From the Support Team

Spotlights: SGS Districts are acting boldly for their students: three spotlights come to us from San Antonio, Ector County, and Victoria ISDs.

San Antonio ISD Supt. Martinez and CIO Choudhury presented to the board last night (see 01:51:30 in the video). They began by walking through the district's neighborhood and choice programs, showing how a portfolio planning is leveraged across the district. The board authorized two partners to operate five campuses and also approved a principal's in-district charter application.

Ector County ISD Assistant Supt. Alicia Syverson updated the board on the recommendation to approve negotiations with Third Future as a Middle School Turnaround Partner at Ector MS this fall, and received unanimous approval.

Victoria ISD's board approved a new in-district ECE campus to open this fall thorugh a partnership with UTHealth's Children's Learning Institute. Supt. Shepherd explained that the partnership will advance the district's goal of providing the premier educational experience that families deserve.

CIO Workshop 5: Chief Innovation Officers will gather for our fifth Workshop on May 11th and 13th to reflect on the 2020-21 school year, finalize campus pre-opening monitoring plans, and discuss key milestones for the next 3 - 5 years.

Updates & Opportunities

School Action Fund: Cycle 4 Continuation funding applications will be published tomorrow, March 19, 2021.

Navigating Renewals: NACSA is hosting a Community Conversation on renewals on March 26 at 1 p.m. Attendees will hear from parents, school leaders, and authorizers on the challenges and opportunities of renewals during COVID-19.

Grants & Resources

The following grant opportunities may help districts provide the schools that students and families want and need. For more details on state grants, see the TEA Grant Opportunities Page.

New School Venture Fund Grant opened a grant opportunity today for schools launching fall 2021. NSVF encourages districts and Latino leaders to apply. Webinar available here. Applications due March 31.

The Lone Star Governance Annual Board Cohort Letter of Interest deadline is tomorrow, March 19th. Participation expenses reimbursed, up to $10,000 in year one.

Network News

Victoria ISD Supt. Shepherd published an article reflecting on and remembering March 13.

Longview ISD's board increased bus driver pay to support their equitable enrollment policies and practices.

Lubbock ISD is ending PK-8 remote instruction next fall; high school remote learning may continue.

San Antonio ISD Supt. Martinez gave an extended interview reflecting on the past year.

Garland ISD is hiring an Executive Innovation Officer.