Published: May 20, 2008 10:16 am      

‘Model district’ sought

SMCISD trustees urged to heed group’s ‘Call to Excellence’

A group of 35 parents, teachers and residents on Monday took the first step toward what they hope will make the San Marcos CISD a “model district.”

Cecil Pounds, one of the group’s organizers, presented “A Call to Excellence” to trustees during the school board meeting.

He and Brad Davis offered the results of a survey of 149 members of the district.

The group highlighted three areas of concern – retention of teachers and students, employee salary and student behavior.

“We think the bottom line is to focus on behavior,” said Davis. “Positive behavior really drives retention and safety.”

The group plans to collaborate with trustees on more than 60 brainstorming ideas generated during previous meetings.

None of the specific ideas were outlined in the Monday’s presentation.

“There’s a perception out there of San Marcos schools that we all know about,” Pounds said. “What we want is for San Marcos to be the model district for people to come to be attracted to the town and to the district.”