[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6063800,"mediaKeyId","3262615-da07ec61274f06f53da34c0f93bfabbb","parentId",3262615,"title","Local resident urges board to target bullying reporting and elementary cross-campus relationships","audioSeconds",175,"startMs",1535000,"endMs",1710000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262615-da07ec61274f06f53da34c0f93bfabbb&start=1535&end=1710","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262615-da07ec61274f06f53da34c0f93bfabbb/thumbnail_1535000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6063800/Texas/Local-resident-urges-board-to-target-bullying-reporting-and-elementary-cross-campus-relationships","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063800-37d7cd5f8c9c3369e26276ebe61bda42/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173230&Signature=niN54CuX9dQXv9oSMVc7IRWFUjFbWFTKql0qV2-cUqLh2P3uOSgIMx1wzXex-8dBjNjcW0cR9ZsRxsuu~CNH-~RaN2J6eqWp5cpMjaoMhrQhKFr9rOo7ge3dWKTCLzQOHOso46Tfagn8t5l~gjwRbrt3iN06ByTmGCaTR4OrNTuuLVwiDznJE-L~Z3Zv900lbEzVXLFrRPATysCk2F9dkHB13YyhoX01aYsGHYarDNTNAq2deqJayk1nCW4zhHSl6yH3neONEwG617ieG~bLlVOA-0cDMeXgxMQ-DxRI7X88s0ugDLZJlwTsvo27TqjKtQCCAbTy44uevmKram-BFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Alamo Heights ISD","date","2025-05-09T18:19:59Z","article","At the citizens-to-be-heard portion of the Alamo Heights ISD board meeting, a community member identified as Miss Fox urged trustees to strengthen bullying reporting and to foster more interaction across the district’s two elementary campuses.

Miss Fox told the board she was concerned that although survey results showed a high percentage of students know how to report bullying, students may not know how to report it correctly and may not receive needed help. She said the problem has local history and that “anybody that’s an administrator at any of our campuses that said we do not have a bully problem is a dishonor to students here previously that had committed suicide due to bullying at this school district.”

She asked the board to assign a trustee to take on a project to target bullying and improve students’ ability to report it and be helped. Miss Fox also recommended more early cross-campus relationship-building between children at the two elementary feeder campuses, Cambridge and Woodridge, saying the current separation can produce “chaos” when students combine in junior school and form cliques.

The board’s chair reminded Miss Fox the board would not respond during the public-comment period but said staff would follow up separately if needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular AHISD School Board Meeting April 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A community member urged the board to improve how students report bullying, to strengthen elementary-level cross-campus connections, and to target bullying prevention starting in elementary grades.","taxTitle","ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",53285,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6063805,"District finance director outlines tax-rate mechanics and possible revenue from a tax ratification election",1140,6480000,7620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262615-da07ec61274f06f53da34c0f93bfabbb&start=6480&end=7620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262615-da07ec61274f06f53da34c0f93bfabbb/thumbnail_6480000.jpg","/articles/6063805/Texas/District-finance-director-outlines-tax-rate-mechanics-and-possible-revenue-from-a-tax-ratification-election","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063805-8bdcbd5bb6cfe3d618cea000ba8b5cb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173230&Signature=F9HPN6oKSs3up3zFeeldpqWDlzisQDrlhc963S-bYNaNzZDHDKqyCN7ATohdKQGL8WjrsEz3IYHs6etzmVILEVauDTG00zViCSc1lM22tdh-bcs9LM4ny1Xy111iy3dcVIFGxeif3soEh84e2J~afbV30VSckz-1GhZwyOCEThQd9tRu-EewXjdbO7OoZMGVdL7uGCwi3NKaG2MLMdkoAkhSFR~iNgJl7RDLIZY0E8Ode2rceipGNb5bhJPvGYwWnxcKnTPLVA0b5hW3nHHsUFZ6cnWKTKbIRH5DpNmULMTU~JCO6WbFDT3qH839eK~qAs07sjWv6cxwR56-O6edAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Alamo Heights ISD finance staff briefed trustees on the district’s tax-rate structure, how state compression affects the maintenance-and-operations (M&O) rate, and the interest-and-sinking (I&S) rate tied to debt payments; staff also discussed a timeline and preliminary revenue estimate if the board were to consider a tax ratification election (TRE).

