In a recent meeting of the Harris County Board of Education, officials presented promising updates on academic performance and staffing as the new school year approaches.

The discussion began with a review of Advanced Placement (AP) scores for 2024, which are still pending due to delays in psychology test results caused by a power outage during the scheduled testing. College Board has assured that these scores will be available by August 15. The board expressed satisfaction with the overall AP scores, noting a correlation between increased participation and pass rates in certain subjects, particularly in AP Language and Composition.

The meeting also highlighted significant improvements in Georgia Milestone scores across various grade levels. Notably, 6th grade English Language Arts (ELA) scores rose five percentage points, surpassing the state average. Harris County's 7th grade ELA ranked 8th in the state, with a remarkable 33 percentage point increase over the past two years. The 8th grade also showed gains, with ELA, science, and social studies scores all above the state average.

In terms of staffing, Human Resources reported a near-complete fulfillment of teaching positions, with only one English Language Arts position remaining open. This marks a significant improvement from the previous year, where multiple vacancies were reported. The district is also focusing on retaining paraprofessionals, with new hires receiving comprehensive training to better prepare them for their roles.

Support services updates included a $50,000 grant from Caresource to sustain the district's telehealth program, which has been positively impacting students and families. The summer feeding program served over 30,000 meals to the community, demonstrating the district's commitment to addressing food insecurity.

Facilities updates revealed that summer renovations and maintenance are on track, with all schools prepared for the upcoming school year. Transportation plans are also in place, ensuring that all bus routes are set and ready for the first day of school.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to academic excellence, effective staffing, and community support, setting a positive tone as the new school year begins.