Alvarado isd

school community

• Location
• Alvarado is located at 32°24′23″N 97°12′46″W (32.406342, -97.212792)
• Located at the intersection of US Hwy 67 and I-35W
• The city is 10 miles (16 km) south of Fort Worth
• And 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Dallas

History
Alvarado was originally planned by two settlers, William Balch and G. H. Sigler. The town's first sheriff, A.H. Onstoott, named Alvarado after Alvarado, Vera Cruz, Mexico, where he had fought in a battle in the Mexican War. The town had 350 residents by the summer of 1854, and included 4 churches, a school, a post office, and more than a dozen businesses.

The city really began to grow in 1881 when the railroad came through. Two important rail lines, the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe, and the Missouri, Kansas and Texas brought in new settlers and new business so that the population ballooned to over 1000 by 1885. They decided to incorporate in June of that year. Alvarado had a bank, a newspaper (the Alvarado Bulletin), an opera house, and a hotel by then. The second bank opened up in 1890.

History Cont.
Alvarado is a rural community with an economy that has been primarily agricultural with only a modest retail and industrial base. In recent years the trend has been away from agriculture and towards more urban development. In 2007 Sabre Tubular Structures built a new 200,000-square-foot (19,000 m2) facility located on 147 acres (0.59 km2) on the eastern side of town. Sabre has over 200 employees at this facility.[5] The city also received a 2008 grant of $750,000 from the Texas Department of Agriculture for infrastructure improvements related to Sabre.

History Cont.
In 2008 and 2009 there was an upturn in retail development with the opening of three national chain hotels and two fast food dining establishments. A movie theater/tavern was opened for a short time before closing its door due to poor sales and a general lack of interest. In the latter part of the 2000s, development of natural gas wells in the Barnett Shale has been a source of prosperity for the city and many property owners have benefited from drilling activity, pipeline construction and royalty payments. As natural gas prices fell in 2009, drilling activity and royalty payments declined rapidly.

Total Population

Population by Race 2000

Population by Race 2010

As of 2010, the total population of Alvarado is 3,785, which is 15.12% more than it was in 2000. The population growth rate is much lower than the state average rate of 20.59% and is much higher than the national average rate of 9.71%.

Alvarado's Household Income by dollar range Median: $43,406 Texas' Median is: $50,740

A Glimpse at some of the Household incomes in Alvarado, TX

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.9 square miles (10 km2), of which, 3.9 square miles (10 km2) of it is land and 0.26% is water.

Housing Trends

• Estimated median house or condo value in 2012: $79,087 
• It was $45,900 in 2000
• Mean prices in 2011: All housing units: $85,095 
• Median gross rent in 2012: $711.

For population 25 years and over in Alvarado:
•High school or higher: 70.6%
•Bachelor's degree or higher: 6.4%
•Graduate or professional degree: 0.0%
•Unemployed: 15.3%
•Mean travel time to work (commute): 31.9 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Alvarado city:
•Never married: 21.4%
•Now married: 58.4%
•Separated: 2.5%
•Widowed: 4.3%
•Divorced: 13.3%

Single-family new house construction building permits:
•1997: 17 buildings, average cost: $68,100
•1998: 21 buildings, average cost: $67,600
•1999: 21 buildings, average cost: $73,400
•2000: 42 buildings, average cost: $71,100
•2001: 42 buildings, average cost: $77,400
•2002: 30 buildings, average cost: $89,500
•2003: 32 buildings, average cost: $87,800
•2004: 28 buildings, average cost: $100,400
•2005: 34 buildings, average cost: $102,100
•2007: 23 buildings, average cost: $107,000
•2008: 24 buildings, average cost: $114,800
•2009: 16 buildings, average cost: $96,900
•2010: 6 buildings, average cost: $106,600
•2011: 2 buildings, average cost: $97,500
•2012: 11 buildings, average cost: $144,100

According to our research of Texas and other state lists there were 104 registered sex offenders living in Alvarado, Texas as of July 31, 2014.

The ratio of number of residents in Alvarado to the number of sex offenders is 37 to 1.

Violent Crime Rate

Full-time law enforcement employees in 2012, including police officers: 18 (16 officers).
Full-time law enforcement employees in 2011, including police officers: 23 (16 officers).
Full-time law enforcement employees in 2010, including police officers: 22 (16 officers).
Full-time law enforcement employees in 2009, including police officers: 24 (17 officers).

Attendance rates

• 2008-2009: 95.1%
• 2009-2010: 95.3%
• 2010-2011: 95.4%

Transient/Mobility Rates

• 0% for the past several years

Graduation Rates

• 2008-2009: 78.3%
• 2009--2010- 88.7%
• 2010-2011- 96%

Drop-out rate

• 2008-2009: 0%
• 2009-2010: 0%
• 2010-2011: 2.8%

Free/reduced lunch

• 2005-Zip Skinny-53.2%

SES Student Teacher Ratio

Retention Rate

Home Language Survey
LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME
Population 5 years and over 16,031 100.0% English only 14,321 89.3%
Language other than English 1,710 10.7% Speak English less than "very well" 473 3.0% Spanish 1,583 9.9%
Speak English less than "very well" 415 2.6% Other Indo-European languages 33 0.2% Speak English less than "very well" 0 0.0%
Asian and Pacific Islander languages 94 0.6% Speak English less than "very well" 58 0.4% Other languages 0 0.0%

Alvarado ISD
Mission Statement
The mission of Alvarado ISD is to empower students academically, socially and physically so that they become participants in learning communities

Vision Statement
Alvarado Independent School District will provide an environment where leadership, instruction and supports are learner-centered.

