Letter of Transmittal
Introduction
Improving the Texas School Performance Review
TSPR in CISD
Significant Changes Since the Original Review
Exemplary Programs and Practices
TSPR Key Recommendations
What Still Needs to Be Done
CISD's Comments on the Report and the TSPR Process
Appendix A - Status of Recommendations and Savings
The Honorable George W. Bush
The Honorable Rick Perry
The Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney
Members of the 76th Legislature
Commissioner James E. NelsonLadies and Gentlemen:
I am pleased to present this report on the progress of the Comal Independent School District (CISD) in implementing my Texas School Performance Review (TSPR) recommendations.
In May 1999, TSPR released the results of a review of the district's operations. This review, requested by the superintendent and Board of Trustees, offered 114 recommendations that could save CISD taxpayers nearly $18.1 million by 2003-04. Cumulative net savings from all recommendations (savings less recommended investments) were projected to reach $13.3 million by 2003-04. The review also noted a number of CISD's exemplary programs and model services provided by district administrators, teachers, and staff.
After a year, we returned to check on how well the district's leadership put these proposals into practice, and found the administration and Board seeking to implement many of my recommendations. Since the report's release, CISD has implemented or is in the process of implementing 99 of these proposals, or 87 percent, for net savings of $1.1 million to date. The district officials expect net savings to reach more than $10 million over five years.
While there is still work to be done, district officials have pledged to continue to pursue excellence in the district, and are to be commended for taking these initial steps to ensure that students, teachers, and taxpayers receive the maximum possible benefit from every dollar spent by CISD.
This report is available on the Internet at http://www.window.state.tx.us/tspr/comalpr/.
Thanks for all that you do for Texas.
Sincerely,
Carole Keeton Rylander
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
