Lancaster ISD reports enrollment near 6,700 and measurable gains in state accountability ratings

Lancaster ISD administrators told the Board of Trustees that district enrollment is just over 6,700 students and that the district posted measurable gains on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability ratings for 2024–25.

At the meeting, Dr. Barker reported that enrollment as of the latest update is “a little over 6,700,” up from an earlier snapshot and drawing some students from nearby districts, including Dallas ISD and DeSoto. Dr. Barker and board members attributed the movement to district programming and campus climate.

The district also reviewed its 2024–25 STAR/TEA accountability results. Staff said Lancaster ISD’s overall score increased from 71 to 75, resulting in a C rating. Presenters said most campuses showed year-over-year gains and the district recorded 16 campus distinctions across schools. Examples cited by staff: - Houston Elementary: 86 (B) with two distinctions; reported as having moved 23 points in one year. - Lancaster High School: 78 (C) with two distinctions. - Lancaster Middle School: 68 (D). - Rolling Hills: 78 (C) with one distinction.

Board members praised campus leaders and instructional staff for improvements and discussed continuing work on campus improvement plans and progress monitoring. A trustee asked about measures used to influence scores, including specific test-scoring questions (NARA) and House Bill 3 targets; staff said they would provide detailed HB3 and third-grade reading/mathematics data to the trustee after the meeting.

Ending District leaders said they expect further progress in the coming year and will continue to align improvement plans, progress monitor CCMR and student-growth measures, and share additional assessment details with trustees.