News Summary
The South San Antonio ISD has appointed a new board of managers and superintendent in response to longstanding issues. Commissioner Mike Morath announced the changes aimed at restoring stability and improving educational outcomes. The new leadership includes local residents and alumni focused on enhancing teacher salaries and supporting special education. With a significant investment proposal, the future looks promising for the community and its students.
Exciting Changes Ahead for South San Antonio ISD!
New Leadership Appointed for a Bright Future
In the vibrant city of South San Antonio, big changes are on the horizon for the South San Antonio Independent School District (ISD). In a move that many believe will help restore stability, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has appointed a brand-new board of managers and a dedicated superintendent. This decision wasn’t made lightly; it comes in response to what has been described as longstanding dysfunction in the district.
State Education Commissioner Mike Morath took the stage to announce these new appointments, signaling a hopeful shift for the district that has faced a tough history of state investigations over the years. This marks an important moment as it is the tenth district takeover by the TEA since the year 2000, showing that the state is serious about educational reform.
A Focus on Students and Teachers
Morath took a moment to emphasize that the previous elected officials had been more interested in their own agendas rather than focusing on what truly matters: the students and teachers of South San ISD. This is a school district with a rich history, but also one marked by governance issues stretching back to the 1980s. In fact, the district has faced accreditation status changes nine times due to consistent problems that affect academic performance.
Now stepping in to lead the charge is a board of seven managers, all residents of Bexar County, with five being proud alumni of South San ISD. This local connection is significant as these individuals understand the community’s needs and aspirations. The new superintendent, Saul Hinojosa, previously served as the superintendent of Somerset ISD and is ready to take on the challenges of the South San district. His appointment came after a recommendation from Abe Saavedra, the district’s conservator, who raised concerns about how the previous board was functioning.
Support for the Community
Saavedra will remain onboard as conservator, offering support and guidance to this fresh leadership team. The TEA’s decision to appoint boards of managers is not taken lightly; it’s a strong signal that there are substantial concerns around accreditation, performance, or financial responsibility in that district.
The new board president, Raymond Tijerina, who is a graduate of South San High School and a co-founder of an educational support company, is among those leading this charge. The newly formed board of managers joins an elite group of four other Texas districts currently under similar TEA oversight, showcasing a trend toward accountability in education.
Ambitious Plans for Improvement
The board will remain in place for at least two years, but if things go well, there’s a chance that elected leadership could return. Hinojosa isn’t wasting any time; he plans to put a strong emphasis on communication with both the community and teachers, aiming to improve educational outcomes significantly.
An ambitious proposed plan is on the table which includes a substantial allocation of $3 million from central office savings. This money is aimed at enhancing teacher salaries, providing vital school supplies, and making much-needed improvements on campus. Currently, starting salaries for teachers are set at an average of $59,350, with experienced educators earning up to $69,000.
Retaining and recruiting quality teachers is a priority, and there’s also a commitment to better fund special education and bring in instructional coaches to support teachers.
Next Steps
The board of managers has already approved Hinojosa’s interim superintendent position and is expected to finalize his permanent contract by March. With these solid steps and a community-focused approach, the future of South San Antonio ISD is looking brighter than ever. It’s a new beginning for the district and its dedicated students, teachers, and families!
In conclusion, change is here, and it’s bringing a wave of optimism that everyone in the community is excited to embrace. Stay tuned, South San Antonio – the best is yet to come!
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Additional Resources
- KSAT: New Plan for South San Antonio ISD
- Express News: New South San Leader
- Axios: TEA Takeover of South San ISD
- Express News: Meet the New Superintendent
- KSAT: TEA Moves to Take Over South San ISD
- Wikipedia: Education in Texas
- Google Search: South San Antonio ISD updates
- Google Scholar: South San Antonio ISD educational reform
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: South San Antonio ISD
