neighborhood Hospital opened in Converse on July 17. Located at 6491 Woodlake Parkway, San Antonio, the new hospital is the
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COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER
SEPT. 01-04
CELEBRATE LABOR DAY ON THE RIVER WALK SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK
During Labor Day weekend, the San Antonio River Walk will be the home of an artisan show. Guests can experience the beauty of the San Antonio River Walk and shop from more than 40 artisan booths selling handmade items, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork and more. The event is free to attend, and dates for the event are subject to change. The event will be held from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. during the weekend days and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sept. 4. Free (admission). San Antonio River Walk near the Chamber of Commerce and Shops at Rivercenter, 602 E. Commerce St., San Antonio. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
The Heroes Memorial was placed in front of Selma City Hall.
JARRETT WHITENER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Last September, Selma work crews broke ground on a new addition to City Hall, 9375 Corporate Dr., Selma, to memorialize rst responders and veterans. After nine months the Heroes Memorial opened. The cost of the project was an about $800,000 that was funded through the capital construction fund from the issuance of certi cates of obligation bonds in 2019. City Administrator Johnny Casias said this has been a passion project in the city. “We have had committees that talked about doing park and quality-of-life
improvements, making suggestions to City Council over the years, and one of them was a veterans memorial plaza,” Casias said. “It is something that the mayor and council are extremely proud of.” www.ci.selma.tx.us
COURTESY SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK
SEPTEMBER 09 LEARN ABOUT INSECTS The city of Schertz Parks and Recreation department will host the Nature Discovery Series each month through November. This series encourages elementary-age children to explore, discover and ask questions about nature. The Sept. 9 event will be focused on the world of insects. Future sessions include lessons about
early Texans and living o the land, and also living things featuring horns and thorns. Preregistration for the event is required, and parents who wish to stay must register themselves. The walks are one-hour long and led by Texas Master Naturalist volunteers. Start times are staggered, but guests are encouraged to arrive between 9:30-10 a.m. Free. Crescent Bend Nature Park, 12805 W. Schaefer Road, Schertz. 210-619-1850. www.schertz.com/191
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • AUGUST 2023
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER
UPCOMING PROJECTS
2 Haeckerville Road reconstruction In June, Haeckerville Road in Cibolo closed to thru traffic for reconstruction. This road work is part of the Town Creek Drainage Project, which added a bridge and drainage improvements on the road near Town Creek. Work on Haeckerville will include the installation of sidewalks, curbs, bike lanes and two travel lanes. During construction time, traffic will be limited to southbound traffic only. Timeline: July 2022-December 2023 Cost: $8.5 million Funding source: 2018 general obliga- tion bonds, drainage impact fees, water impact fees and street impact fees 3 FM 1103 expansion The first phase of the FM 1103 project is set to expand the road from I-35 to Rodeo Way to four lanes as well as add bike lanes and pedestrian walkways. Paving from Green Valley Road to Orth Avenue was completed earlier in the year. During construction, Chelsea Drive will be closed until the intersection at Green Valley Road is reconstructed. According to Texas Department of Trans- portation officials, the project has seen delays due to an unexpected utility issue.
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JULY 21. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NEMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. city. The project is in the planning phase with bids expected to be ac- cepted at future council meetings. Timeline: TBD Cost: Road reconstruction $6 million, signalization $300,000 Funding sources: cities of Schertz and Selma Lookout Road upgrades Schertz officials are working on a project for the reconstruction of Lookout Road as well as new signalization at the intersection of Lookout Road and Schertz Parkway. For the signalization portion of the project, Schertz city officials will work with city of Selma officials, since the intersection falls at the edge of each
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ONGOING PROJECTS 1 Cibolo Valley Drive reconstruction In June, D&D Construction crews performed a pavement repair at Old Wiederstein Road that is related to the reconstruction of Cibolo Valley Drive. The contractor also removed asphalt 10 feet before and after a cracked sunken area to ensure the repair is complete. The project to reconstruct Cibolo Valley Drive began in 2022.
