EAST TEXAS (KYTX) - Harleton, Alto and Woden ISDs finished with five stars in the recent state comptroller ratings, the highest ratings for comparing how schools make progress in their math and reading scores while still spending taxes wisely.
But some school districts didn't do as well. Longview ISD got one and a half stars
In the financial allocation study for Texas.
Since 2009, the state comptroller has graded every Texas school district with five-star rating system to determine if a school is improving in reading and math scores while spending tax dollars responsibly. The top schools earn five stars. Tyler ISD received two-and-a-half stars. And Longview ISD earned its one-and-a-half stars.
Longview ISD spokesman Adam J. Holland agrees that the district has room to improve, but the comptroller's report fails to account for the size of a district or each child's circumstances and learning level.
All things which can impact the rating.
"There are a lot of things they don't take into account, and that's why reports like these really are a dime a dozen," Holland said.
Longview ISD is more than 10 times larger than Harleton.
But Harleton Superintendent Dr. Craig Coleman said his district spends the money it has wisely.
"We are getting the most bang for our buck, and I think that's a testament to the students and faculty to the community," Coleman said.
This is Harleton's third consecutive five-star ranking, but Coleman says it's getting tougher and tougher to do is the state keeps cutting funding to Harleton and districts across the state.
