Trinity ISD Board discusses academic performance

By Tony Farkas
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TRINITY — As with many school districts this year, Trinity found that while most STAAR test scores came in as expected, there were some areas that were surprising.

Superintendent John Kaufman said that overall he and the principals were happy with the scores, but did say they’re not where they should be.

The scores were discussed at the June 26 meeting of the Trinity ISD board.

The Elementary grades did well generally, he said; third grade was at 65 percent meets or masters in math, and at about 47 percent meets or masters in reading. Also, one grade in Middle School was struggling in math, and the High School was able to come out at 2018-19 levels, the last year tracked because of COVID-19.

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Kaufman said he attributes the scores to the pandemic, as remote learning is not as effective as it could be, and unforeseen closures, such as the week before Christmas, the week of the winter storm, and starting school late because of weather. 

“We had some obstacles that all contributed,” he said. “Overall, I think we did OK. We have a way to go, but as a district, we’re moving on the right track.”

In a separate matter, the board discussed ESSER grants, of which the district will receive $1.2 million in Round 2, and $3.3 million for Round 3.

Kaufman said the district will focus on mental health needs by increasing counseling services, and district improvements, such as removing carpet from classrooms, fixing roads, and hiring additional teachers and custodial work.

In other business, the board:

• approved the district appraisal calendar;
• approved using Collier Construction for constructing additional parking for football field at a cost of $143,000. The new parking will be at the practice field;
• renewed the employee-only high-deductible teacher retirement system insurance, which school pays in full;
• approved contracts with the regional ESC;
• extended the depository contract for two years with First National Bank; and
• approved hiring new teachers, including Katie Cook, RN; Cassie Campbell, High School science; Megan Pless, eighth-grade English language arts; Mary McMillan, fourth grade; Kerri Campbell, third grade; and Robyn Copley, seventh-grade math; and Mental Health Interventionist Charles Kibble.