Brookesmith ISD is working fast and furiously to keep the school’s doors open because of an “Accredited-Probation” status from the Texas Education Agency.
According to District Superintendent Dr. Jay L. Smith, who has been with the district for six years (four as the superintendent), the district has been in an uphill battle since July 2011 when the district faced a negative fund balance which created a sub-standard accountability rating with TEA.
Smith stated that the district also faced an overpayment from TEA that year of $153,299 which had to be repaid somehow. The district held a tax ratification election in 2011, which passed and gave the district the money to bring the district to a general fund balance of $35,827 and then worked out an agreement with TEA to repay the $153,299 over a period of three years. He stated that the district worked hard and brought the fund balance up to $119,467 in 2012 and then in 2013 was able to bring the fund balance to $172,915, which brought the district back to a standard accountability rating.
“We’re not in good shape but we are in much better shape,” said Dr. Smith. He explained that small school districts cannot be compared with larger school districts, and that many depend on transfer students to help keep the financial aspects in check. Brookesmith began accepting more transfer students and now approximately 65-70% of their student population is made up of transfer students, according to Dr. Smith.
Smith explained that while the financial situation has improved, Brookesmith has had a struggle with test scores of students.
“When students stay in a district, their test scores rise,” said Dr. Smith. He explained that Brookesmith ISD’s student body has a 35% mobility rate, or students who are “here one day and gone the next.” Now the district has a sub-standard test results. He stated that the district has made a lot of changes to improve test scores.
TEA allows a school to stay open and accredited, giving a chance to correct financial and academic ratings; however, with four sub-standard years, Brookesmith is facing a closure of the district if TEA does not accept their appeal. According to Dr. Smith, the timeframe for a decision on the appeal is uncertain, but the district is hopeful.
“The paperwork is due tomorrow (February 10, 2015), and we’ll file for an appeal,” said Dr. Smith. “In numerous conversations with TEA, the general conversation was that TEA does not want to close the district, it wants the district to be successful.”
Smith said that if the appeal is accepted, the Brookesmith ISD will continue the uphill climb to improve the district. “We’re very proud of our district. We feel hopeful. In light of everything, we are hopeful,” said Smith.
He explained that if the appeal is not granted, the district will close on July 1, 2015.
Brookesmith ISD currently has a student body of 195 and a staff of 34, which includes 18 teachers who will be impacted by TEA’s decision.