Cibolo Valley is the largest single project the city has undertaken to date. Due to the size of the project, city staff worked with two engineering firms to break the development into eight segments, which were divided based on the type of work needed in those areas. Timeline: August 2022-summer 2023 Cost: $8.09 million Funding sources: 2020 certificate of ob- ligation bond; city of Cibolo general fund; street and maintenance fund
Timeline: November 2022-2026 Cost: $39.2 million (first phase) Funding source: TxDOT
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CITY & COUNTY
News from Cibolo, Live Oak, Schertz, Universal City & Guadalupe County
COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER
Schertz City Council will meet Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. 1400 Schertz Parkway Bldg. 4, Schertz. 210-619-1030. www.schertz.com Cibolo City Council will meet Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. 200 S. Main St., Cibolo. 210-658-9900 • www.cibolotx.gov Universal City City Council will meet Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. 2150 Universal City Blvd., Universal City. 210-659-0333. www.universalcitytexas.com Live Oak City Council will meet Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. 8001 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak. 210-653-9140 • www.liveoaktx.net MEETINGS WE COVER critical infrastructure area. City Manager Glen Martel said the generators will ensure the city is able to provide services during emergencies. Generators are funded through American Rescue Plan Act funds, which were distributed to cities in 2021. The $1.4 million project will have a total of seven generators installed. CIBOLO The city of Cibolo is undergoing the redistricting process and looking for resident feedback regarding redistricting options. In the 2021 election, voters approved the transition from a seven single-member district City Council to four single-member districts and three at-large districts. This change will take place over the next two years, with the final at-large seat being filled in the November 2025 election. Until that time, city staff is working to draft the boundaries of the single-member districts and using resident input to help address concerns with the two map options. NUMBER TO KNOW $6 million The amount of Universal City Street Bond funds that will be used during the multi-year construction of the first street projects. The $30 million bond was passed in November 2022 with the goal of repairing streets throughout the city. City Manager Kim Turner said at the time that the bond would be focused on addressing road repair, reconstruction and infrastructure. City Council will hold a discussion in the coming weeks to select which streets will be repaired first. A total of 93 streets could be worked on over the length of the project. HIGHLIGHTS LIVE OAK A new generator was installed at the city of Live Oak’s Well Site No. 4 on June 29. This generator is part of the city’s initiative to put generators at each critical well site and
Universal City Council continues discussion of venue tax allocation
FOUR PRIORITIES City Manager Kim Turner outlined venue tax priorities
for Council to discuss.
Golf Course Interfund Loan repayment (approximately $1.9 million) Make annual transfer of venue tax to the city’s general fund for the management of venue projects Golf course repairs/ improvements Exercise council discretion using venue tax for parks and open spaces
UNIVERSAL CITY During a July 5 meeting, City Council discussed the state of the Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center, the allocation of the venue tax and the plan moving forward. Council decided to allocate the venue tax to the golf course and the linear parks within the city. The background: Voters approved a ballot item for a bond to be passed in 1997 that was used for the construction of the golf course. • In 2002, voters approved the venue tax, which uses funds to help pay off the bond debt. • The 1997 bond debt is set to be paid off in the fiscal year 2023-24 budget, which leaves the City Council to give direction regarding the allocation of funds, whether to remove the tax altogether or come
1
up with an alternative option.
The meeting: City Manager Kim Turner outlined venue tax priorities for council to discuss, such as golf course repairs and improvements and using the venue tax for parks and open spaces. • Turner said repairs/improvements to the golf course include updating computers and internet speed, expanding the parking area, build- ing a new pro shop/cart barn, and remodeling the event center. • Depending on the direction council decides to go, the fourth priority would have venue tax funds allocated to linear parks and open spaces that qualify for funding. What’s next?: City Council will revisit the July 5 discussion during budget meetings to determine the
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SOURCE: CITY OF UNIVERSAL CITY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
best way to distribute venue tax revenue among different amenities, or venues. • Since the discussion only gave direction to city staff, further plans to move forward will be approved during future City Council meetings.
