May 2003     The Brazosport Independent School District has been identified as Exemplary—the highest recognition given in Texas—for five consecutive years, and that celebrated academic success didn’t happen by accident.     This year, we moved to the new testing system, Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAKS), and we are confident that our students will do well. In fact, the reports of the third grade reading tests are in, and the impressive results can be found on the next page. As in the past, our students’ success is a source of pride in our community.     How did it all happen? The district’s rising tide in student achievement began over a decade ago and continues now because the Board of Trustees has remained focused on student learning. The decisions they make each month are consistently in the best interest of the children of our community. As a result, BISD welcomes visitors constantly from all over the nation who want to know about the methods and strategies we use to lay claim so consistently to that Exemplary title.      We tell them that achievement has improved steadily because of the commitment of our principals, teachers, and support staff. Together, they have created a climate in which learning can occur. They have instilled in each other a strong belief that every child can and will learn, and have blended tried and true programs with innovative techniques that address the various learning styles of our students. They have truly poured their hearts and souls into the students of BISD.      As we end this school year, I commend our outstanding staff of dedicated professionals and the Board of Trustees for continuing to focus on students and the students themselves for the commitment they brought to their studies. We’ve had a superb year in other ways as well—our students have been recognized in band, choir, art, athletics... the list goes on and on.     Now let’s talk for just a minute about a rather difficult topic: school funding. Since the beginning of the legislative session which opened in January, much has been written about the nearly ten billion dollar shortfall at the state level and, of course, about the Robin Hood Plan. BISD is one of 118 districts that are classified as property wealthy, meaning that we have to send over eleven million dollars to a poorer school district annually. The Robin Hood Plan will expire in September of 2004, and a new school finance plan will have to take its place. In the meantime, our budget development for the upcoming school year will be a rather difficult undertaking. There will have to be some changes in order to meet the statewide deficit. We are faced with some difficult decisions about reducing or eliminating programs or services. Our hope is that you will understand that the Board and the employees of this district did not create this financial dilemma, but will work to deal with it as effectively as possible.     Our promise to you is that we will make every effort to minimize the impact on our students. I extend my sincere appreciation to you for your support and understanding as we move forward to meet these severe challenges.     The fruits of your efforts will begin to take shape this summer with our bond program. Much planning has taken place at Velasco Elementary and Lake Jackson Intermediate, and these two large projects are scheduled to begin soon. Additionally, work will start at Roberts Elementary, Rasco Middle School, and Ney Elementary. We invite you to visit our website to view the plans for these projects.     Finally, kudos go out to the students, faculty and staff of all BISD for having a great year. Especially, congratulations to the 2003 graduating classes of Brazosport and Brazoswood high schools!  Sincerely,   Rudy Okruhlik Superintendent of Schools