Fabens ISD students read 'just over 72 million words'; top readers visit Austin and receive House recognition

Mr. Price told the board that a district reading challenge succeeded in keeping middle-school students engaged with reading, reporting that students read “just over 72 million words,” which he said represented more than 14,000 books, about 252,000 pages and more than 150,000 minutes of reading.

According to Mr. Price, Representative Mary Gonzalez suggested rewarding the top 30 readers from the participating grades with a trip to Austin. "What if we send them to Austin, Texas?" he said Representative Gonzalez asked, and the district accepted the offer. The top readers toured the state capitol, visited two universities and attended a leadership summit; the students were also honored by a House resolution listing their names.

Board members and presenters discussed trip logistics. Board member Mr. Spence recommended that the district name alternates for future trips after three students were unable to attend; Mr. Price said 27 students attended because three fell ill. Presenters said about 75% of the students had never been to Austin and that the experience included unique access to spaces in the capitol building not generally open to the public.

Why it matters: The board framed the program as a literacy and youth development effort designed to sustain students' love of reading as they move into middle and high school. Trustees praised the outreach and noted the benefit of outside sponsorships and hands-on civic learning.

What’s next: Presenters said they intend to continue and expand the reading challenge next year and to incorporate lessons learned about trip planning (such as naming alternates).