Shining a light on charter
school myths
With several options for education, Garland ISD wants to ensure that parents make
informed choices. Charter schools often recruit families in Garland, Rowlett and Sachse.
Their marketing even makes it seem like their campuses are part of our district. We know
that GISD offers the best education in our tri-cities, so we want to shine a light on charter
school myths.
Harmony Public Schools,
International Leadership of
Texas and Garland Classical
Academy are not GISD
campuses. They are charter
schools. See a list of our campuses
at garlandisd.net/schools. Charter school programs such as
dual language and STEM are not
unique to their campuses. GISD
offers those same opportunities
and much more.
While 86.2% of public school
districts receive an A or B rating
from the Texas Education
Agency, 41.4% of charter schools
receive a C or below. Check
out all TEA ratings at
TXschools.gov. Teachers in GISD are all
state-certified and have an
average of 11 years of experience.
Teachers in charter schools do
not have to be state-certified, and
those in our area have an average
of six or less years of experience.
GISD serves the unique needs
of all students. We do not turn
anyone away. Charter schools
require applications and recruit
targeted students. According to popular review
sites like Google, Great Schools
and Niche, GISD boasts a better
reputation than local charter
schools.
Despite serving more students,
GISD class sizes are comparable
and many times even smaller
than those in charter schools. GISD’s school board is elected
by Garland, Rowlett and Sachse
citizens, making the district
accountable and transparent to
its tri-cities. Charter boards are
appointed and not accountable to
taxpayers.
2014 Bond Program to wrap up soon
Garland ISD is pleased to announce that its taxpayer-approved 2014
Bond Program is at the finish line. Responsible for the district’s
state-of-the-art Gilbreath-Reed Career & Technical Center and
long-awaited natatorium, the $455.5 million program focused on
security, facility and technological enhancements.
“It is exciting to see all the improvements and benefits the 2014
Bond Program has provided to students, teachers, staff and the
community,” said Director of Facilities Planning & Construction
Javier Fernandez. “In 2019, we completed fine arts additions/
renovations at most middle and high schools. A majority of campus
construction projects are now complete or are scheduled to be
completed this month.”
Bond dollars also funded secure campus entrances, 1:1 devices at
secondary schools, computer replacements, security camera upgrades,
2019–20 // Issue III
and lights and restroom additions at baseball and softball fields.
Expected to open its doors in fall 2020, the highly anticipated
natatorium is entering the last phase of construction. The aquatic
center is about 70% complete, and the competition Myrtha pool is
becoming a reality with the completion of its walls.
“We thank the residents of Garland, Rowlett and Sachse for
recognizing the needs of Garland ISD. Bond programs are critical
and provide our district a means to offer innovative instruction
and options for the students of today and of the future,” Fernandez
stated. “As we look toward 2025 and 2030, we know the future is
bright and full of advancements that will impact our students.”
Keep up with natatorium construction and final bond
projects at garlandisdbond.com.
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