From the Desk of Superintendent Dr. John Kelly
PEARLAND ISD STANDS OUT AGAIN!
Over the past month, two school district metrics were announced by external evaluators. We prize both as
progress toward our goal of becoming “world-class” for the unique student population we serve.
Over the past several years, the “Children at Risk” organization announces academic rankings of all campuses
within the greater Houston area. Their stated purpose of the ratings is to determine “which Texas Schools rise
above the rest.” They examine student achievement, poverty percentages, student growth and (in secondary
schools) college readiness factors. Once again, Pearland ISD has the highest percentage of schools rated A or
B among all mid-size and larger school districts in this Houston area. Consequently, and as an example, the
Houston Chronicle featured Lawhon Elementary, noting some of the above-and-beyond school activities
meriting acclaim.
The Texas Comptroller established ratings that combine student performance and financial efficiency. After
initial establishment of these metrics, the TexasSmartSchools organization now publishes an annual rating. Once
again, Pearland ISD excels. We are among 28 of the 1,000 school districts in Texas receiving their highest 5-Star
Rating. Even fewer districts consistently receive that rating year to year (as we have). As part of their analysis,
TexasSmartSchools illustrates the relative position of comparable districts on a scatter gram chart. In the upper
right corner of that chart, reserved for the district with the highest student performance and the lowest per
student cost sits Pearland ISD alone among its peers!
There is a drawback to such acclaim. While both illustrate high student achievement, they underline the
difficulties we must overcome, given the significantly less than average funding we receive from the
state. With greater funding we could do even more. Nevertheless, our community is justifiably proud of the
accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff. We are ready to build upon these achievements in the
coming 2018-19 school year!
Dr. John P. Kelly
Superintendent of Schools
www.pearlandisd.org | 7