The finance presentation explained the three components that determine the district’s M&O compressed rate: the state’s maximum compressed tax rate (reduced through compression in recent years), eight “golden pennies” (already in place in the district) and up to nine “copper pennies” that can be accessed subject to recapture. The I&S rate is limited by law and is used only for debt service. Presenters noted some area districts are approaching the I&S cap and that proposed legislation could add penalties if I&S taxes were collected above debt obligations.

Staff said a draft estimate using 2024 values suggested a TRE that unlocked copper pennies could yield approximately $2.2 million in additional revenue for the district; they cautioned that legislative changes (House Bill 2 and Senate activity) and certified property values — expected in July — could materially alter the calculation. The presenter summarized key calendar dates for a TRE decision: the district would need to finalize preliminary work in the summer and decide whether to pursue a TRE by mid-August to meet statutory deadlines for a November election.

Trustees received the briefing and asked clarifying questions about how rising homestead exemptions and state-level compression can push local tax rates higher than initially forecasted for bond debt service. The finance presenter advised the board that projections would be updated when preliminary values were released and again when certified values are available.","Finance staff reviewed how the district’s maintenance-and-operations and interest-and-sinking tax rates work, discussed legislation in progress, and outlined a timeline and revenue estimate for a possible tax ratification election.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6063810,"District review finds 19% of students qualify for GT services; leaders propose more time and intensity in services",960,4800000,5760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262615-da07ec61274f06f53da34c0f93bfabbb&start=4800&end=5760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262615-da07ec61274f06f53da34c0f93bfabbb/thumbnail_4800000.jpg","/articles/6063810/Texas/District-review-finds-19-of-students-qualify-for-GT-services-leaders-propose-more-time-and-intensity-in-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063810-62ed52e5627416aa7226d6d0c7cf921f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173230&Signature=j9TlsWz64unBirnMt9ZFPR10YtqISYDToFO-IFHDzuBUr--oGJxx8Q49CONU7T-vjl4vRbxpV3JX~pL4LLINadyaR1crko1GU8IuRb7vTiwFp9UcQ2l2LzwXlz2OBOFmh0eAFtmTyf-Pb7lsA0GNUgLEd6eNv4XN9uH6afOwVow1pinw9gI9zm1n7QLkeJsbhRIQAes~FOrKsRPdLIIw4bkZ5-A0qE-64wnPwGBitbk48rJOMfWqhkEFYstzBkwlw5917GCDgJf6p0eavOW~7MVZM7yQ56zVbdTojeVIEjMPYpQRXELcs8eyZrpCRCJna6H62UZxh2A5jdfyEsENhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Walker presented the Alamo Heights ISD annual program review for gifted and talented (GT) services, telling the board that 19 percent of the district’s students currently qualify for GT services and outlining proposed changes to identification, service delivery and reporting.

The review explained that Texas funding caps GT reimbursement at 5 percent and noted the district’s GT enrollment (19 percent) is higher than the state average (about 8.2 percent). Dr. Walker said a 2022 change to GT criteria — which limited the standard error of measurement and restricted outside testing — reduced overall enrollment compared with earlier years but that current identification remains robust. “Alamo Heights, 19 percent of our total enrollment does qualify for GT services,” Dr. Walker said during the presentation.

The presentation described four GT service models used in various districts: differentiation in-classroom, pull-out intervention (the district’s Heights program), cohort models and specialized schools. Dr. Walker reviewed research-based factors that correlate with effective GT outcomes: time (more instructional time), intensity (higher cognitive demand), personalized services, domain-specific instruction and teacher expertise.

For fall 2025 identification, the district proposes replacing COGAT/Iowa testing with universal screeners and maintaining the 90th percentile standard for academic achievement. Dr. Walker outlined a three-domain approach for K–5: (1) academic achievement via universal screeners (reading and math depending on grade), (2) critical thinking and reasoning (including a purchased nonverbal paper-and-pencil test), and (3) academic potential and performance via parent and teacher surveys and grades; qualifying would require meeting criteria in two domains. In secondary grades, Dr. Walker said the district will continue end-of-year reviews and may accept MAP scores for qualification; he also proposed exploring PSAT-8 administration at the middle-school level as a supplemental indicator and noted the district would accept other tests as appropriate for exceptional cases (e.g., emergent bilingual or twice-exceptional students).

