District accountability dips to 70 in 2025; board cites growth and closing‑the‑gaps declines and flags teacher turnover

Superintendent Dr. Austin reviewed Rockport‑Fulton ISD’s state accountability reporting at the Sept. 16 board meeting and summarized plans to use the district strategic plan to address areas of decline.

Dr. Austin noted that domain scores for the district in 2025 were approximately: student achievement (71), school progress (70) and closing‑the‑gaps (68), which combined to an overall scale score of 70 for 2025. He said the district’s elementary campuses were largely STAR‑tested, the high school’s student‑achievement metric includes STAAR and CCMR indicators, and that domain scores use either/or calculations in parts of the accountability system. "As a district in '25, our 3 domains, 71, 70, and 68, which gave us an overall of 70 for 2025," he said.

Trustees expressed concern that academic growth and closing‑the‑gaps both fell into D‑range metrics in places, particularly at the high school, and urged focused interventions. Board members linked staffing pressures—highlighted in the efficiency audit and HR report—to performance: the audit noted a roughly 30% teacher turnover rate in 2023–24 (higher than peer averages), and trustees requested staffing‑focused analyses and retention strategies. Superintendent Austin said the district will conduct a staffing audit and convene a roundtable in October to report progress on the strategic plan and next steps to address learning gaps.

What’s next: District instructional leaders said they will track weekly progress measures tied to the balanced scorecard, bring a staffing audit and MTSS alignments in coming months, and continue coordinated coaching and data‑tracking to move outcomes in future accountability cycles.