Commissioners enact burn ban in unincorporated areas GUADALUPE COUNTY Commissioners Court in Guadalupe County approved a burn ban on July 11 that took affect the next day because the circumstances created a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning, according to the order. The conditions: For residents, household trash and domes- tic waste can be burned in an above-ground enclosure if the operations are in compliance with the following: • The enclosure must have a metal mesh screen on top that prevents any sparks or embers from flying out. • A person age 18 or older must be present during burning. • The Guadalupe County fire marshal or Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office dispatch must be notified in advance
BAN TERMS
Implemented on July 12 due to a public safety hazard. Expiration on Oct. 9, or when order is rescinded. Violations may incur fines up to $500
The burn ban was approved due to public safety hazards, and is set to last three months.
SOURCE: GUADALUPE COUNTY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
of burning. • A water source must be within 10 feet of the burn enclosure.
• Surfaces around the enclosure must be wet down. • No burning is allowed on days designated as red-flag warning days by the National Weather Service. • Those who do not comply will face a Class C misde- meanor punishable by a fine up to $500. • The ban will expire Oct. 9 or when the order is rescinded.
Applications for Schertz City Council seats places 3, 4 and 5 now available
SCHERTZ Candidate applications for Schertz City Council are now available. Council places 3, 4 and 5 will be on the Nov. 7 ballot. The positions are held by incumbents Jill Whittaker,
Michael Dahle and David Scagliola, respectively. According to the Schertz city charter, applicants for council must have be age 18 or older on the first day of the term of office applied for, be a registered
voter of the city of Schertz and have been a resident of the city for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the deadline for filing for an application for a place on the ballot.
The packet is available in the city secretary’s office at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg. 2, Schertz or can be found on the city website at www.schertz.com. The deadline for filing is Aug. 21.
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • AUGUST 2023
2023 EDUCATION EDITION COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS.
GOLD SPONSOR
At Metro Health, our mission is to prevent illness, promote healthy behaviors, and protect against environmental health hazards. As the City’s community health strategist, Metro Health is committed to eliminating historically rooted social and racial disparities in health through innovative practices and partnerships, while building a robust and resilient workforce, and making our public health more responsive to communities as they confront future health threats. City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District For more information, visit sanantonio.gov/health. 210-207-8780
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Judson ISD is proud of having High-Quality Teachers, A Sense of Family, and Individualized Opportunities for our Students. Judson ISD has been a leader in the San Antonio area and even across the state of Texas. Judson ISD provides innovative learning starting in our Pre-K classes, we provide 10 di erent innovative campuses o ering a choice of STEM, Fine Arts, Leadership and more. We take each student’s unique needs and learning style seriously and welcome them to explore their talents and abilities over the years. Judson ISD is about options and choices for your student. Judson ISD, The Future Begins Here. Judson ISD is Producing Excellence! (210) 945-5100 | www.judsonisd.org | 8012 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak, Texas 78233
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DISTRICT DATA
Data and information from local school districts
COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER
Covering 589 square miles, Comal ISD is one of the largest school districts in Texas and serves 28,511 students from ve counties. Two new schools are set to open in 2024. Since the 2019-20 school year, CISD has seen an increase of 13.63% in enrollment. COMAL ISD
Judson ISD was founded in 1958, and as of 2023 the district supports 22,870 students and teachers. The district has a total of 27 campuses, with a new elementary planned for Selma. Since the 2019-20 school year, enrollment has increased 7.28%. JUDSON ISD
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD was founded in 1967 with the construction of Samuel Clemens High School. The district supports 15,528 students and 997 teachers across 15 campuses. Enrollment has increased 2.77% since the 2019-20 school year. SCUCISD
SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, JUDSON ISD, SCHERTZ CIBOLO UNIVERSAL CITY ISD, COMAL ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
TOTAL TEACHERS AND SALARIES
Total number of teachers*
Percent change from 2019-20:
+15.29% +3.98% +0.52%
+13.63%
2,000
1,700
+9.25%
1,400
1,100
2.77%
800
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
*TOTAL IS THE FULL TIME EQUIVALENT AND MAY INCLUDE PART TIME POSITIONS.
