Dear Kisd family,
We would like to clearly and transparently about the requirements for state accountability and what they mean for our community. Killen ISD recently received a letter from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), in which we were guided until November 14, 2025, Campus Turnaround plans for the Manor Middle School, the Palo Alto Middle School and the Eastern Hills Middle School.
Turnaround plans are required if schools receive successive “unacceptable” state accountability. The plans require campus to improve the results of the students through specific interventions such as changes in employees, improved training, curriculum adjustments and in some cases to a modified school day or a restart model.
The Manor Middle School and the Palo Alto Middle School are currently in the third year to maintain an F evaluation, while the Eastern Hills Middle School is in the second year.
This work is important for the entire district, even if they are not directly connected to one of these school communities.
According to state law, persistent unceptable reviews lead to escalating interventions: after three consecutive years, the commissioner can appoint a conservator who provides an supervision that reduces local control. When a campus reaches five consecutive years, the Commissioner must either appoint an board of directors to rule the district or to organize the closure of the campus.
District manager rate proven options and innovative approaches, including ACE (acceleration of Campus Excellence) and SB 1882 partnership models. The community's feedback will inform our recommendation to the board of trustees in October. We have already collected input through three meetings for town hall meetings of the District optimization, and additional discussions are planned for the end of October – to see further details soon.
If you haven't done it yet, make sure Killenisd.org/optimization survey. This is an important way to share your view of the options that the district consider.
Thank you for standing with our schools. I am firmly convinced that Killen is the challenge, but the entire community will work together to support our students and educators.
Sincere,
Dr. King Davis
Interims superintendent