Emails, Lauren Callahan, information specialist, Texas Education Agency, Feb. 10-11, 2016

From: Selby, Gardner (CMG-Austin)

Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2016 10:16 AM

To: Callahan, Lauren

Subject: Inquiry for a fact check

Here is the achievement district promise we are trying to check: http://www.politifact.com/texas/promises/abbott-o-meter/promise/1260/create-texas-achievement-school-district-take-over/

From: Callahan, Lauren

Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 4:56 PM

To: Selby, Gardner (CMG-Austin)

Subject: RE: Inquiry for a fact check

Several bills that would have created an “achievement school district” (or some equivalent) were filed during the last two legislative sessions, but did not pass. However, the Commissioner of Education now has the authority to close campuses – within a shorter period of time – that are low-performing for multiple years. This authority was strengthened when Governor Abbott signed HB 1842 into law last spring, allowing the Commissioner to close an Improvement Required campus after five years of consecutive IR ratings or install a Board of Managers to oversee the entire district.

From: Selby, Gardner (CMG-Austin)

Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 5:42 PM

To: Callahan, Lauren

Subject: RE: Inquiry for a fact check

Thanks. Was any legislation filed along the lines of that promise per singling out lowest-performing elementary schools every year? If so, what?

8:53 a.m.

Feb. 11, 2016

I’ve asked around this morning. There was not a bill that we are aware of that singled out the lowest performing elementary schools.

Lauren

Lauren Callahan

Information Specialist

Texas Education Agency