Abilene ISD recently applied for a state grant through the Texas Education Agency’s System of Great Schools program that might allow select campuses to plan and possibly implement new learning approaches in the future, including STEM school models. Read below for more information about this ongoing innovative process in AISD!

What is the System of Great Schools and the School Action Fund?

Abilene ISD recently joined the System of Great Schools (SGS), which is a school innovation initiative sponsored by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that helps districts understand school performance and use community feedback to select improvement strategies. One of the pathways for school improvement available via the SGS program is the School Action Fund (SAF). The SAF is a grant opportunity for districts designed to provide more world-class learning environments for students by making funds available to districts for planning and implementing transformational opportunities in schools.

Has any decision been made to change the model of an AISD school using a SAF grant?

No. At this time, AISD has only applied with the TEA for a SAF grant for the purpose of considering innovative efforts such as school model changes. Our participation in the TEA’s System of Great Schools program supports AISD as we apply for these grant opportunities. No grant awards have been given and no concrete decisions have been made about school model changes on any campus. Reports that AISD will be enforcing new school models on our campuses in the immediate future are not accurate.

What will happen if AISD receives a SAF grant from the TEA?

The district expects to learn whether or not a SAF grant has been awarded to AISD in the spring of 2024. Should grant funds be awarded to AISD by the TEA, district and campus leadership and staff will spend the entire 2024-25 school year investigating what a STEM school model could look like were it to eventually be implemented at select campuses, including Ortiz Elementary and Mann Middle School. Additional feedback will be central to this process should the district receive SAF grant funds. 

We will continue to share information with you about this exciting process as we consider options for ensuring every AISD student has access to excellent educational opportunities and brighter futures!