The Socorro Independent School District is dedicated to providing a high-quality, well-rounded education for all students. The district embraces the following core values to inspire a meaningful and enriching experience for Team SISD. Commitment Accountability High Expectations Trust Respect Teamwork Integrity Introduction Superintendent’s Message 1 Board President’s Message 3 Commitment District Profile 5 Student Attributes/Outcomes 7 Accountability Student Performance 9 Make it Count High Expectations Class of 2012 11 Athletic, Academic and Co-curricular Accolades Trust Student and Staff Safety 15 Bond 2011 Region 19 Board of the Year Respect Community Education 19 Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Teamwork Military Familes 21 Volunteer Program Partners in Education Integrity Financial Accountability 23 Transparency Directory SISD Departments 26 SISD Campuses Contents Page 1 2011-12 Socorro ISD Annual Report Superintendent’s Message The Socorro Independent School District has been proudly serving this community for 50 years. It has grown into an innovative and successful urban school district that has been widely recognized for its academic excellence, high quality instruction, and steadfast commitment to students. I am humbled and honored to be the superintendent of this district, which has a rich tradition of excellence and is designed for a future of even greater achievement. SISD continues to be one of the fastest growing school districts in the state of Texas educating 44,000 students in 43 schools with the support of nearly 7,000 full-time and part-time employees. It has established itself as the district of choice in El Paso County as thousands of residents have been rapidly moving into the district contributing to unprecedented levels of growth. The district has planned effectively and proactively to prepare for the rapid growth in student enrollment. With voter support, Bond 2011 continues to be successful in constructing new schools, expanding campuses, and improving existing facilities to meet the needs of our growing community. In 2011-2012, the district broke ground on a new elementary and middle combination school, six elementary schools received HVAC upgrades and complete interior renovations, and the Eastlake High School expansion has progressed efficiently. Bond 2011 projects continue on schedule and under budget, and the district remains committed to our pledge of “Promises Made, Promises Kept.” The SISD Board of Trustees has been an integral part of the success of Bond 2011 and has shown overall excellence in governance with sound fiscal planning and consistent support for educational improvements. It is no surprise the SISD Board was named the 2012 Region 19 Board of the Year. They have made outstanding strides in overseeing the district while maintaining strong ethical practices and effective leadership. I am proud to work with such a distinguished and dedicated group of individuals as we move our district forward and ensure it becomes the best in the nation. Striving to be the best will take an immense amount of work and dedication. However, I am confident we will meet this goal based on the current success of our district and the commitment of all our stakeholders. SISD is a three-time Texas Education Agency (TEA) Recognized school district and a two-time Broad Prize Finalist. Despite increasing accountability standards at the state and federal levels, SISD students continue to perform well academically. Additionally, our students have demonstrated increasing excellence in athletics, fine arts, and co-curricular events as a result of a well-rounded educational experience in SISD. While we also continue to face state-funding challenges, SISD has maintained a balanced budget managed with efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The district’s smart financial planning has allowed for maximized funding for instruction, classroom resources, and the recruitment and retention of highly qualified personnel. Team SISD consists of dedicated faculty, staff, parents, families, and community and business partners whom are all instrumental in the success of our students. For 50 years, this community has bonded to ensure all of our students succeed. For many more years to come, SISD will undoubtedly offer world-class learning environments, innovative programs, high-tech facilities, and an unwavering commitment to students. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this district, and I know that working together we can continue “Achieving Success as a Team.” José Espinoza, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Page 2 2011-12 Socorro ISD Annual Report Board President’s Message On behalf of the Board of Trustees and myself, I congratulate our students and staff for their numerous achievements and continuous hard work. I also extend thanks to the community for their invaluable support and collaboration to help us maintain the success we have been accustomed to in the Socorro Independent School District. We are “Building on Excellence” to ensure all our students receive the best education and staff members work in a rewarding environment. One of the most important jobs for the Board of Trustees is to make certain we have an effective leader managing our school district. In March 2012, the SISD Board began the challenging process of selecting a new superintendent. As we worked together to pick the best candidate, we narrowed the field down to three semi-finalists from a pool of almost 100 applicants. We enlisted the help of the community, inviting students, parents, employees and community partners to participate in public forums with the semi-finalist candidates. After thorough reviews of resumes, input from the community, one-on-one interviews and site visits to the candidates’ school districts, we selected Dr. José Espinoza to be our superintendent. Dr. Espinoza has proven to be an excellent leader with a commitment to student success and a strong belief in team collaboration. Teamwork among our stakeholders continues to be an instrumental part of our success. I am grateful for the support we have from parents and the community and I value the hard work from district administration and educators. The SISD facilities and finance teams have done an outstanding job in carrying out Bond 2011 projects. We are 100 percent dedicated to “Promises Made, Promises Kept” and I am proud of the great progress that has been made on our bond projects. Our community collaboration also has allowed SISD to succeed with innovative programs such as the Make it Count Attendance Campaign, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and Partners in Education. Most importantly, our dedicated SISD educators have empowered our students to earn numerous awards and recognitions: Gates Millennium Scholarship winners, international science fair competitors, a nationally recognized NJROTC unit, a Texas Environmental Excellence Award winner, an all-state bass clarinetist and six Area and four Regional Quarterfinal championship sports teams. Another achievement our united SISD community helped us win was the designation as the Region 19 School Board of the Year. I am proud and deeply touched that this Board of Trustees has earned this honor. We truly are committed to the academic achievement of all SISD students and the success of this incredible school district. Last year, we celebrated more than 2,600 graduates and I look forward to seeing thousands more as we strive to offer the best education possible to all of the children in our community. Again, on behalf of the Board, thank you for your support and trust as we work to keep the community informed and involved in the continued success of SISD. Michael A. Najera Board President Page 3 2011-12 Socorro ISD Annual Report 2012 Region 19 Board of the Year Michael A. Najera Cynthia Ann Najera Paul Guerra Board President Board Vice President Board Secretary Craig A. Patton Gary Gandara Antonio 'Tony' Ayub Angelica Rodriguez Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Board of Trustees The Socorro ISD Board of Trustees consists of seven elected citizens who work with community leaders, families, and educators to develop sound educational policies that support student achievement and ensure the solvency of the District. Together, they are a strong and cohesive team that helps the District continuously set and achieve new levels of excellence. Five of the trustees represent single-member districts and two are elected at-large. Page 4 2011-12 Socorro ISD Annual Report Page 5 2011-12 Socorro ISD Annual Report Commitment We believe in committing ourselves to our mission and goals. SISD continues to be one of the fastest-growing school districts Our Schools in Texas. The district ended the 2011-12 school year with 43,577 43 Campuses students, right behind the Ysleta ISD and positioned to become 5 Comprehensive High Schools the second-largest school district in Region 19. In 2012, El Dorado 1 Ninth Grade Academy High School had the largest senior class in El Paso County. As the 8 Middle Schools district’s student population soars, SISD is committed to ensuring 6 PreK-8 Schools each and every student receives a high-quality education and 19 Elementary Schools graduates college and career ready. 4 Specialty Campuses Our Staff District Profile Total Full Time Employees 4,688 Our Students Teachers 2,414 Professional Support 483 • Students 43,398 Hispanic 90.9% Campus Administration 144 Asian .6% Central Administration 44 White 5.6% Educational Aides 306 American Indian .4% Auxiliary Staff 1,297 African American 2.1% Multiethnic