STUDENT STATISTICS, 2022 23
Starting teacher salary
Economically disadvantaged students 31.41%
English learners
Special education students
+9.37% +9.21%
+5.13%
$60,000
5.97% 11.52% 4.35%
14.97% 15.53% 15.77%
$55,000
69.90% 35.51%
$50,000
$45,000
Statewide
$40,000
62%
23.02%
12.74%
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
STUDENT RACE & ETHNICITY, 2022 23
Statewide
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • AUGUST 2023
31 SCHOOLS
STEM PROGRAM FROM PRE-K THROUGH 12th GRADE
Franz Leadership Academy offers project-based lessons and fosters critical thinking skills. FRANZ LEADERSHIP ACADEMY At the Fine Arts Academy at Olympia art and music FINE ARTS ACADEMY AT OLYMPIA
at Judson Independent School District
instruction promotes imaginative problem solving.
30,000 MEALS SERVED DAILY
Both elementary campuses offer high-quality programs preparing your student for future successes.
BLENDED LEARNING PROGRAM
Students at Judson High School have the opportunity to earn college credit toward qualified jobs in their chosen fields of study, Health Science or Automotive Services. Our schools are creating industry and college pathways for students focused on demanding careers.
OVERALL ACCOUNTABILITY RATING IN 2022
PARK VILLAGE BLENDED LEARNING ACADEMY
METZGER MIDDLE SCHOOL
BUSROUTES Judson ISD has over
25,871 3,395 2,730 29 Total Students Enrolled in2022 Total Student-Athletes in2022 Total Students in Pre-K 3&4in2022 Total Career Pathways
55 daily bus routes and over 30 special needs routes to transport our students to their campuses.
Feel free to ask questions! CONTACTUS
210-945-5100 www.judsonisd.org
8012 Shin Oak Drive Live Oak, TX 78233
12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
INSIDE INFORMATION
2023 EDUCATION EDITION
Revamping public school accountability BY HANNAH NORTON At the beginning of each school year, the Texas Education Agency rates public schools and districts based on student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps for at-risk students. Individual campuses and districts receive A-F scores, which are meant to hold schools accountable and inform Texans about student performance. Scores for the 2022-23 school year will be released Sept. 28, following months of revisions to the accountability system. The A-F accountability system was established during the 2017 legislative session, under House Bill 22. What is the A F system? Ratings are based on a variety of factors, including
What are the goals? What does the update mean?
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said the revised system provides a more holistic view of student performance, focuses more on students in need, and aligns the performance of schools and districts.
Revising college, career and military readiness indicators Over the next four years, the TEA will implement new workforce certi cation requirements. Morath said there will be a greater emphasis on hands-on experience, rather than just course completion. For example, a student who takes welding classes in high school will gain real-life experience in welding and receive an industry certi cation.
Aligning classroom instruction The TEA also redesigned the STAAR in 2023 “to better align with classroom instruction” following the passage of HB 3906 in 2019. The exams were administered almost exclusively online in 2023 and focused on writing, o cials said.
Increasing focus on at-risk students Previously, o cials evaluated the academic performance of each student group—including racial and ethnic groups, economically disadvantaged students, students taking special education classes and more. This year, indicators will focus on the performance of the two “lowest-performing,” or most at risk, groups.
Updating target scores
Enhancing district ratings Morath said each district was previously evaluated “as if it is a single K-12 campus.” This meant district ratings were based heavily on the performance of high school seniors, whose graduation and postsecondary readiness are measured. This September, the new ratings will be calculated with a weighted average for each campus, giving each school a balanced share in the overall score.
