San Jacinto Junior High implements strategies to improve academic performance and student engagement

The Medina Valley Independent School District (MISD) Board Meeting held on August 26, 2025, focused on various initiatives aimed at improving academic performance and student engagement across the district. The meeting featured presentations from several school principals who outlined their strategies for the upcoming school year.

The meeting commenced with updates from Laura Miller, principal of San Jacinto Junior High, who reported a significant increase in enrollment from 757 to 911 students. She emphasized the implementation of a new STEM curriculum and the introduction of "Win Wednesdays," a dedicated time for students needing additional support. Miller highlighted the school's goal to elevate its rating from a D to a B, supported by a campus scorecard to track progress.

Next, C. Ring, principal of Legacy Freshman High School, discussed the school's commitment to improving its culture and academic performance after receiving a D rating last year. She noted the importance of clear expectations and the implementation of systems to monitor student behavior and engagement.

Chris Bryant, principal of Lake City High School, reported on the school's strategic scheduling and intervention programs aimed at supporting emergent bilingual students. He reiterated the school's zero-tolerance policy for low-level work and emphasized the importance of personalized professional development for teachers.

Lolly Hall, principal of Nursing Freshman High School, shared her plans for the 2025-2026 campus improvement plan, focusing on rigorous curriculum implementation and real-time monitoring of student progress. She expressed confidence in the school's ability to build on last year's successes.

Michelle Klein, principal of Midland High School, announced that the school had improved its rating from a D to a C. She outlined initiatives to enhance teacher clarity and student engagement, aiming for a B rating in the upcoming year. Klein also discussed the importance of discipline and the implementation of a visible discipline matrix to support a positive school environment.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the MAP program, addressing the needs of students with behavioral challenges. Board members expressed their commitment to supporting these students and emphasized the importance of collaboration with the judicial system to ensure accountability.

Overall, the MISD Board Meeting highlighted a collective effort among school leaders to enhance educational outcomes, foster a positive school culture, and address the diverse needs of students across the district. The focus on data-driven instruction and professional development was a recurring theme, underscoring the district's commitment to continuous improvement.