COUNTY LIFE
First accountability ‘letter grades’ arrive
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The Texas Education Agency Wednesday released the controversial new A-F state accountability ratings for more than 8,700 campuses statewide, with the new letter grades going to the multi-campus districts.
Those districts not labeled with a letter receive one of three ratings under the new system: Met Standard, Met Alternative Standard, or Improvement Required.
Within Montague County the school districts of Bowie, Nocona, Saint Jo and Prairie Valley all received an overall letter rating, plus letter ratings in the categories of student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps.
All the other districts in the county that did not receive a letter rating Met Standard. Campuses will receive ratings beginning in August 2019.
The state academic accountability system underwent an overhaul under House Bill 22 which established the three domains of indicators. This new system has been controversial and undergone many changes before its first reporting. Many educators across the state remain unhappy with the system because they feel it does not provide a true overall picture of the schools.
The Texas Association of School Administrators is calling for a repeal of the law behind the system. In a statement the association said: “To think one letter grade somehow accurately reflects the complex work of hundreds of teachers and thousands of students on one campus, let alone an entire district is really an insult to their hard work.”
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath disagrees stating the A-F grade accounts for more than just standardized tests spanning student achievement, school progress and closing educational gaps.
Bowie Independent School District received an overall rating of C with 78 of 100 points.
Read the full story on all the county school ratings and comments from the superintendents in your weekend News.
The Nocona City Council gave its budget proposal a final once-over before setting a public hearing for it and the proposed tax rate for Sept. 9 at 8 a.m.
Council members also heard from Blake McNew who is against the recently approved fee and registration process for golf carts and related vehicles.
Last month the council approved an ordinance that set forth registration requirements for these vehicles with a $50 registration fee. After several close calls and complaints from downtown business people and citizens on near misses with ATVs and golf carts driving unsafely downtown the council took the step to add the ordinance.
City Secretary Revell Hardison said after some discussion the council asked for it to be back on next month’s agenda with possible consideration for repealing the fee. After some research she added a person can go through the state to obtain a license plate for these vehicles and the local sticker would not be needed.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
The staff of Texas Education Agency on Aug. 14 announced the release of 2026 A-F Accountability Ratings for public school systems and campuses across the state.
Almost all of the school districts in the county saw their district ratings increase or remain consistent, along with some of their campuses.
There were 1,202 districts and 9,105 campuses rated in 2026. Some 24% of both districts and campuses increased in rating compared to 2025.
Read the full story and see all the county ratings in your Thursday Bowie News.
2026 state accountability ratings
Bowie Independent School District – B, 80 of 100 points
Elementary/intermediate – C, 74
Junior high – B, 84
High school – B, 86
Bellevue ISD – A, 92
Forestburg ISD – B, 82
Gold-Burg ISD – C, 76
Montague ISD – A, 93
Nocona ISD – B, 86
Elementary – B, 80
Middle school – C, 79
High school – A, 94
Prairie Valley ISD – B, 88
Saint Jo ISD – B, 82
Elementary – D, 66
High school – A, 92
Friends of the Bowie Animal Shelter will host the annual Clear the Shelter event from 8 a.m. to noon on Aug. 22.
The shelter is located at 1508 E. Wise. While this is a nationwide effort to recognize the work of animal shelters, their staff and volunteers, this also is a chance to support their efforts by attending the bake sale, silent auction and food vendors.
Adoptable dogs from the Bowie shelter as well as Easy Street Shelter of Saint Jo, Lucky Paws in Nocona and McCares of Montague will be present.
If your family is considering adopting a pet this would be a great time to visit with the animals and meet the volunteers who can tell you a bit about the animals. Prospective volunteers also are welcome, so ask your questions.
Staff from Cross Timbers Vet will be giving reduced price vaccinations.
There will be a prize drawing at noon for a bounce house and a Turtle Box speaker. Tickets are $5 each for a chance to win either prize. Drawing at noon.
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