Texarkana, Texas – At a Thursday public hearing, the Liberty‑Eylau Independent School District Board of Trustees unveiled a comprehensive improvement plan that includes a new partnership program. Board President Trevelyan Hodge announced that qualified organizations – including open‑enrollment charter schools, institutions of higher education and nonprofit groups – may apply to work with the district under Texas Education Code section 11.174.
Goal: Innovative School Models and Specialized Resources
Hodge explained that the district seeks to design innovative school models and tap state benefits by collaborating with external partners. “Tonight’s hearing is designed to fulfill our commitment to the community, transparency and to gather input from parents and community members regarding the type of school models and partnership our community desires before the official application window is live,” he said.
Administration Emphasizes Continuous Improvement
Superintendent Jeff Wright stressed that, regardless of the district’s current accountability rating, the focus remains on steady progress. “If we have a 90, we’re still not satisfied, because we want to be in 91, 92, 93. No matter what the scores are, we’re going to continuously work to improve LEISD in every facet that we can,” Wright affirmed.
High School Leaders Target Higher Scores
High school principal Will Thompson said teachers have set clear goals for raising test results. “We’ve made it clear as a staff that we want our scores, kind of like Mr. Wright just said, we want them as high as possible,” he noted. The high school’s accountability score rose two points from a 64 to a 66 this year, though it still carries a D letter grade. Thompson added that administrators meet regularly with teachers to review data and address classroom challenges.
Elementary Campus Aims for C Grade
Elementary principal Kiaundra Walker outlined specific performance targets for math and reading. For math, the goal is 70% approaches, 50% meets, and 20% masters; for reading, 60% approaches, 50% meets, and 20% masters. Walker said the school has adopted the state‑approved Bluebonnet Curriculum and monitors student progress weekly through STAAR assessments and exit tickets.
Board Approves Plans and Recognizes Staff
The board voted to adopt the district’s overall improvement plan along with individual campus plans. In addition, food‑service equipment technician Wayne Hartley was honored as employee of the month for his work maintaining cafeteria and HVAC equipment.
What’s Next?
With the partnership program now open, the district will begin accepting applications from interested organizations. The board expects the process to bring new instructional models, specialized programs and additional resources that can help lift accountability scores district‑wide.
Community members who wish to learn more or provide input are encouraged to attend future board meetings or contact the district office directly.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