Operational changes discussed included increasing the percentage of core teachers with GT certification (30 hours of foundational training plus a six-hour annual update), refreshing GT modification language in the curriculum, expanding acceleration pathways (the junior school acceleration program was cited as an example) and more frequent progress reporting to families. Dr. Walker also described a successful enrichment model where Heights teachers delivered enrichment to non-Heights students and 10 percent of those students later qualified for Heights services.

Trustees asked about evaluation thresholds, funding implications and whether a district with a high GT percentage should tighten identification; Dr. Walker said a safety-net appeals process would remain and that the district would first explore service-model and staffing options before considering further restrictions to eligibility.","Dr. Walker presented the annual gifted-and-talented (GT) program review, reporting 19% of students currently qualify for services, proposing changes to identification processes and recommending more time and domain-specific instruction for GT services.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6063815,"Board approves GMPs for Cambridge and Woodridge renovations; permits still pending",540,3900000,4440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262615-da07ec61274f06f53da34c0f93bfabbb&start=3900&end=4440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262615-da07ec61274f06f53da34c0f93bfabbb/thumbnail_3900000.jpg","/articles/6063815/Texas/Board-approves-GMPs-for-Cambridge-and-Woodridge-renovations-permits-still-pending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063815-843267c172c5ae65ebea25301d1dc711/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173230&Signature=mODxt7yBTdFxH0iwJruDpVdUi8DvBSgo7mfqGOd9C~pRyMT7bjS3ZiH2OPb~4FxogUtKoUDyakqD4TWUI~1mDQQB1uDHzBKV~DupkCxWUl9jTUfRqloEyTAc6k1X4GCKrQY8QrEIVXR1BvD1TJTXmh4pDjjNlg4J4cDde2yOb4JZl6DEE8qDSnb2RAQ3oINSaK3yx80D5XSpwBwmgXoleWK0yGnLXSCFrWBSkWjnSFIiJmOlw1vWng4MGPk7TjMgN3ZJG22bd5hHokPNHoEcAVZH4Nhn4fCeNhLG2dyM~YH0QDlnkxPzDcMaIDfbP3hYMSBDHiw6CclOybwLEzDr~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alamo Heights ISD Board of Trustees approved guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendments for Cambridge and Woodridge elementary school renovations at the board meeting, authorizing construction teams to proceed while permitting is finalized.

Project-control staff described the two GMP amendments in detail: Cambridge’s amendment (Amendment 3) lists a GMP of $30,241,625 with an approximate 22-month duration and owner contingencies and allowances totalling about $1,822,000; Woodridge’s amendment (Amendment 4) listed a GMP of $13,814,474 with an approximate 16-month duration and contingencies and allowances totaling about $840,000. The Cambridge scope includes demolition and replacement of the campus chiller/boiler plant, extensive cafeteria and kitchen renovations and electrical and gas upgrades; Woodridge scope includes renovation and expansion of the fifth-grade wing, interior finishes and temporary portables to keep the campus operational during work.

District staff told trustees the campuses will remain open during construction. On permits, presenters said comments had been returned from permitting authorities and responses were in progress; staff recommended immediate approval so the architect and contractor could issue a notice to proceed (NTP) and begin the schedule. A project-control representative noted Cambridge’s schedule assumed an NTP in mid-April with completion about 22 months later; staff said the typical permitting cycle was still underway and asked the board to allow contractors to mobilize once permits were cleared.

Trustee Ty moved to approve the GMPs “for project number 2 Cambridge and Woodridge as presented,” Trustee Brian seconded, and the board voted unanimously in favor. After the vote, district staff said LPA (the design team) was prepared to issue an NTP the next business day if approvals were in hand. Trustees asked to be kept informed if permitting delays pushed the schedule beyond the dates shown in the GMP exhibits.

