AISD says expert teachers could improve failing schools
The district is looking for teachers who have track records of improving students' grades, and they want them in schools that are not meeting standards.
The move comes after Dobie, Webb and Burnet middle schools are all facing a critical school year ahead where they must show signs of improvement or face a state intervention from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
'We are going to be launching a campaign to recruit transformative teachers,' said Brandi Hosack, chief of talent strategy for AISD. 'We are looking for folks that have more than three years experience in the classroom, are certified and have proven highly effective.'
The district said some teachers and staff could be removed from these failing schools, but some parents at Dobie worry about stability in a school that has seen turnover.
'When you bring strangers here to this community, what kind of teachers are we going to have? That is very concerning to us,' said Yessyka Velasquez, a parent from Dobie Middle School.
Hosack said she knows stability is important, but tough decisions have to be made.
Austin ISD receives C rating in 2023 A-F ratings
'When you take away certain supports that students have become accustomed to, and feel very safe in their campus, and those are the adults and the trusted individuals — that is very, very hard,' she said.
The teachers AISD chooses to remove from their positions could then be placed in other AISD schools around the district.
'It is not about you are not doing your job and we are removing you,' Hosack said. 'The folks that have been at Dobie, Webb and Burnet have worked incredibly hard to support these students. This is simply a function of needing to ensure that we are, within the turnaround plan, have seasoned experts.'
KXAN asked the district if the teachers who are removed from Dobie, Webb and Burnet will be fit to teach in other schools in AISD.
'There is a difference between highly effective, and you not being highly effective does not mean that you are ineffective, it simply means that you have not yet met those qualifications,' said Hosack.
Hosack said a lot of teachers have left the profession and now there are a lot of novice teachers that need training.
Keeping Dobie Middle School open could cost teachers their jobs
'There are incredible amount of novice teachers on these campuses because across the state, across the nation, campuses that have been historically undeserved they to tend to have a harder time hiring which means that they have a tendency to hire novice teachers,' Hosack said.
The district will host a job fair for transformative teachers May 14 and 15 at AISD headquarters.
These positions are eligible for up to $20,000 in stipends to support one of the three District-led Restart campuses.
The district is hoping to hire about 100 transformative teachers before the start of the school year.
In addition, certified core teachers are eligible to be designated under the Teacher Incentive Allotment and certified special education and certified bilingual teachers are eligible for $7,000 in stipends for support in those classrooms.
Check how your school is doing here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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The Hill
12 hours ago
- The Hill
Camp Mystic not accredited nationally, eight others in Kerr County are
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The words 'American Camp Association Accredited' are what several parents tell KXAN investigators they look for before deciding on a summer camp. 'I have personally considered ACA accreditation a must for considering a camp for my own kids to attend,' one parent wrote to KXAN, adding that he likes the numerous checks around safety measures. The American Camp Association, or ACA, is a nationwide voluntary accreditation program for day and overnight camps across the country. The association said 76 camps operating across Texas are accredited, including eight in Kerr County, but not Camp Mystic. The all-girls Christian summer camp lost more than two dozen campers and counselors after the deadly Independence day flooding on the Guadalupe River. 'Our mission is to support those that operate camps, to advance practices around health, safety, risk management and program quality and so, you know, our hallmark program around that is our accreditation program, which is the only set of national standards around health and safety for camps,' explained Henry DeHart, interim president and CEO of ACA out of Indiana. DeHart added that the association encourages camps to work with local emergency responders and allow them to review safety measures. He said to become accredited, which includes annual fees, a team is sent to work with each camp and review safety practices in detail. According to ACA, there are an estimated 20,000 camps nationwide. DeHart explained more than 2,300 have the ACA accreditation. 'We have standards specifically around, 'Do you have an emergency plan, and have you thought through all of your location-specific potential risks around that emergency plan? Have you trained your staff around it, and do you rehearse it before campers get there? And so, what is your communication plan in a crisis? Oftentimes cell services are down, so do you have a backup plan?'' DeHart explained. Camp Mystic, which is licensed by the state, is a member of the Camping Association for Mutual Progress, or C.A.M.P. The state association said online that its goal is to 'raise health and safety standards for all camps.' KXAN investigators reached out to C.A.M.P leaders, but they have not yet been able to provide details about safety standards. 'Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating floods in Kerr County. We are deeply saddened by the loss of so many in our state, and our camping community,' said a recent post on the C.A.M.P. website. The post further explained that the association does not govern or accredit camps and members are regulated by the state. Additionally, it said C.A.M.P. serves as a resource for education and support to strengthen the camp community through the spirit of cooperation, collaboration and the collection of ideas. 