In an editorial on the impending implementation of HB 2804, which requires A-F ratings for Texas public school districts, Bobby J. Rigues, Aledo ISD trustee, Leadership TASB 09 Master Trustee, and creator of the Make Education a Priority Initiative, wrote in a June 12, 2016, editorial that “labeling a campus with a letter grade creates a false impression about an entire neighborhood of children.”

He pointed to community-based accountability as a more positive and productive solution:

“School districts are taking a proactive approach to learn what parents and community leaders find important in their local schools. Districts like Denton ISD, Alief ISD and San Antonio’s Northside ISD are aggressively pursuing these partnerships for student success. Campus goals become more realistic and high stakes testing less emphasized. Parents become better partners in the education of their children. Local school performance is better understood and valued.”

Read the full editorial.