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For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, September 16, 2003Contact: Laura Hennessee or Mark Sanders
512-463-4070Comptroller Strayhorn to Review Stafford Municipal School District
(Austin)--Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn today announced she will conduct a Texas School Performance Review (TSPR) of Stafford Municipal School District (MSD), beginning in September 2003, with the final report expected to be released in January 2004.
The 2003 Legislature passed House Bill 2964, which requires Strayhorn to conduct a performance review of each municipal school district in Texas. Stafford MSD is the only municipal school district in the state, created in 1977 following an election to disannex the community from portions of Fort Bend and Houston Independent School Districts (ISD).
"I have vowed to be the education watchdog for the people of Texas," Strayhorn said. "My goal as Comptroller is to drive more of every education dollar directly into the classroom, with students and teachers, where it belongs."
Stafford MSD is a Recognized, medium-sized school district, serving 2,810 students in Fort Bend County. The district's passing rate on all Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) tests taken in 2001-02 was 85.1 percent, slightly lower than the state's 85.3 percent average. Additionally, the district's tax rate at $1.71 is among the highest 10 percent in the state.
"Although Stafford MSD is not experiencing major academic and financial challenges right now, there is always room for improvement and for proactive planning to ensure the district's continued success," Strayhorn said. "I want to help the district reach and maintain its full potential.
"I also intend to look closely at the district to identify and share its best practices with other districts throughout the state."
Upon completion, the full report will be distributed to the district and posted on the Comptroller's Web site at www.window.state.tx.us.
**** As part of the review process, the TSPR team will host a public forum. Parents, students, teachers and taxpayers are encouraged to attend the forum to comment on important issues affecting the district.
Who: TSPR team What: Stafford MSD TSPR Public Forum When: Monday, September 22, 2003, from 5-8 p.m. Where: Stafford MSD Middle/High School Cafeteria,
1625 Staffordshire Rd., Stafford--30--
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