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STEM Academy and YMCA report performance under SB1882; trustees press for deeper data on math and cohort outcomes
Summary
Under SB1882 reporting requirements, STEM Academy reported an A rating with a 91 score and noted strong CCMR and graduation results but flagged math growth as a concern; trustees pressed for cohort and longitudinal data. The YMCA reported met performance metrics and strong early-childhood enrollment and cash positions.
Two charter partners operating on district campuses presented their annual SB1882 performance reviews to the Ector County ISD board on Nov. 18, and trustees used the session to press for clearer cohort and growth data.
Shannon Davidson, executive director of the STEM Academy, told trustees the campus earned an A rating with an overall score of 91 for 2024-25, cited a 100% graduation rate for the 2025 class and a 98% college/career/military readiness (CCMR) rate. Davidson and her team said reading growth targets were met or exceeded in several grades but acknowledged math remains a priority area after missing an internally set goal (the presentation reported a goal of 46% at grade level in STAAR math and an observed 42% result).
Trustees asked for more than point-in-time percentages. One trustee said the presentation felt "superficial" and asked for cohort counts, trends and mobility data so the board can assess how many students begin ninth grade and graduate in four years and whether students are returning to district campuses with unmet needs. STEM Academy's leadership described steps taken to improve math outcomes, including embedding specialized university-trained math tutors, targeted professional learning and a designated lead math teacher for vertical alignment.
The YMCA's campus principal, Sandy Pinalda, reported the Pre-K3 program met its phonological and math goals, maintained a current ratio and days-of-cash metric (reported at about 65.33 days), and served roughly 240 students of a 300-student capacity. The YMCA emphasized bilingual/dual-language instruction, a two-adult classroom ratio for Pre-K3 and plans to pursue choice-school status to broaden access.
Board members and district staff agreed to explore options for providing trustees with longitudinal and cohort-level data that mirror the metrics trustees receive for district-run campuses. Administration said some data elements may not be required under SB1882 but offered to collaborate with partners to surface additional trend and cohort materials for board review.
Quotes: "Yes, again, we did receive an A rating from the state. This year our overall score was a 91," Shannon Davidson said. A trustee responded later in the discussion: "Honestly, I just think some of this is superficial."
Ending: No renewal or nonrenewal decisions were made; the board will continue to monitor partner performance and staff said renewal decisions for campuses in final contract years will be addressed in spring.