The board also heard that portable classroom arrangements (an eight-pack configuration for Woodridge) and staging logistics (Conex storage, metering and power shutdown sequencing) still required campus-level coordination and that parts of Cambridge work included make-ready tasks for portables. Staff said the GMP exhibits list unit prices and allowances and that contingency amounts are included in the GMP totals.","Trustees approved guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendments totaling roughly $44 million for Cambridge and Woodridge elementary renovations; presenters said permits were in review and a notice to proceed would follow approval.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6063820,"Alamo Heights principals show campus-level accountability data, spotlight reading and culture gains",3480,1920000,5400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262615-da07ec61274f06f53da34c0f93bfabbb&start=1920&end=5400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262615-da07ec61274f06f53da34c0f93bfabbb/thumbnail_1920000.jpg","/articles/6063820/Texas/Alamo-Heights-principals-show-campus-level-accountability-data-spotlight-reading-and-culture-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063820-36fdf15aba2156ab2caba59dfe719d13/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173230&Signature=CzfJooY1euitalq41WwIPrNbEydBW4FylyQjk7nx8WtCSw5DX7mkqeDw-lQhoIaLZs36A~kysaSlYqNJyKs9si44gbPpE7qE57J7KpLQjJN~zOtZUBHsyPiVGAKNERPCT2IYcnm0izDuwHLbkRaMnHwjp3WMTMxhlB6jwN2aPaQNKLdRCYAFOHP0ZH03EHIeDwZfn6UGhdNeR-Ph~-1BUDZSTIRP8HGfiGtfOSi4a0vhBpd9MyXwVbhmiOPYJl3DYepnkE6fik0FY6UmYwuC7YOguVH9YVX5vmAyVA84mJLxCxzncZpZf6q33XkauoapFg8cIoaxuuKxNVgkvGtO0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Alamo Heights ISD principals presented campus-level community-based accountability results to the Board of Trustees, saying school-level data show improvement in math and reading screeners and high staff satisfaction.

The update, introduced by district leaders at the board meeting, framed community-based accountability as broader and more frequent than the state’s once-a-year test, tracking measures such as enrollment in advanced programs and fine arts as well as frequent universal screeners. Principals from Howard, Cambridge and Woodridge described site-level actions intended to promote academic growth and “protect our culture,” the district’s phrase for staff satisfaction and climate.

Principals highlighted measurable improvements in a tracked cohort: a cohort that as fourth graders were 83 percent at approaches or higher on math and later showed 91 percent at approaches as fifth graders on district screening. Howard Elementary’s principal noted the combination of “explicit, systematic instruction” with play-based reading experiences and said the campus had started an RTI (response to intervention) model in pre-K called Walk to Learn. The principal added that “Reading should be fostered by play based learning” while keeping phonics, decodable text and leveled readers as instructional core elements.

Cambridge and Woodridge principals described aligned strategies: structured professional learning communities (PLCs) every nine weeks, vertical alignment meetings across grade levels, implementation support for the Amplify curriculum for language learners, and targeted professional development for teachers on the new science TEKS. Cambridge said teachers use goal-setting conferences with students and noted students’ mastery-level math improved from 23 percent to 31 percent for the cohort highlighted in the presentation.

All three elementary principals emphasized steps to sustain teacher morale: targeted coaching, hospitality and recognition committees, mentor and induction supports for new staff, PTO-funded classroom materials, and campus traditions such as staff potlucks and “Friday morning dance parties.” The district-level presenter underscored a high campus result shown in February staff feedback: roughly 85 percent reported being quite or extremely satisfied, and nearly all said they are proud to work in the district.

Board members asked for clarification on assessment differences (STAR vs. MAP) and frequency (district screens three times per year). Trustees also raised the effect of recent budget-driven reductions in district learning days, which principals said forced creative scheduling but did not eliminate vertical alignment efforts. Several trustees praised the principals for the coordinated approach and asked for continued updates as the summer professional-development plans roll out.

District staff said the community-based accountability reports were intended to give earlier, actionable information than annual state tests, enabling campus teams to adjust instruction during the school year.","District principals presented campus-level community-based accountability data showing gains in math and reading screeners and described actions to boost literacy, language development, teacher support and school culture.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local resident urges board to target bullying reporting and elementary cross-campus relationships

District finance director outlines tax-rate mechanics and possible revenue from a tax ratification election

District review finds 19% of students qualify for GT services; leaders propose more time and intensity in services

Board approves GMPs for Cambridge and Woodridge renovations; permits still pending

Alamo Heights principals show campus-level accountability data, spotlight reading and culture gains