Statement of Commitment
In order to achieve our vision, we are committed:

• To share and work as a team
• To communicate with each other in direct and honest ways
• To accept constructive feedback
• To support, empower and provide time and resources to each other, students, teachers, parents and community
• To facilitate successful learning through positive attitudes, motivation, evaluation and research-based instruction
• To accept the role of advocate for all students

To prepare students to be healthy, proud, responsible citizens who are able to collaborate within a changing technological society with the intrinsic motivation for continuous learning as critical thinkers and problem solvers.

3,500 Students in AISD, 960-980 at Alvarado High School;
Superintendent was one of five finalists for the Region 11 Superintendnet of the Year in 2009;
21 Alvarado High School students qualified and participated in the UIL regional academic meet and five moved on to the UIL state academic meet;

Technology

Alvarado High School had a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment that offers connectivity to students’ personal devices, such as laptops, smartphones and tablets;
Alvarado Junior High, Alvarado Elementary North, Alvarado Elementary South and Lillian Elementary are all outfitted with SmartBoard technology;
School districts come in from across the state to see the technology that Alvarado ISD is using at Alvarado Intermediate School - Interwrite tablets, laptops, projectors, document cameras, etc.;
First public school district in the state to provide laptops for every 4-6 grade student. In August 2010, the program was extended students in grades 7 and 8;
Won an InfoWorld 100 Award in 2010 for having one of the top 100 technology initiatives in the world, Alvarado ISD was one of only two school districts in the country to receive this award;

Fine Arts

Alvarado Junior High Spirit squad consistently ranks among the top cadet teams in the North Texas Colorguard Association and placed fourth at the NTCA Championships in March, 2014
Alvarado High School choir has had at least one student earn All-State honors the last seven years and 13 of the last 14 years;
Alvarado High School band has had an all-state member for four straight years, including three in each of the last two years;
Alvarado High School ag department is one of the best in the state. Ag students are consistently some of the top winners at events like the Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio stock shows;
Alvarado High School has multiple agriculture students who compete and place at the state level in Leadership Development Contest each year;

Alvarado High School art students have qualified to participate in the Texas State Visual Arts Scholastic Event in two of the last three years;
Alvarado High School had 42 students qualify and participate at the Texas State Technology Student Association contest;
Alvarado High School had eight students qualify and participate in the National Technology Student Association contest in 2014 and each of the last seven years has sent at least one student;
Alvarado High School One Act Play has advanced to Area for seven of the last nine years;
Alvarado High School JROTC has repeatedly been recognized as an Honor Program with Distinction;
Alvarado High School FCCLA consistently sends students to state and national conferences and competitions;

Athletics

Alvarado High School volleyball team made the playoffs for the second straight year in 2013 after making it for first time in over 10 years in 2012;
Alvarado High School cross country team placed second at state in 2013 after tieing for first and two individuals placed in the top 10;
Alvarado High School football team has advanced to the playoffs for six straight years, including a state championship game appearance in 2011;
Alvarado High School girls basketball team has made the playoffs two years in a row after earning their first playoff berth in 10 years in 2013;
Alvarado High School boys basketball team has made the playoffs four straight years, including a regional tournament appearance in 2011;
Alvarado High School baseball team earned the teams first district championship in 30 years in 2013 and advanced to the regional quarterfinals in 2013 and 2014;
Alvarado High School tennis team earned 15 of District 7-3As 16 regional berths, including all five district champions in 2013

Alvarado High School softball team made the playoffs in 2014, just the second time its happened in the school's history;
Alvarado Junior High boys track team set several records in 2014
Alvarado High School track team had a state champion pole vaulter in 2012;
Alvarado High School powerlifting boys team had an individual state and national champion in 2014;
Alvarado High School powerlifting girls team had a state qualifier in 2013;
Alvarado High School boys and girls golf team qualified for the regional tournament for the third year in a row in 2014;

Teachers

For the last four years AISDs Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year have been finalists for Region 11 Teacher of the Year;
Despite cuts in state funding in 2011, AISD only cut staff through attrition;
In 2013, AISD gave across the board raises of 3%;
The average experience of Alvarado ISD teachers is 10 years;
Every teacher in the district meets the state’s highly-qualified standards;

Superior FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) rating;
Saved district taxpayers $7 million over the last 10 years in buying back and refinancing bonds;
Despite cuts in state funding, AISDs fund balance (savings account) is in excess of $11 million due to conservative budgeting;
Before passing a bond in May 2013, the district only increased taxes once in the last eight years. Before 2013, taxes had dropped 41.4 cents since 2005-2006;

