Board approves Sam Houston High turnaround plan; trustees emphasize continued monitoring

The Arlington ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously April 3 to approve a turnaround plan for Sam Houston High School that centers on expanding systems that produced recent gains in college‑, career‑and‑military‑readiness (CCMR).

Superintendent Doctor Smith said the plan is part of compliance with the Texas Education Agency if the campus remains in comprehensive support, but he emphasized the trajectory of improvement at Sam Houston. Mr. Zahn, who presented the plan, said the turnaround work is grounded in diagnostics and targeted action steps and that the campus has focused on CCMR because it drives a large portion of domain‑3 accountability.

Zahn and Principal Juan Villarreal told trustees Sam Houston’s CCMR percentage rose from historically low levels (about 31% in an earlier period) to 74% in one year and to 84% the following year; Zahn said the campus has continued that upward trend in the current year. The plan identifies dedicated CCMR staff (a facilitator and a clerk), campus‑level CCMR teams, stronger post‑secondary partnerships and regularly scheduled monitoring.

Trustee Fowler moved approval of the plan and Mr. Wilbanks seconded. President Chapa called for votes and recorded a unanimous 7‑0 result after Miss Richardson’s vote was confirmed when she was unmuted.

Votes at a glance:
- Turnaround plan for Sam Houston High School — motion: Approve turnaround plan as presented; mover: Miss Fowler; second: Mr. Wilbanks; outcome: approved 7‑0.
- Consent agenda (including CMAR contract awards for Wildman and Cravens) — mover: Mr. Wilbanks; second: Ms. Fowler; outcome: approved 7‑0.

Board discussion recognized Sam Houston’s progress and urged continued monitoring of CCMR implementation and student supports; staff said the turnaround plan will be implemented and monitored with TEA only if the campus does not exit comprehensive support this year.