September 2023

Superintendents,


On behalf of the Region 4 Board of Directors, I congratulate you on starting another successful year. In addition, I would like to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Dr. Matthew Neighbors, Galveston ISD, Mike Miles, Houston ISD, and Dr. Demetrius McCall, Sheldon ISD, the newest superintendents in our distinguished community of Region 4 school superintendents. Your appointments across our region reflect your dedication to public education and demonstrate your board and community's confidence in your steadfast leadership. 

 

We recognize that the role of the superintendent of schools comes with many political challenges—but it also comes with many rewards, especially when you can spot evidence of your leadership in the voices of your staff, on the faces of your scholars, and in other small, but significant moments each day. Your experience, expertise, and passion for education will undoubtedly continue to contribute to your respective districts' overall success and growth. 

 

At Region 4, we are committed to being your district advancement champion. We have your back, ensuring timely, reliable, and responsive services to you and your districts. Our Region 4 community is known for its collaborative spirit and dedication to continuous improvement. Your insights and perspectives will be invaluable as we collaborate to enhance the education experience for all students across our region. 

 

In the coming weeks and months, we look forward to meeting with you to discuss your specific aspirations for your district and to collaborate on initiatives that will benefit your community and schools. We aim to develop new relationships and advance already-established relationships that assist you to provide excellent, equitable outcomes for all students. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, need assistance, or wish to discuss specific initiatives or ideas. We are here to support you in your role as superintendent and are excited about the positive impact you will undoubtedly have on your education community. 

 

Once again, congratulations on the start of a great year, and we wish you many blessings and continued success. 


Sincerely,


Rodney Watson, PhD

Executive Director, Region 4 ESC

Access the Region 4 Superintendent's Portal

TEA To the Administrator Addressed (TAA) Correspondence

Click the links below to view TEA's May TAAs. Click here for a complete list of To the Administrator Addressed correspondence.


August 31, 2023

Letter of Interest Grant Opportunity for Recruiting and Preparing Principals

Educator Support


August 31, 2023

Final Maximum Compressed Tax Rates (MCR) and Adoption of Tax Rate for Tax Year 2023

Finance


August 31, 2023

Purple Star Campus Designation Awardees SY 2023–2024

Special Populations


August 24, 2023

Safety and Facilities Enhancement (SAFE) Grant

School Safety


August 24, 2023

2023 Hurricane Season Preparations

Commissioner


August 17, 2023

Texas Assessment Program Updates for the 2023–2024 School Year

Student Assessment


August 17, 2023

Implementation of Early Childhood Instruments in the 2023–2024 School Year

School Programs


August 17, 2023

United States Presidential Scholars Program and United States Senate Youth Program

School Programs


August 17, 2023

Annual Physical Fitness Assessment Reporting

School Programs


August 17, 2023

Safe Schools—Federal Designation Update

School Safety


August 7, 2023

Preliminary 2022–2022 FIRST Ratings

School Finance


August 3, 2023

Additional Days School Year 2023–2024 Survey and Waiver Updates

Educator Support


August 3, 2023

Adopted Revisions to 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 89, Subchapter BB

Special Populations


August 3, 2023

Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee Requirements

Special Populations


August 3, 2023

Required Annual Notification of Nondiscrimination

Special Populations


August 3, 2023

Preliminary Maximum Compressed Tax Rates (MCR) and Adoption of Tax Rate for Tax Year 2023

State Funding


August 3, 2023

House Bill (HB) 3928

Special Populations


August 1, 2023

Spring 2023 STAAR Grades 3–8 Reporting Update

Student Assessment

TEA Superintendent Call Summaries


June 15, 2023, TEA Superintendent Call Summary


July 20, 2023, TEA Superintendent Call Summary


August 17, 2023, TEA Superintendent Call Summary

TEA to Launch New SPED Support Website


The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is launching the new Texas SPED Support website at the end of August. TEA created the following 5-minute video to share with LEA district and campus leaders: 5-minute video overview. This video outlines the special features of Texas SPED Support and shares ideas for using this new website to quickly find needed state resources and information. Campus leaders are encouraged to share the video and website with staff members. 

 

TEA has also recently launched Texas SPED Support social media sites:


Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads: @TexasSPEDSupport


Follow on X (formerly Twitter): @TXSPEDSupport

 

For additional questions or information, please contact Dr. Cynthia Barrett, Director, Region 4 ESC Special Education Solutions.

Important Reminders


  • Review student attendance figures as compared to prior year and budget projections.
  • Review pledged securities.
  • Prepare for annual financial audit.
  • Publish name, address, and phone number of Title IX coordinator and complaint procedures.
  • Publish order of trustee election and notice of elections for November.*
  • Conduct annual review of investment policies.
  • Establish Local Health Education Advisory Council (TEC §38.058).
  • Orientation to the TEC and Evaluating and Improving Student Outcomes training deadline for new trustees elected in May.
  • Notification of Application for Bilingual/ESL Waiver Request due November 1.
  • Identify date for renewal of teacher contracts.
  • ESSER/ESSA PNP Affirmation of Consultation submitted September 30 in ESSA Reports (TEAL).
  • ESSA Compliance Report due to TEA September 30.
  • ESSA grant application due September 1.
  • Conduct annual Title 1, Part A Meeting (flexible meetings, 2 different days and times).
  • Emergency Operation Plan Review. Texas State School Safety Center (TxSSC) site opens.
  • School districts 3-year security audit due September 15.
  • 2023 Accountability rating released in TEAL (confidential) on September 26.
  • 2023 Accountability ratings and 2022 What If ratings released to the public on September 28.
  • PEG List released late September.


*Requires Board Approval


Conference Dates

  • TASA/TASB Convention: September 29–October 1, Dallas
  • Announcement of Superintendent of the Year Award—September 29 during the General Session (4:00 p.m.)
  • Announcement of Outstanding School Board—September 30 during the General Session (10:30 a.m.)