Bond

In May, voters passed a $38.2 million bond to build a new junior high and for improvements to academic areas to Alvarado High School;
Any money not used for those two projects will be used to pay down the districts indebtedness in order to keep taxes as low as possible;

Stats

• Total students- '09-'10: 3400, '10-'11:3511, '11-'12:3,336
• Total Staff- '09-'10: 409, '10-'11:408, '11-'12: 393
• Number of Campuses- 6

2009-2010 staff

2010-2011 Staff

2011-2012 Staff

School
Alvarado Elementary North was built in 1985. A.E.N. serves over 400 students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Third grade. The facility houses the district's Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) and two classrooms of Head Start program. A.E.N. strives for excellence by providing all students with highly qualified teachers according to the No Child Left Behind Act.

Alvarado Elementary North is an inclusionary campus. Students' needs are considered first and then programs are utilized, in some cases created, to meet the needs of each individual student. Our Inclusion team provides special help for homeroom teacher's enabling the teachers to facilitate the inclusion of special students in the homeroom setting.

Projections for Change
*Alvarado Junior High for a groundbreaking ceremony to kickoff construction of the new facility that is scheduled to open in August 2015.

*By the time a new school year begins next August a new, modern television studio will be among several Career/Technology additions to the second floor of the high school.

Support Services
Instructional Services
Mrs. Maribel Diaz
Executive Director of Instructional Services
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Instructional Services Department to provide relevant, aligned curricula, academic and instructional leadership, and professional development opportunities that support teachers, administrators, and parents in the delivery of effective instruction which enhances learning and improves achievement for all students.

Organizational Structure
2013-2014 AISD School Board
Pictured (back, from left) Cris Ratliff, member; Tom Durington, member; Linda Neeley, member; and William Kaschub, member; (front) Michael J. Percifield, secretary; Tom Head, president; Dr. Chester R. Juroska, superintendent; and Kelly Price, vice president.

Dr. Chester Juroska
Superintedent

Dr. Kenneth Estes
Assistant Superintendent of Administration

Alvarado Elementary North uses C-Scope curriculum in all core subjects to ensure that the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are taught, to the depth and rigor, to ensure success for all students.

Alvarado Elementary North has two 24-station networked computer labs that are used by teachers for a variety of activities; including basic skill development, writing, keyboarding, research, and Internet programs. These labs are also used as part of AEN's Tier II Intervention programs in the areas of math and reading according to the RtI model.

Alvarado Elementary North has an active parent support group. The Partners in Education (PIE) is based on volunteers that assist with the organization and preparation of special events. The PIE volunteers meet four times per year to plan the upcoming events to ensure involvement and success.

Enrollment
2009-20010-382
2010-2011- 439
2011-2012- 391

school Saftey

• High Priority
• Student Expectations
• Accident Insurance Available
• Preparedness Drills
• Emergency Medical Treatment

Community

Administrator- White
Administrator 1- Lou Anne Stevens is beginning her third year as Principal at Alvarado Elementary North, her thirteenth year serving in the Alvarado school district, and her twenty third year in the field of education.

Staff

• 2009-2010: Teachers- 21, 1 support staff
• 2010-2011: Teachers- 23.9, 0 support staff
• 2011-2012: Teachers- 22, 0 support staff

Average Teacher Experience

Teacher Student Ratio
2009-2010:18.2
2010-2011: 18.4
2011-2012: 17.8

Teacher Ethnicity
2009-2010: 95.2% white, 4.8% Hispanic
2010-2011: 95.8% white, 4.2% Hispanic
2011-2012: 95.5% white, 4.5% Hispanic

Retirement Projections
2009-2010: possible 1

2010-2011:possible 1
2011-2012: possible 2

Average Salary Schedule
Teachers-
2009-2010: $42,425
2010-2011: $43,637
2011-2012: $43,739
Administrators-
2009-2010: $65,082
2010-2011: $56,984
2011-2012: $65,791

Certificate
Specialization in Reading-1

ESL-12
Special Education Certificate-1
Masters in Educational Leadership-2
Exercise Health Studies and Elementary Education (EC-8)-1

Surveys
I was able to locate a new facilities survey online
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8G2DC5P

Perceptions of Learning Environment
My son attends this school. I volunteer on a regular basis and love being able to be a part of his activities and know what is going on with his education. If there are ever any questions or problems not only is his teacher available but others as well. The office and support staff are also there for any help needed. I am so glad that he attends this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Perceptions of Learning Environment
This school does not have an open door policy to parents. In my opinon the school is too strict and needs to learn to trust parents. I am highly disapointed with how the school conducts itself by keeping parents arms length. Noticed teachers and principal changes in a short span of time. My son will be attending another school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

School Processes
Alvarado ISD is an advocate and implementer of PLC's

Summary
Based on the information that I have I can conclude that for school improvement AEN is to increase the number of administrators and put in place a plan to sustain teachers.