Performance indicators were updated to re ect where students and schools were after the COVID-19 outbreak, Morath said. For example, college, career and military readiness scores have improved by 38% across Texas since 2017. “This is an untold success story,” Morath said.
academic growth high school graduation rates how prepared students are for college, a career or the military the annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness
High school scores improve
How students perform on the annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness largely impacts the annual A-F ratings for public schools and districts, which will be posted online Sept. 28 at www.txschools.gov. Tests were not administered in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the exam was redesigned in 2023. STAAR scores for high school students were released June 30 and grades 3-8 scores will be available Aug. 16.
Students who approached grade level, or passed
*NO DATA FOR 2020 **2023 TESTS WERE SCORED DIFFERENTLY, SO THEY ARE NOT DIRECTLY COMPARABLE TO PAST YEARS.
ALGEBRA I
80% 90% 100% 70% 0% BIOLOGY
70% 80% 90% 60% 0% ENGLISH I
70% 80% 90% 60% 0% ENGLISH II
80% 90% 100% 70% 0% U.S. HISTORY
80% 90% 100% 70% 0%
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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TEXAS EDUCATION
2023 EDUCATION EDITION
BUDGET BINDS In ation in Texas has gone up by nearly 20% between April 2019-April 2023—the most recent data available. However, the per-student allotment, which sits at $6,160, has yet to be increased in that time, tightening school district budgets around the state.
School districts await budget help from special legislative session
Projected allotment with in ation
Allotment per student
BY JAMES T. NORMAN
$7,313
$7,500
of their operations. Budget documents reviewed by Community Impact indicate some of those items a ected by in ation include: • Fuel for buses • Supplies for schools • Teacher pay • Property insurance • Food On the state side, many funding bills failed because of e orts to tie them to a private school voucher program as part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s goal to make private institutions more a ordable to families in Texas. The program lacked support from both sides, blocking many bills from passing that otherwise might have had the needed votes, Popinski said. Put into perspective While they wait for potential state action, school district o cials this summer are approving new budgets— some of which are still anticipating help from the state—and many are predicting shortfalls this upcoming 2023-24 year. Houston ISD, which is in the middle of a takeover from the state, approved a $2.2 billion budget June 22 with a $168.5 million shortfall, Community Impact previously reported. Up north, Dallas ISD is expecting a $157.4 million shortfall, according to the district’s proposed budget. The story rings much the same at Cy-Fair ISD—the state’s third-largest school district—which passed in June a $1.21 billion budget with a roughly $138.6 million shortfall, Community Impact previously reported. Many are also expecting shortfalls in the coming years too, according to sev- eral districts’ budgetary documents. “Let’s just hope and pray that Austin comes up with something that can help us out here,” Grapevine-Col- leyville ISD board member Tammy Nakamura said. “We don’t have anything at this point.” What they’re saying In recent months, school district o cials from across the state have not been shy about sharing their feelings on the state’s role in this year’s
School districts across Texas are facing budgetary issues and are waiting to see if help might be coming as the state gets closer to wrapping up this year’s legislative session. The state entered the 88th Legis- lature with nearly $33 billion in its reserves and a list of funding plans for public schooling. However, beyond a few small examples, larger funding bills have yet to materialize, said Bob Popinski, senior director of policy for Raise Your Hand Texas, a nonpro t education advocacy group. “It was a session out of balance,” Popinski said. “It was absolutely sur- prising. ... All the recommendations ended up failing.” The overview Multiple school districts across the state are either proposing or approv- ing budget shortfalls for the 2023-24 school year. This is due to a number of economic factors, such as in ation, which has driven up operating costs, as well as state and federal money tied to the COVID-19 pandemic drying up, Popinski said. On the other side of that issue is an ongoing national teacher shortage with budget issues making it more di cult to increase compensation and retain