Education Law

What can Brownsville do for You?

On Saturday night, the CUBE Annual Award for School Board Excellence was awarded to the Brownsville Independent School District in Brownsville, Texas.

At the CUBE Annual Conference, attendees gathered over the weekend to learn about 21st century skills and how urban districts need to react to the changing educational environment. Every fall, CUBE also gathers to learn the best practices among urban school districts and how the board provides leadership and guidance to their community.

Three finalists were announced in August?Omaha, Nebraska, Chula Vista, California, and Brownsville, Texas. All three demonstrated how the leaders of a district work together as a team, strive for excellence for their community, and focus on student achievement. While it may not get the coverage that the Emmys or the Oscars get, the CUBE Annual Award is a prestigious honor for urban school districts. Other winners from prior years include Boston, Norfolk, Hillsborough County (Tampa), Florida, Miami-Dade, and Houston. That?s pretty good company, especially as time goes on and we can examine the long term successes in these districts as they evolve. The competition was stiff for 2008. All three districts have overcome challenges while keeping their eyes on the student?s needs, first and foremost.

Every district faces challenges, regardless of size, location, and who?s in charge. Brownsville sits on the border of Texas and Mexico and their population is 98% Hispanic and 95% economically disadvantaged. With more than 48,000 students, they still make academic gains and find ways to educate ALL students using innovative strategies. The school board and superintendent work in concert to provide leadership for a community that wants the best for their families.

One of CUBE?s missions is to share information and celebrate the successes of urban boards and governance teams. Brownsville, Chula Vista, and Omaha will all be spotlighted in CUBE?s conferences, webinars, and publications in the coming year. All three were genuine and graceful in demonstrating how they?ve made big improvements in their districts. Take our word for it?the challenges of today are tomorrow?s success story. Just ask Brownsville.

Full post as published by BoardBuzz: NSBA's Daily Weblog on September 29, 2008 (boomark / email).