Board approves targeted improvement plans for SFA Middle and Sudbury Intermediate; district outlines classroom-observation and growth-focused interventions

Bryan ISD trustees approved targeted improvement plans for two campuses identified for additional federal support. The board voted to approve the Targeted Improvement Plan for Steven F. Austin Middle School and the Targeted Improvement Plan for Sudbury Intermediate School.

Steven F. Austin Middle School District staff explained SFA was identified for targeted support based on domain 3 data used for federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) compliance. The campus worked with Region 6 education staff through an Effective Schools Framework diagnostic and selected two primary levers: instructional leadership development (with an emphasis on observational feedback to teachers) and data-driven instruction.

Staff described the campus strategy as focusing on systems that strengthen adult practice rather than setting specific, state-accountability score targets. Measures include regular classroom walkthroughs, coaching feedback, teacher growth goals anchored to student growth goals, student conferencing, targeted after-school tutorials (a "star carnival" model), and additional district-supported classroom visits. The district also applied for a state Learning Acceleration Support (LASSO) grant to support implementation.

Sudbury Intermediate School Sudbury’s plan used a similar approach following Region 6 support and local diagnostic work. Presenters said administrators expanded the leadership team to include counselors and district support staff; they described weekly administrative data-review meetings, PLC structures that focus on student growth goals and teacher growth goals tied to student measures, targeted tutorials and the use of intramurals and other incentives to increase student participation in academic supports.

Board action - Motion to approve the targeted improvement plan for Steven F. Austin Middle School: Trustee Stasney moved; the motion carried unanimously (recorded as "aye" in the minutes). - Motion to approve the targeted improvement plan for Sudbury Intermediate School: Trustee Walter moved; motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters Presenters emphasized that the improvement plans target systems and adult practices shown to support student growth, not simply short-term score changes. Staff said the work will be extended to multiple campuses so district leaders and teachers use shared language and systems.

Monitoring and next steps Both principals described ongoing monitoring: frequent assessment cycles, PLC and administrative-review meetings, data walls and student goal-setting, and planned follow-up visits from Region 6. Staff said the district will continue to report progress to the board and pursue external grant funding where available.

The board approved both plans during the open session votes recorded in the meeting minutes.