teachers. Nearly all proposals aimed at increasing school funding in the legislative session ended up on the cutting room oor, Popinski said. Among those included proposals to increase teacher pay and the per-student allotment funding given to school districts. The per-student allotment sits at $6,160 and has not been increased since House Bill 3 passed in 2019, Popinski said. The state would need to add roughly $1,000 this year to the allotment to match in ation that’s happened since the last increase. How we got here Due to high rates of in ation in recent years—totaling about 18.5% from April 2019-April 2023, according to the Texas comptroller’s o ce—school districts have had trouble keeping up with rising costs
$6,969
$7,000
$6,437
$6,500
$6,160
$6,180
$6,000
$6,160*
$6,160
$6,160
$6,160
$6,160
$0
April 2019
April 2020
April 2021
April 2022
April 2023
WHAT OFFICIALS ARE SAYING School districts around the state are proposing shortfalls in their budgets this year and are pinning much of the blame on the lack of action from the state Legislature this session. NOTE: ALLOTMENT WITH INFLATION USED A CALCULATOR FROM THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS. *THE $6,160 ALLOTMENT WENT INTO EFFECT IN SEPTEMBER AND WAS REFLECTED ON BUDGETS FOR THE 2019 20 SCHOOL YEAR. SOURCES: BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, RAISE YOUR HAND TEXAS COMMUNITY IMPACT
LEE MCLEOD, TOMBALL ISD BOARD PRESIDENT “[Our legislators] are betraying public ed, in my opinion. ... There are school districts that are absolutely broke. They have no money.”
“We’re funding education where it’s a race to the bottom ... and that’s not acceptable for this state.”
NANCY HUMPHREY, PLANO ISD BOARD PRESIDENT
“As everybody knows, the governor’s holding all of the money hostage just for vouchers. ... He’s not doing what’s best for the state of Texas or doing what’s best for public education.”
ERIC WRIGHT, HAYS ISD SUPERINTENDENT
budget-making process. Board Secretary Lynn Boswell at Austin ISD, which passed a $2.1 billion budget with a $52.25 million shortfall in June, said the state did not help in the district’s budget this year, prompt- ing o cials to make “painful choices that impact our students.” CFISD Superintendent Mark Henry said his district’s newest budget was the most di cult to prepare in his 32-year career. “It’s irresponsible and insidious what the state is doing to public education right now,” Henry said at the district’s June 20 meeting. Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Abbott, said in a July 6 emailed statement to Community Impact that more money will be available to districts when the state passes the school choice legislation, adding it’s an e ort to “empower parents.”
“Gov. Abbott has prioritized public education funding and support for our hardworking teachers throughout his time in o ce,” Mahaleris said in the statement. What happens next? Despite many school o cials’ comments throughout the state, there is still time for the state Legis- lature to pass something. The state is working through special sessions right now, which could include some school funding bills, Popinski said. In the meantime, with shortfalls and a growing need to increase teacher compensation, many districts will likely be dipping into their reserves to make ends meet, Popinski said. “School districts are in a pretty tough position going forward,” he said.
15
NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • AUGUST 2023
EDUCATION BRIEFS
Comal & Judson ISDs
2023 EDUCATION EDITION
Comal ISD aims to have school resource o cers on every campus next school year BY SIERRA MARTIN
Shatonya King steps down from Judson ISD board of trustees
Judson ISD will meet Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. 8205 Palisades Drive, Live Oak 210-945-5100 • www.judsonisd.org Comal ISD will meet Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. 1404 N. I-35, New Braunfels 830-221-2000 • www.comalisd.org MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS JUDSON ISD For the 2023- 24 school year, the district will provide all students enrolled in an elementary campus with school supplies for free. According to the district website, the supplies are free due to federal funding available for the school year. Children attending the campuses will need to arrive with a backpack to carry the materials, and students will receive supplies on the rst day of school. COMAL ISD According to district o cials, more than a dozen high school students from across CISD quali ed for the 2023 UIL Academic State Meet in various contests, including computer science, debate, number sense, literary criticism, poetry, ready writing, science and spelling.