'The safety and well-being of every camper is, and always will be, the top priority of camps,' said the post. 'Right now, our focus is on supporting the camps, campers, and families impacted by this heartbreaking event. We also remain ready to work closely with state and local leaders to ensure every child who visits our camps is safe, supported, and cared for.' State inspection reports for Camp Mystic obtained by KXAN investigators show the camp had just finished its annual inspection two days before the deadly flash flood. The Department of State Health Services found the camp had the required emergency plans, including written ones in case of a disaster. The state agency said youth camps are required to have those plans posted clearly in every building. DSHS reviews emergency plans onsite during an annual inspection. Camp Mystic has yet to respond to emails asking for comment. ACA said this is a good time for camps to review emergency procedures and see if there are any details which need to be tweaked. DeHart added if parents are feeling anxious, they should ask about what happens if the camp has to be evacuated and how the camp will stay in touch with local emergency service teams, especially if cell service is down. 'Parents have reasonable questions right now,' DeHart said. 'All across the country, camps are proactively trying to reach out and connect with parents, help them understand the planning that they have done, the procedures they have in place.' He urges parents to reach out to their camps directly and learn more about emergency plans in place including communication with families during a disaster. 'I worked at camps in North Carolina, so we had to worry about hurricanes. We actually had to evacuate for a hurricane once, but we had all of those things in place. We had busses, we had location, we had supervision, we had a way to feed the campers. So, parents can ask questions like that, and camps will be eager to share those details with the parents,' he said. DeHart said a team has already met with Texas Sen. John Cornyn about ways to support Texas camps during this time. He added that it's been encouraging how other camps have stepped up and are willing to help. He's heard stories of camps offering to take in campers from impacted areas saying, 'We have some open spaces. Let us work with your parents to get your campers to our camp … so your camper still get a camp experience.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Flash flooding claimed more than 100 lives in Central Texas. Here's what we know about the victims
AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least 119 people across Central Texas are confirmed dead, including dozens of children who were attending summer camp in the Hill Country, after a weekend of catastrophic flooding. The flash flooding deluged summer camps in Kerr County, dotted along the Guadalupe River, and also left families in Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson Counties looking for family members swept away in the floodwaters. State officials are still hoping to find people alive as crews enter their fourth day of searching. MAP: Where have flash flooding fatalities been confirmed in Texas? Kerr County officials said at least 95 people died in flash flooding over the Fourth of July weekend — 36 of whom are children. At least 161 others remain missing. Camp Mystic is a nearly century-old all-girls Christian camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River. The camp has been run by couple, Dick and Tweety Eastland, since they purchased it in 1974. The grandson of Dick Eastland confirmed on social media his grandfather died 'saving the girls that he so loved and cared for.' New images show aftermath of Camp Mystic flooding In a message posted Monday morning, Camp Mystic said it was grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors. 'Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,' the post stated. On social media, several families across Texas have confirmed that their daughters did not survive the historic flooding that deluged the camp, including Mary Grace Baker, Anna Margaret Bellows, Lila Bonner, Hadley Hanna, Janie Hunt, Lainey Landry, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, Sarah Marsh, Linnie McCown, Blakely McCrory, Wynne Naylor, Eloise Peck, Renee Smajstrla, Mary Stevens and Greta Toranzo. Hundreds gathered outside Casis Elementary School on Sunday to mourn 8-year-old Austin ISD student Linnie McCown. Her father said on Instagram the Mystic camper, 'filled [their] hearts with so much joy we cannot begin to explain.' The family of Mary Stevens, a Mystic camper and student at Highland Park Elementary School, confirmed on social media that she was among those who did not survive the flooding. Stevens' mother wrote on Instagram, 'Our world is shattered, but I have peace getting your letters and knowing you were having the time of your life at camp and had a dance party with all of your friends before the Lord decided to take you from us.' St. Anne Catholic School in Beaumont confirmed Mary Grace Baker was among those killed at Camp Mystic. 'Mary Grace was a bright light in our close-knit school family, known for her kindness and friendship to all, her joyful spirit and her love for her faith and family,' the school posted on Instagram. 'Her giggle was contagious, as was her spirit.' The mother of Anna Margaret Bellows, 8, confirmed to KXAS that her daughter's body had been recovered. Lila Bonner's family told KXAN, 'We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.' The family of Hadley Hanna, 8, confirmed she was among those killed. 