Newsroom

Statement on the 2007 Accountability Rating for Johnston High School

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

“I'm very disappointed to see the performance rating of Johnston High School. However, I'm pleased that Texas Education Agency Commissioner Robert Scott is honoring his predecessors' commitment to AISD and to me to keep Johnston open this year. “I do agree with Commissioner Scott that more needs to be done. There must be significant change at Johnston. The kids that are there, and the kids that will be there, deserve a legitimate opportunity to excel and go to college. That can only come if we start doing things differently there.“I've asked AISD Superintendent Pat Forgione, Commissioner Scott, and Raymund Paredes, the Commissioner of the Higher Education Coordinating Board, to meet with me and develop a plan that creates a new and much improved Johnston High School. I'm pleased that all three enthusiastically agreed. This partnership gives us a chance to truly improve the lives and opportunities for children in this part of East Austin. “I've also requested that Commissioners Scott and Paredes join me at Johnston this fall for a town hall meeting of students and parents so that the Commissioners can hear the desires and dreams of the kids and those who care so much about them. That hope is our mission, and we must not let anything distract us from it."This partnership for opportunity requires responsibility of all the partners--the State, AISD and the community of parents and students."There is today appropriate focus on Johnston. However, there are other schools in the district with results that are not acceptable. I will work together with the State officials and AISD on these schools as well."Finally, let me congratulate the parents and students, together with their teachers and other education professionals, that have shown outstanding, indeed exemplary, results."