Jennifer Knipp, director of curriculum and instruction, presented the plan to raise the state accountability rating of the elementary and primary schools to the Mineola ISD board Monday, Oct. 21. 

After the campuses received an F grade, Knipp, along with principals Stacy Morris and Jole Ray, did a self-assessment and put together a targeted improvement plan based on the state’s Effective School Framework. 

The three focus areas include aligning curriculum and assessments at the rigor of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, developing data driven instruction for each student, and developing campus instructional leaders. They will be going to training provided by the Texas Education Agency to implement the protocols being put in place, and will also be getting help and site visits from TEA and Region 7 Education Service Center to carry out the new objectives. 

The goal remains the same – to make sure all students continue to grow. 

In observance of Texas Principal Appreciation Month, Superintendent Randy Hancock read a resolution sent by Texas Governor Abbot and expressed his appreciation for the principals of the MISD schools.

“There’s not an easy job in the school business anymore. I’m not sure there ever was. Perhaps the most difficult job is that of the principals,” said Hancock.

He said their desire to make a difference in the lives of their students and their hard work is evident. The principals set the atmosphere on their campuses with their hearts for the students. 

“They work hard to achieve the impossible,” said Hancock as he thanked the principals for their leadership and guidance that brings success to MISD. 

George Assaf and Becky Moore, with Mineola Caring and Sharing, presented a $500 donation to each campus principal. Caring and Sharing focuses on children and senior citizens of the community, and the donation is an extension of what they do at the holidays. The money is to be used at the discretion of the principals for food and supplies of needy students.