The Texas Education Agency (TEA) unveiled its annual school accountability ratings on Friday, highlighting both progress and significant challenges faced by public school districts across Central Texas.
In a comprehensive review, 85% of the rated campuses statewide achieved a grade of C or better within the state’s A-F accountability framework, which assesses academic performance, graduation rates, and college readiness across more than 1,200 school districts and over 9,100 campuses. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath noted, “This year, 25% of campuses statewide earned an A, up from 24% last year. This represents a gradual improvement, and we need to ensure that each year shows progress over the last.”
Central Texas District Overview
Accountability scores in Central Texas varied significantly, with some districts excelling while others faced serious issues:
- A Rating: Eanes ISD, Lake Travis ISD
- B Rating: Austin ISD, Georgetown ISD, Hays CISD, Leander ISD, Round Rock ISD (score: 89), Dripping Springs ISD (score: 89)
- C Rating: Burnet CISD, San Marcos CISD
- D Rating: Del Valle ISD (score: 66), Elgin ISD (score: 66), Manor ISD (score: 66)
Parents and community members can access detailed district and campus performance reports on the official state website.
Austin ISD’s Performance
Austin Independent School District (AISD) celebrated a district rating of “B,” its highest score in four years, largely due to a 42% increase in campuses receiving A or B ratings. Noteworthy improvements were seen at Dobie Middle School, which climbed to a D rating after four consecutive years of failing grades, averting potential state intervention.
However, two Austin ISD schools, Burnet Middle School and Webb Middle School, have faced five consecutive years of failing ratings. Under Texas law, this situation necessitates intervention by the education commissioner, which could result in campus closures or the appointment of a state board to manage district governance. “With two schools reaching the five-year failing mark, we have reached a point where the commissioner must take action,” stated Austin ISD Board Trustee Dr. David Kauffman.
In anticipation of the TEA’s report, the Austin ISD Board of Trustees voted to consolidate Paredes Middle School before the 2026-27 school year, a campus that also received a failing grade in the latest evaluations.
TEA Commissioner Comments
When asked about the situation in Austin, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath responded, “This school year, two campuses have reached five consecutive years of an ‘F’ rating. These ratings are preliminary, followed by a 30-day appeal window and a subsequent review process. Changes in ratings can occur, so it’s too early to determine what actions might be taken regarding Austin’s situation.”
