Board hears Stellar Virtual overview and truancy plan from judge and education leaders

At the Fort Stockton Independent School District special meeting Aug. 15, board members received an overview of the Stellar Virtual program and an accompanying truancy and attendance presentation.

Juan Cabrera, with Stellar Virtual, provided an overview of his program and presented an Academic Improvement Plan that district leaders had been given for review. Board materials and handbooks (Athletics, Cheerleader, Tumbleweed+, and Stellar Virtual) were provided digitally to board members and are available at Central Office, according to the minutes.

Judge John Payton and Dr. Charles Hicks presented on truancy and attendance and explained how they will work with Fort Stockton ISD staff through Stellar Virtual. Principals reported attendance at about 97% districtwide; the minutes note the district outperformed similarly sized districts in the region on state testing but that the virtual school performance reduced the overall district rating. The minutes also note that the A-F lawsuit was not invalidated due to the court having no jurisdiction.

Deputy Superintendent Gil-Ray Madrid recognized band and choir students, directors and accompanist for induction in the Distinguished Order of the Panther. Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Zamora announced a plaque presentation for intermediate students and a soft opening of the high school stadium on Sept. 4, followed by a free community country music concert that evening.

No formal action on Stellar Virtual or the truancy presentation is recorded in the meeting minutes; the items were presented for information and review.