Letter of Transmittal
Introduction
Summary of Savings and Report Card
Exemplary Programs and Practices
TSPR Key Recommendations
What Still Needs to Be Done
PAISD's Ideas for Improving the TSPR Review 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 Port Arthur Independent School District (PAISD) in implementing my Texas School Performance Review (TSPR) recommendations.
In May 1998, TSPR released the results of a six-month study of the district's operations. This review, originally requested by the former PAISD superintendent and Board of Trustees and echoed by the current superintendent, offered 145 specific recommendations for saving Port Arthur taxpayers more than $10.2 million over the next five years and called for total reinvestments of nearly $4.4 million over the same period. The review also noted a number of PAISD's exemplary programs and model services provided by district administrators, teachers, and staff.
After nearly a year and a half, we have returned to check on how well the district's leadership has put these proposals into practice. We found an administration and board seeking to implement the proposals. However, many of the recommendations are in the early stages of implementation and some more controversial issues continue to be debated, leading to a request from the board president for follow-up visits from my office. To honor that request, I am presenting you with this progress report, and my promise to continue to follow up and monitor the district's progress in the coming months.
Since the release of the report, PAISD has implemented or is in the process of implementing 133 of these proposals, or 92 percent. Since the release of the report, PAISD has implemented recommendations that saved taxpayers more than $2.9 million, and district officials project those savings to increase in the coming years.
Much remains to be done, but PAISD is to be commended for taking these initial steps to ensure that students, teachers, and taxpayers receive the maximum possible benefit from every dollar spent in Port Arthur public schools.
Detailed information can be obtained from TSPR by visiting the Comptroller's Web site www.window.state.tx.us. Sincerely,
Carole Keeton Rylander Comptroller of Public Accounts
