September 2022- BoardBits

Dr. Nereyda Treviño, Chief Academic Officer at STISD, reported to the Board on the College Entrance Test (SAT & ACT) Multiple Year Trend Report during the Sept. 27 meeting. The report shows a comparison to national and state scores, as well as the multiple-year trend for the district and each of the STISD high school campuses spanning the last 10 years.

Dr. Treviño shared that, although there was a dip on the Average SAT Score (Reading and Math combined) around the time of COVID, the district scores on the SAT have not only rebounded, but are higher than they have ever been. With the expansion of the ACT from being taken by a small group of students by choice to all students in 2022 due to changes in the accountability system, there has also been a change in the Average ACT Score (Composite) as well.

According to the report, the District and Campus goal includes having 50% of graduates with an SAT combined reading and mathematics score of 1110 or higher or an ACT composite score of 24 or higher (% above criterion in the report).

Click here to see the full College Entrance Test (SAT & ACT) Multiple Year Trend Report

The Board received the annual report on Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Scores during the Sept. 27 meeting.

Dr. Nereyda Treviño provided a brief overview of the report, which includes an AP Summary Report, AP Equity and Excellence Reports for the district and each of our high school campuses, and an AP District Summary Report on each AP exam, which shows students' performance by score and a comparison with the AP Central exam score distribution. She also shared the IB Scores Summary Report, which shows the continued development of the IB Program and students at our World Scholars campus.

STISD continues to strive for our goal of reaching 100% of our graduates with a qualifying score in at least one subject area AP or IB exam. Unlike schools around the state and nation, we are not screening or using any barriers to AP or IB student participation. We continue to actively recruit, encourage, and support every student to participate in the rigorous coursework and testing, an essential element in our district's continued growth. 

Click here to see the 2022 Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Scores

• New Rising Scholars Academy Campus: Due to price increases in the current market, the architect has concluded that the school as designed with the updated and reduced program cannot be built for the budgeted amount. Several different options on how to proceed were provided to the district.

• New Health Professions Gymnasium: The architect is working with civil engineer that was selected by the district to locate existing utilities to coordinate with the rest of the design team.

• New Central Administration & Professional Development Building Renovation Project: Construction continues on the interior and exterior of the building. The monumental sign has been installed and is awaiting electricity.

• Edinburg Complex Fencing: The vinyl chain linked fence is 100 percent complete, and they are currently working on the installation of the rolling gate.

• The Board approved the appointment of members to the School Health Advisory Council for 2022-2023.
• The Board approved South Texas ISD's updated Emergency Operations Plan.
• Administration shared with the Board several different options for the longevity incentive for employees. The Board plans to take action on this incentive at the following meeting, based upon feedback received.
• The Board approved the revision of district policy DEC (LOCAL) Compensation and Benefits Leaves and Absences: Medical Certification, which now states that an employee shall submit medical certification of the need for leave if the employee is absent more than three consecutive workdays because of personal illness or illness in the immediate family. This was previously set at more than five days.
• The Board approved the Certification (Election Code 2.052) of Unopposed Candidates for Election to the office of South Texas ISD School Board of Directors and a Resolution declaring each unopposed candidate, as per certification, elected to the office of School Board of Directors, ordering the cancelation of election, and authorizing issuance of election to each candidate (Election Code 2.053):

1. Robert Julius Lerma - Cameron County Precinct 1
2. Eduardo L. “Larry” Cantu - Cameron County Precinct 3
3. David Briones - Cameron County Precinct 4 (remainder of the unexpired term through 2024)
4. Abiel J. Cantú - Willacy County Precinct 1
5. Douglas Earl Buchanan - Willacy County Precinct 4