Conservator gives SISD glowing review

The Shepherd ISD principals, Danielle McCabe, Ty Stanley, Patricia Owens and Alissa Lott, were honored by Superintendent Jason Hewitt for National Principals Month. COURTESY PHOTO

By Tony Farkas
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SHEPHERD — TEA Conservator Trish Hanks said Shepherd ISD should give presentations on its efforts to turn around an underperforming district and focusing on improving education.

At the SISD regular meeting on Thursday, Hanks discussed a needs assessment she performed on the district since becoming its conservator several months ago.

Hanks lauded the district’s approach to safety and its commitment to culture.

She also said the district has done innovative things to recruit and retain teachers, which she labeled as ahead of other districts.

Other areas of praise included teaching and management and the inclusion of safety nets for education, fiscal management and the work and dedication of the board of managers.

A few areas of concern include watching for burnout in staff and administration, hiring a maintenance director and continue to focus on safety.

In other business, the board:

•approved small language changes to the schools compensation plan for clarity;

•approved the district’s and campuses improvement plans; and

•approved membership in the Wash Gallegos Retainer Program.