'While we are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from neighbors, first responders and volunteers, we ask that the media, the public and even well-meaning individuals honor our need for space and quiet during this time,' a statement from the family read. Janie Hunt was attending Camp Mystic along with several of her cousins, according to a message from U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter posted on X. Hunt's family said about her on social media, 'God of grace and comfort, we thank you for our little niece, Janie Hunt and for the place she held in all our hearts.' Nine-year-old Lainey Landry was also killed in the flooding at Camp Mystic, a Facebook post by St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, said. Eight-year-old twins Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence were among the victims at Camp Mystic, their grandfather told NBC News. Their older sister was also at camp, but was safely evacuated. 'Hanna and Rebecca gave their [family] so much joy,' the grandfather said. 'They and that joy can never be forgotten.' The Mayor of the City of Mountain Brook, Alabama, said on Instagram that Sarah Marsh, 8, was a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary. Mayor Welch said, 'This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school and our entire community. Sarah's passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew and loved her.' Blakely McCrory, 8, was also among those killed at Camp Mystic, her mother confirmed on Facebook. 'While we find some comfort in the knowledge that Blakely is happy, safe and secure in the arms of Jesus, we are beyond shattered and will miss her with every breath we take for the rest of our lives.' The family of Wynne Naylor confirmed to KXAS that their daughter was killed. 'There are no words to express our gratitude to everyone who supported Wynne and our entire family through this time,' a statement from the family read. 'Wynne has a great love of the outdoors, a love of God and love for her community.' The family of Eloise Peck confirmed she had been found dead. 'It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that Eloise Peck has been found and is now an angel,' a statement from the family said. A family member of Renee Smajstrla confirmed she was among the victims, writing on Facebook, 'While not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly.' The family member went on to say, '[Renee] will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.' The parents of Greta Toranzo shared on Facebook that her daughter was among those killed. 'Greta was thrilled to return to Camp Mystic for a third summer this year,' her parents said. 'She was overjoyed to be reunited with her camp friends for weeks of fun, laughter, sports and sisterhood.' At least one Camp Mystic counselor was also killed during the flash floods, according to her family. Chloe Childress, 19, was a former camper who had become a camp counselor. In a statement, her family said she 'lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith.' Bailey Martin was a police officer in Odessa, Texas. Nexstar station KMID reported that Martin, his girlfriend, Jayda, his father, Bobby Martin, and his stepmother, Amanda Martin, were visiting a campground in Kerrville to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend when their RV was swept away in the flash floods. The Odessa Police Department said on Tuesday Martin was found dead. 'We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy during this difficult time, as they have not only lost Bailey but also several other family members,' Odessa Police Department officials said. 'Our prayers go out to them, and to everyone affected by this devastating natural disaster.' St. Rita Catholic School, in Dallas, told its community that two sisters who attended the school, rising sixth grader Brooke Harber and rising eighth grader Blair Harber, were among the children whom first responders were searching for. NBC News reported that in a detailed statement posted to GoFundMe, the girls' aunt said their bodies were found 15 miles away from the family's vacation rental in Hunt. 'When they were found, their hands were locked together,' she told NBC. Another summer camp located along the Guadalupe River, Heart O' the Hills, announced on Saturday that the camp's longtime co-owner, Jane Ragsdale, lost her life during the devastating flooding in the Hill Country. Camp officials said Jane 'embodied the spirit of Heart O' the Hills and was exactly the type of strong, joyful woman that the camp aimed to develop.' Julian Ryan and his young family woke up to water rushing into their home. In a detailed account posted to GoFundMe, his family said Julian died while trying to save his wife, mother and children from the flood waters. 'I love you, Julian,' his sister said in a Facebook post. 'It shouldn't have took you to pass away for you to get recognition, but you made it and the world is gonna know how good of a man you were.' John Burgess, 39, was camping at the HTR TX Hill Country Campground in Ingram with his wife and two children when the flash floods hit. His family said on Facebook he died in the Kerr County flooding. Burgess' wife, Julia, and their two youngest children are still missing, family said. Kerrville Independent School District is also mourning the loss of a beloved soccer coach and a former teacher. District officials said on Facebook that Reece Zunker and his wife, Paula Zunker, lost their lives in the flood. The district said Paula 'left a lasting mark on the community' and said Reece's 'unwavering dedication […] will never be forgotten.' The Zunkers' two children, Lyle and Holland, are still missing, according to the district's post from Sunday. Humble Independent School District said a long-time teacher, Jeff Wilson, passed away due to the flooding in Kerrville. According to the district, Wilson worked for 30 years at both Humble High School and Kingwood Park High School. 'He was beloved teacher and co-worker to many and will be deeply missed,' the district said in a statement on X. District officials said Jeff's wife, Amber, and son Shiloh are still missing. The University of Texas at San Antonio community was also touched by the tragedy. Katheryn Eads, a senior lecturer of psychology at UTSA, was among those killed. Two UTSA students are believed to be among those still missing. 'Dr. Eads was an extraordinary educator whose devotion to her students and to the craft of teaching embodied the very best of our academic community,' Heather Shipley, UTSA provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said. 