Boerne ISD scores another "A" rating on TEA accountability rating

BOERNE — The Boerne Independent School District earned its fourth “A” consecutive rating from the Texas Education Agency, solidifying its reputation as one of the top-performing school districts in Texas. 

Earlier this month, the 15th Court of Appeals ruled the TEA can release its 2023 accountability ratings for Texas school districts. The court decision overturned a prior injunction from a lower court that had delayed the release of the ratings for nearly 20 months. 

The ruling marks a significant development in a legal battle that has drawn widespread attention from school districts across the state. 

Superintendent Dr. Kristin Craft applauded the achievement as a “team effort” on her staff’s behalf. 

“The district’s A-rating is a remarkable group effort,” Craft said. “Our district is always striving to do more for our students, and being able to share this outcome is so important. 

“We are fortunate to have the greatest teachers for the greatest students,” she added. 

Boerne ISD also received 20 distinction designations that recognize districts and campuses for exceptional performance across several key indicators, including academic achievement, student progress and postsecondary readiness. 

Boerne Chief Instructional Officer Larissa Flores said the district’s results were expected. 

“Boerne ISD campus leaders, teachers and students work incredibly hard to meet state standards,” Flores said. “We are glad that these scores are being released and are proud to be able to share the accomplishments of our staff and students.” 

A key controversy in the 2023 accountability ratings centered on a major change to the College, Career, and/or Military Readiness (CCMR) indicator. 

In April 2023, TEA raised the CCMR threshold for an “A” rating from 60% to 88%, applying it retroactively to the previous year’s graduates. 

In response, 121 school districts filed suit, arguing the Commissioner of Education overstepped by imposing new standards after the fact, denying districts a chance to adjust and improve their ratings. 

Based on the legislation, the state has agreed to release its accountability guide earlier, setting all districts across the state up for success and giving them time to help students achieve standards.