RFISD presents 2023-24 annual report; state A-F ratings remain unreleased amid assessment dispute

Rockport Fulton ISD staff presented the district's 2023-24 annual report, which includes the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) accountability data, PEIMS financial reports and campus performance objectives, and held the public hearing required by state law.

The presentation matters because the annual report is a public record of district academic and financial performance; trustees and members of the public asked why the state has not released A-F accountability ratings and other designations for the prior school year.

The district's presenter summarized the report contents: statewide accountability data, campus performance objectives, violent or criminal incidents, postsecondary performance of 2022 graduates, House Bill 3 early childhood literacy and CCMR (college, career, and military readiness) goals and a glossary for the TAPR report. She told the board that, as in the previous year, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has not released A-F ratings, distinction designations or special education determination statuses for the 2023-24 year because TEA had not finalized accountability and financial reporting tied to assessment validation.

During the public hearing a board member asked whether the state had given a reason; the presenter said the state is involved in litigation alleging that an assessment used for accountability was not validated by a third-party vendor before administration, and TEA has delayed assigning A-F labels while the issue remains unresolved. The presenter also said the annual report materials will be posted on the district website within two weeks and that a paper copy is available at central office.

Board members and staff noted that district tables and other data have been shared across prior meetings in pieces, and emphasized the district will publish the annual report documents as required even while awaiting TEA's accountability decisions.