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Southwest ISD reports class‑size pressures and prepares for TEA methods‑of‑administration audit at Southwest High
Summary
Administrators told the board six classrooms exceeded the district's 23:1 innovation ratio (some at 24–25), said waivers to TEA will be required when thresholds are exceeded, and outlined an upcoming TEA methods-of-administration audit focused on CTE access and nondiscrimination at Southwest High School.
District administrators updated trustees on class-size monitoring and a TEA methods-of-administration audit at Southwest High School.
Administration said state rules set a 22:1 target for pre‑K through fourth grade but the district's District of Innovation allows a 23:1 ratio. The district reported six classrooms that had exceeded the 23:1 threshold; administrators said some classrooms briefly reached 24 or 25 students and that they use levelling and other options to mitigate overcrowding when possible. "The state does require that we maintain a 22 to 1 ratio...our district of innovation plan allows us to go to 23 to 1," an administrator explained, adding that waivers to TEA and parent notification are required when those limits are exceeded.
Separately, administrators described a TEA methods‑of‑administration audit selection for Southwest High School that focuses on career and technical education (CTE) program access, nondiscrimination, facilities accessibility, work‑based learning, CTSOs, and related documentation. District staff must submit extensive documentation by Sept. 25 and expect virtual interviews and a virtual facility tour in the spring. If TEA finds no noncompliance the campus may be excluded from selection for five years; if issues are found the district may submit a voluntary compliance plan.
Board members asked for continued efforts to mitigate class size and for updates on the audit process and any required follow-up.
