COLDSPRING — The Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD Board of Trustees discussed the recent state grades it received, and the problems that exist in the state’s rating system.
At the April 28 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Bryan Taulton said that Coldspring ranked at an F for the 2022-23 school year, but since the information is from 2 years ago, there have been many changes instituted throughout the district.
“A lot has happened since 2023 at every level,” he said.
In a letter to the district, Taulton said It’s important to note that the ratings released are based on data from two academic years ago, when the STAAR 2.0 redesign was introduced and the schools were still navigating the effects of COVID-19-related learning loss.
“These factors must be considered when looking at our current performance,” Taulton wrote. “The ratings provide valuable insight into areas for growth and improvement, but they do not fully capture the dedication and heart that our staff put into their work each day.”
Another issue is that the campuses never have been rated at the same time, which would highlight systemic issues, which Taulton said the district has been addressing.
“We are focusing — laser focusing — on our role, which is education,” he said. “My goal is to change the district and create a high-performing culture.”
Other problems with the accountability system are that it hit hardest in districts that have a large amount of economically disadvantaged students, the fact that the results were delayed because of numerous lawsuits, and that the state did not give adequate notice of certain stricter requirements.
In other business, the board:
The next meeting of the board will be at 6:30 p.m. May 27 at the High School.
