In her State of the District address, Rockport-Fulton Independent School District (RFISD) Superintendent Dr. Lesley Austin emphasized public education’s role as a driver of opportunity and community growth. Speaking to over 300 attendees at the event hosted by the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Education Foundation, Austin thanked trustees, principals, and staff for their dedication.
Austin, in her second year as superintendent, shared her journey from a military upbringing in San Diego to a Texas A&M graduate, teacher, principal, and now leader of RFISD. She described Rockport-Fulton as the “jackpot” for her and her son, highlighting the district’s 2,850 students, 63% of whom are economically disadvantaged, and its 97% graduation rate, surpassing the state’s 92%.
The superintendent addressed RFISD’s “C” rating in Texas’s A-F accountability system, expressing dissatisfaction with only 40% of students at grade level, down 1% from last year. She stressed that success extends beyond test scores, citing career programs like phlebotomy and welding certifications, partnerships with Del Mar College, and a Navy Junior ROTC program with 4,000 community service hours…