Georgetown ISD is working on a plan to help five elementary schools that are struggling in Texas’ school accountability system rankings.
In 2025’s school ratings issued by the Texas Education Agency this past August:
- Williams Elementary received an F
- Frost Elementary received a D
- Purl Elementary received a D
- Mitchell Elementary received a D
- Cooper Elementary received a C
District trustees got a first look at the plan at their December 1 workshop. Over the next few months, details will be finalized and possibly incorporated into the district’s 2026-27 budget, district spokesperson Melinda Brasher said Tuesday.
Plan details
As it stands, the plan would cost $1.02 million for next school year, Chief Academic Officer Heather Petruzzini told trustees. Ms. Petruzzini and campus principals for the five schools would lead the effort.
Since she joined GISD this school year, Ms. Petruzzini has a presence on these campuses, working with principals and teachers to help students who are struggling in math and reading.
Under the proposed plan, the schools would have assigned staff members whose role will be to support classroom teachers, Ms. Petruzzini explained. These proposed new campus support teams would include these positions:
• Four assistant principals.
• Two instructional coaches.
• Four interventionists
• Eight “Literacy First” staff members.
Over the next few months, Ms. Petruzzini will be presenting trustees with fleshed out iterations of the plan and seeking their input concurrently with development of next year’s district budget.
Williams Elementary a top priority
Of particular concern is Williams Elementary, which has been rated D, D and F in 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.
The Texas Education Agency has strict rules for schools with multiple low ratings and consecutive “Unacceptable” (D or F) ratings. These ratings can lead to mandatory interventions such as campus turnaround plans or even state takeover (appointing a board of managers or closing the campus) after five consecutive years of low ratings.
In October, Williams Elementary Principal Jennifer Hinson — new to the school this year — alerted parents about the school’s status.
She explained TEA requires schools with multi-year low ratings to create a Targeted Improvement Plan, “a comprehensive plan designed to strengthen instruction, leadership, and student outcomes.”
“We are entering a period of focused planning and collaboration to improve achievement,” she said.
Creating a Targeted Improvement Plan, Ms. Hinson said, is not a punishment, but an opportunity.
“A Targeted Improvement Plan gives schools additional support, clear goals and accountability to help students succeed,” she said.
She told parents they may notice more focused math and reading instruction, more help for students needing support and increased communication with parents. There may also be new programs or approaches to strengthen learning.
Ms. Hinson concluded her reassurances to Williams parents that the school will create a “detailed Targeted Improvement Plan using TEA’s Effective Schools Model Framework.”
She said the plan will be submitted to GISD’s Board of Trustees for approval prior to submission to TEA.