STISD Campuses Recognized for High Acheivement and Student Success

2015 Texas Honor Roll issued by a national campaign of business and education leaders

MERCEDES – Five schools in South Texas Independent School District (STISD) were recently selected by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Institute for Productivity in Education (IPE) as 2015 Texas Honor Roll Star Schools.

South Texas Academy for Medical Professions (Medical Academy) in Olmito, South Texas Business, Education & Technology Academy (BETA) in Edinburg, South Texas High School for Health Professions (Med High) in Mercedes, South Texas Preparatory Academy (STPA) in Edinburg and The Science Academy of South Texas (Science Academy) in Mercedes were among the 713 public schools in Texas to receive Texas Honor Roll recognition.

The Honor Roll is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and highlight successful practices that improve outcomes for students. Schools receiving this distinction have demonstrated consistent high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement levels over time and reduction in achievement gaps among student populations. For districts with high schools, the Honor Roll recognition also includes measures of college readiness.

“We are truly honored to be recognized by leaders in education and business throughout the state in the 2015 Texas Honor Roll,” said Marla M. Guerra, Ed.D., STISD superintendent. “At South Texas ISD, we believe that every student is capable of achieving academic excellence, and the members of our district community, and our partners within the community, work in unison to provide the necessary support and resources. An education built upon high expectations and accountability changes lives, and we will always follow these principles, as that is why we are here.”

Jim Lanich, ERP president and CEO, recognizes the work going on behind the scenes at Texas schools leading to high levels of student achievement. “The American education system has a secret. Many schools are doing well … the Honor Roll proves it. Students are achieving at higher levels than anyone admits and more students than ever are succeeding when given the opportunity. All schools, no matter what zip code they are in, can achieve this kind of success, and leadership from the business community is critical to ensuring successes for all students.”

The annual Honor Roll award is made possible by support from numerous businesses and organizations including State Farm, AAA, Macy’s, Wells Fargo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and several private foundations. Chevron Corporation provided specific support in the creation of the STEM Honor Roll.

A full list of the Honor Roll schools, districts, and the STEM awardees can be found here. You can also follow Jim Lanich, president and CEO at @JLanich or email the ERP at [email protected].

For additional information about STISD and its campuses, visit www.stisd.net or call (956) 565-2454.