DEFINING THE BILL Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3 into law June 14, which will be e ective Sept. 1. The bill gives the state more oversight of districts’ safety and security measures. Comal ISD o cials said they will work on meeting the requirements by the end of the 2023-24 school year.
DISTRICT EXPANSION An elementary school will be built in Judson ISD.
OAKMONT BEND
New elementary school
BY JARRETT WHITENER
our schools regardless of whether the Legislature mandated it or not,” Garner said. District o cials said they have been working with local law enforcement partners, including the Comal County Sheri ’s O ce, Guadalupe County Sheri ’s O ce, Bexar County Sheri ’s O ce and Bulverde Police Department, since April to secure properly trained and licensed law enforcement personnel to provide security at each elementary school. District o cials said they anticipate having a full- time law enforcement presence at every elementary school by the end of the upcoming school year. “The biggest challenge to accomplishing our goal of having an SRO at every elementary school is securing properly trained and quali ed individuals,” said Mario De La Rosa, Comal ISD executive director of safety and security. “Our law enforcement partners are aggressively recruiting, hiring and training reserve deputies to ll these crucial roles. In the meantime, we will be rotating the SROs we do have at the elementary campuses until we secured enough to have one at each school every day.”
give back to the community that I grew up in as
COMAL ISD O cials with Comal ISD announced they will be hiring additional school resource o cers, or SROs, for the 2023-24 school year with the intention of having an armed law enforce- ment presence at each campus, including all 20 of its elementary schools. District o cials said during their meeting that the commitment to having an SRO on each campus was made by the Comal ISD board of trustees after their meeting April 27. “Throughout the previous year, we heard from parents and sta about their desire to have armed personnel dedicated to each of our elementary campuses,” Comal ISD Board President Russ Garner said. In May, the Texas Legislature passed a bill that mandates all school districts to have armed guards at every campus. District o cials said the board had already decided to assign an SRO to each campus prior to the bill’s passage. “While we applaud the Legislature for their work on school safety, as a board we were committed to this concept of having armed personnel in all
JUDSON ISD During the July 20 board of trustees meeting, District 2 Representative Shatonya King announced her resignation. King was rst appointed to the board following the resignation of the previous representative in 2021. Following her appointment, King won the 2021 election to serve an additional four-year term that was set to expire in 2025. During the meeting, King said the reason for her resignation was due to her moving away from the district. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve this community as a school board member,” King said. “It is some- thing that I never thought I would do. I wanted to serve as a board member because I wanted to
RETAMA PKWY.
an educator, and I wanted
WHAT'S IN THE BILL?
N
to advocate for equity, opportu- nity, protection of children and most of all integrity in education.”
SOURCE: JUDSON ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
1 At least one armed o cer must be on each public school campus during school hours. 2 School district employees who regularly interact with students must have mental health training. 3 Districts must create procedures for students to report concerning behavior by other students. 4 A child’s discipline record and threat assessments will be required to transfer with them between schools. 5 Parents will be noti ed via text or email about violent activity investigations on their child’s campus. 6 Districts failing to meet safety infrastructure standards must reallocate bond funds to x the issues.
Design for new Judson ISD school approved
Shatonya King
BY JARRETT WHITENER
Since King was acting vice presi- dent, a vote was taken to appoint Trustee Deborah Eaton as the new vice president and Laura Stanford as the new secretary. As of the July 20 meeting, a replacement to ll the vacant position has not been determined, and trustees will be reviewing applications to appoint a new member to nish out the remain- der of King’s term.
JUDSON ISD Schematics were approved for a new elementary school to be located in Selma. Elementary School No. 21 will cost $62 million in construction and furnishings, and was part of the $349 million bond package approved by voters in 2022. According to designers at Alamo Architects, the school is planned to house around 800 students.
SOURCES: COMAL ISD, TEXAS LEGISLATURE COMMUNITY IMPACT
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