The Texas Education Agency has released its annual accountability ratings. While we are disappointed in the grade our district received, it is important to provide context for understanding it. The rating does not reflect a decline in the expectations or efforts of our administration, teachers, or staff.

In 2023, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) substantially raised the requirements for College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) and applied these new standards retroactively. Because of this change, districts were judged by measures that were not in effect during the years the affected students were in school.

For Baird ISD, this policy shift had a direct impact. As a small district, our overall accountability rating is essentially the same as that of our high school. In 2025, Baird High School received an overall rating of 66, largely due to a 19-point loss in the CCMR category. That CCMR score was based on the outcomes of the Class of 2024. Under the prior standards, the high school would have received a B rating. It was the standards that changed—not the achievement of our students or teachers.

It is important to understand that CCMR ratings always reflect the performance of the prior year’s graduating class. The 2025 rating reflects the Class of 2024, yet the district has already implemented changes that are producing stronger results under the new standards. In 2024, Baird ISD appointed a new high school principal, Mr. James Stevens, with a mandate to improve CCMR outcomes. Under his leadership, the Class of 2025 achieved a 100% CCMR rating, and the Class of 2026 is on course to do the same.

We fully expect Baird ISD to receive an A or B rating next year. We also recognize that it is our responsibility to respond to new standards, and we have. Those efforts are already bearing fruit, though the timing of TEA’s methodology means the gains will not appear in accountability results until future years.

We are making schedules and assigning classes already. If you have not signed up your child(ren) for school, please do so as soon as you can. All students must sign up each year. Thank you!

Registration is open for the Baird Mini Cheer Camp. July 14-17 6:00 - 7:30 pm Baird Rock Gym $30 per child For Kindergarten to 5th grade students (incoming) T-Shirt included Contact Sally Walker for more information. Register today using this Registration Form.

[Monday, Jul 14 at 1:45 PM]
Don't forget - Mini Cheer Camp starts tonight.

[Tuesday, Jul 15 at 4:46 PM]
If you signed your child up for mini-cheer camp, don't forget it is this week. If you are interested and forgot to sign up, go ahead and come tonight and sign up there.

Congratulations to Tristen Wooten, one of our dual credit students,  for making the Cisco College Dean's List for the Spring 2025  semester. The Cisco College Dean’s List is published after each regular semester. Eligibility is determined by  a GPA of at least 3.5 and below 4.0, and enrollment in at least 12 semester hours of academic work or a full-time technical program.

The school calendar for the 2025-26 school year is now on the school website. You can find it here: https://bairdisd.org/district-calendar. The first day of school is Wednesday, August 13. The calendars are a little different for each school. This is because Baird Elementary is participating in the Extended School Year Program. We will send more information about this program in the next few weeks. School hours for the new school year will be: Elementary: 7:45 am - 3:00 pm. There will be a tutorial period that ends at 3:45 pm. Secondary: 8:00 am - 3:45 pm

[Wednesday, Jul 16 at 11:37 AM]
The calendars have been adjusted slightly.
The Meet the Teachers date has been changed to Monday, August 11.

I would like to address recent concerns circulating on social media about Baird ISD trophies being found in a dumpster located on BISD property. A photo was posted online with a clear accusation that the district had intentionally thrown away historical awards. While the image itself was real, the claim was not — and unfortunately, no one contacted the district to ask about the situation before posting it. First, let me be clear: Baird ISD values its history, and we fully understand that these trophies represent the pride and accomplishments of our former students and teams. Here is what actually occurred: Our new athletic director, Coach Kirk, has been working to clean out long-neglected storage areas, including a large space under the old gym bleachers where many trophies had been stored — in some cases, for decades. Many of these trophies had not been displayed or maintained, and their condition varied considerably. As part of this ongoing project, we are identifying and preserving significant trophies — such as district championships and other notable awards — for permanent display in the new gym’s trophy cases. To date, more than 100 trophies have already been moved to that location. We also recognize that we cannot display or store every item, especially those that are older or have limited historical significance. To that end, we will be working with the Baird Alumni Association to find appropriate homes for trophies and memorabilia that can no longer be accommodated by the district. This partnership will help ensure these keepsakes continue to be valued and preserved by those who appreciate their legacy. Unfortunately, during the sorting process, a box containing some trophies was inadvertently placed near a trash pile. Students assisting with cleanup mistakenly believed the box was part of the trash and removed it. This was an honest mistake — not an intentional effort to discard or diminish Baird ISD’s history. What is especially disappointing is that this situation was brought to public attention through a Facebook post rather than by contacting the district directly. Had we been notified at the time, the trophies that were mistakenly discarded could have been retrieved. Unfortunately, by the time we became aware of the post and the misunderstanding, it was too late. The result was not only the loss of those items, but also the spread of misinformation and unnecessary alarm. This is not the first time we have seen social media used to stir public concern before the facts were known. I would respectfully ask that anyone with concerns about district matters contact my office or campus administration directly. We are always willing to provide accurate information and address concerns appropriately. Baird ISD remains committed to honoring and preserving its rich history. We are proud of our alumni and community, and we will continue working to ensure that legacy is properly displayed and celebrated. Dr. Tim Little Superintendent

Today, we celebrate all the incredible moms, grandmothers, and mother figures who support, guide, and inspire our students every day. Your love, strength, and dedication make a lasting impact on our school and community.

Thank you for all that you do — we appreciate you more than words can say. 💐💛