Stafford Elementary seeks state "resource campus" designation; staff overwhelmingly support proposed extra days

Jay Ashby, executive director for innovation program development, and Melissa Scott, Stafford Elementary principal, told the board that Stafford appears to meet many requirements for the state’s resource campus designation and outlined next steps and staffing and calendar changes.

Ashby summarized the designation’s requirements (including campus performance history, a targeted improvement plan, staffing qualifications and an extended calendar) and said campuses that achieve designation become eligible for additional recurring per‑student funding. He noted the application timeline: a letter of intent is submitted and the full application is due Dec. 15; the Texas agency’s review could include questions and interviews, with projected designation notifications on Jan. 30.

Melissa Scott described how Stafford could meet the 175‑instructional‑day requirement by converting two scheduled professional learning days and two scheduled work days into instructional days (adding four required days) and then offering optional summer/after‑school enrichment opportunities. She said the school’s staff survey found about 85% of teaching staff could work those days and that 97% of staff members directly expressed support for the plan. A family survey showed roughly 45% of families interested in optional learning opportunities; Scott said operational departments are planning supports and that students who stay for enrichment would receive a third meal.

Scott acknowledged logistical concerns—childcare and the difficulty of returning to school two days after a holiday—but said campus leadership and teachers have been engaged in planning. If Stafford receives designation and the campus implements the calendar, the additional funding would arrive in the following school year and be used to sustain intervention and staffing strategies tied to the designation.