Bastrop ISD received a C rating in the Texas Education Agency’s 2026 accountability results, but district leaders are already looking ahead. At the recent State of the District meeting, Superintendent Kristi Lee outlined a clear target: raise the district’s overall rating to a B within the next two years and eliminate any low‑performing campuses.
How the TEA rating works
The Texas Education Agency evaluates districts using three domains: student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps. For campuses, the higher score between student achievement and school progress counts for 70% of the overall rating, while closing the gaps makes up the remaining 30%. District‑wide ratings use a proportionality method that blends these domain scores with individual campus results and enrollment figures, producing a scaled score on a 1‑100 scale that translates into a letter grade (A = 90‑100, B = 80‑89, C = 70‑79, D = 60‑69, F ≤ 59).
Recent performance trends
Since the 2022‑23 school year, Bastrop ISD’s overall score has risen from 65 to 72 points, moving the district from a D to a C rating. Compared with the prior year, the district’s score increased by one point. Student achievement contributed a three‑point gain, while the closing‑the‑gaps component slipped three points.
In the 2025‑26 accountability cycle, eight of the district’s 17 evaluated campuses earned an A or B, while five campuses received an F. Eight campuses improved their letter grade by at least one level, highlighted by Cedar Creek Middle School’s two‑grade jump. Two campuses, however, fell one grade.
Support systems to drive improvement
The district has already refined its campus support framework. New measures include:
- Monthly campus support team meetings to share data and best practices.
- Weekly one‑on‑one leadership coaching from the chief academic officer and the directors of elementary and secondary education.
- Frequent classroom observations by district leaders to provide real‑time feedback.
- Targeted instructional and leadership assistance tailored to each campus’s specific needs.
Lee emphasized that the mission extends beyond a letter grade. “Our mission is bigger than a rating,” she said. “It is about making sure every child in Bastrop ISD has access to excellent teaching, strong schools and opportunities that prepare them for what comes next.”
What families can expect
Parents can look forward to more transparent communication about campus progress and additional resources aimed at closing achievement gaps for historically underperforming student groups. The district’s plan also includes regular updates on how each school is meeting its individualized support goals.
Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming district board meetings, where detailed progress reports and next‑step strategies will be presented. By keeping the public informed and involved, Bastrop ISD hopes to build broad support for its academic growth agenda.
Looking ahead
With the new support systems in place and a clear two‑year target, district officials are optimistic that the B rating is within reach. Continued collaboration among teachers, administrators, parents, and community partners will be essential to sustain the upward trajectory and ensure every campus meets the district’s high standards.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
