Hearne ISD getting second chance from TEA

The Hearne Independent School District is getting a second chance.

Wednesday the Texas Education Agency reversed its decision to completely take over the struggling district.

"One of the things we want the parents to know is that this district is entering a level of stability. I think it will be important to improve the educational process for our students. So now the work, we have to work on the work. That work is improving student performance throughout the district. So we will begin next week with our summer school program. We're going to run an extensive summer school program this year," said Dr. Adrain Johnson, Hearne ISD Superintendent.

Johnson will get to keep his job.

"The school board will remain intact. They are going to continue with the Accreditation Warning status for the year 2015 and 2016. Then we're going to working with our [T.E.A.] monitor, who has now become a conservator for the district," he said.

Thursday afternoon, the district celebrated staff with awards, and looked to the future.

"You fought a great fight this year. We're still standing. We're stronger. We're going to send 39 students off to graduation tomorrow at the high school. I hope many of you can come and see," said Johnson, as he addressed a cafeteria filled with employees at Hearne Elementary School.

Derron Robinson is the Dean of Students for the Junior High. His son will enter fourth grade this fall.

"We started this year with a cloud. We just really weren't sure the direction TEA was going to go with Hearne ISD, but now with receiving this news, we can build on this news and capitalize on it. What we need most is just everybody to get behind Hearne ISD," said Robinson.

"Now I need you to take care of yourself, to refuel your tank, to relax, to let it go. When we come back next year, we'll be ready to take care of the children of Hearne ISD," Johnson told the faculty.

The TEA says their commissioner feels confident in the leadership of the school board after working with them.

Many board members recently participated in governance training.