'Through her insight, expertise and unwavering commitment to student success, she inspired generations of learners and colleagues alike. Her absence leaves a profound void at UTSA, but her impact will continue to resonate through the lives she touched.' José Olvera and his wife, Alicia, both in their 70s, were swept away in floodwaters in Hunt, a neighbor told NBC News. José's body was found Saturday, but Alicia remains missing. Volunteers believe they were holding hands when they were swept away, the neighbor said. NBC News also confirmed with her father that Joyce-Catherine Badon, 21, was among those killed in the Kerr County floods. Travis County Judge Andy Brown said seven people died and 10 people remain missing after the 'extremely deadly and destructive' flooding throughout Travis County over the Fourth of July weekend. Among the missing is a 17-year-old girl. The Glenn High School Grizzly Band and Leander ISD Trustee Anna Smith posted on Facebook Monday that incoming sophomore Braxton Jarmon lost his life during the floods. Smith said Jarmon's sister is still missing. 'We could not have imagined this tragedy happening to our family. He's our baby boy,' Jarmon's sister said in a post on Facebook. At least two people were killed in Williamson County, with one other person still missing at this time. In a social media post, Hope House, a home for children with disabilities, said their coworker Sherry Richardson, 64, was among those killed. 'Sherry was more than a coworker — she was a dear friend to so many in our staff,' the statement read. 'She loved our residents dearly and was an invaluable part of our mission. We are deeply grateful to the rescue workers and first responders who worked tirelessly to bring her home.' The Williamson County Sheriff's Office also recovered the body of Kaitlyn Swallow, 22, of Liberty Hill. Emergency management officials in Burnet County say five people are dead after flash flooding hit their county. Officials confirmed that ranch worker Preston Prince, 22, lost his life. Malaya Hammond, 17, and Walter Reed, 79, were also named among the victims. The son of William 'Govani' Venus, 57, confirmed to KXAN's Kevin Baskar that his father was among those killed. In a Facebook post, his son said Venus was a 33-year retired CSM Army veteran who had been deployed five times. A fifth victim has not yet been identified. One other person remains missing — Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Phillips, who was swept away during a water rescue. Flooding in San Angelo on July 4 claimed one life. The body of Tanya Burwick, 62, was found several blocks away from where her vehicle had been found, according to the San Angelo Police Department. 'We ask that the public continue to keep the Burwick family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking tragedy,' the department wrote on Facebook. We will update this story as new information becomes available. Investigative Intern Elijah Carll and Investigative Producer Dalton Huey contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Summer camps licensed by Texas, required to post emergency plans
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Frantic calls from parents are being answered at summer camps across central Texas. One camp told KXAN investigators parents are calling and checking on their kids and asking about emergency plans in place. The recent flooding tragedy at Camp Mystic in Kerr County has highlighted disaster plans for summer camps which are finding ways to remain open this week since some are along rivers and lakes. RELATED: LIVE BLOG: Search, recovery efforts continue for 4th day after deadly floods hit central Texas One camp in the Hill Country said in anticipation of flooding, staff moved campers from four cabins to higher ground. But luckily, they didn't have any impact. Right now, they are keeping campers out of a nearby lake as a precaution. The camps KXAN investigators reached out either didn't respond or were reluctant to share emergency plans. The Texas Department of State Health Services said to KXAN investigators youth camps are required to have disaster plans in place. As of last year, DSHS issued 376 licenses to youth camps. A DSHS spokesperson said the state does not maintain copies of youth camp emergency plans, but they're required to post plans clearly in every building. 'DSHS reviews the camp's emergency plans onsite during their annual inspection for the correct elements listed in the Texas Administrative Code,' said a DSHS spokesperson. READ: 'It's sobering' volunteers search debris for bodies in Kerr County The spokesperson added that written plans are required to include disasters including flooding and tornadoes, and procedures for emergency shelter and for evacuation of each occupied building. The Texas Administrative Code states camps should have emergency phones available in the first aid area, for emergency use, but there is no mention of emergency radios in case of weather impacts to phone services. Additionally, campers must be instructed as to their actions in the event of a disaster or need to evacuate. Also, camp staff and volunteers must be made aware of procedures during trainings and briefings. 'We found the requirement in our records going back at least 15 years but aren't aware of it being connected to a specific situation,' said the DSHS spokesperson when asked how long the state has required camps to post emergency plans. The state does track compliance and disciplinary actions against youth camps. According to DSHS, there have been three disciplinary actions against youth camps since 2023, but there's not a lot of information about the violations other than failure to preclude camp staff with criminal convictions or deferred adjudication and not properly maintaining a swimming pool. The state has established a Youth Camp Advisory committee with several camping professionals. KXAN investigators have asked the state and several committee members about possible changes to emergency plans after the recent floods but as of this report has not received a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
