In an effort to boost student achievement scores, the Seguin ISD School Board approved an Executive Director of Federal Programs and School Improvement position during the Sept. 8 school board meeting.

“The district is in need of academic support, especially at the elementary levels. Our elementary STAAR results have been decreasing over the years and our campuses are not earning the state Distinction Designations that they should,” said Seguin ISD Superintendent Stetson Roane.

Nancy Denise Graves-Roane, wife of the superintendent, was hired to fill the role.

A committee comprised of cabinet level administrators reviewed 6 applications and interviewed 3 candidates. The committee ranked Nancy Denise Graves-Roane as the top candidate for the job. The Seguin ISD Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of the committee at the Sept. 8 regular school board meeting.

“Denise has a proven track record of turning districts around academically. Historically, she has dedicated her efforts to help students, campuses and districts improve student performance. We look forward to her contributing and improving student outcomes here in Seguin,” he said.

In the latest round of state ratings released in August, two district campuses received Improvement Required (IR) ratings. Two more narrowly scored above the IR threshold.

“Our students and our community deserve to have campuses that offer an education that exceeds the minimum state accountability standards. I am confident that we can get there with our additional support,” he said.

Ms. Graves-Roane obtained her Bachelors degree from the University of Texas and Masters from the University of North Texas.

She has served as assistant superintendent in curriculum and instruction administration for six years, 12 years in elementary education and 10 years as a campus administrator.

While at Aransas Pass and Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISDs, all campuses achieved the Met Standard rating while under her leadership. Also while at PBT ISD, scores improved to the point where state monitoring was no longer required.

Ms. Graves-Roane is a certified Professional Service Provider (PSP) and is trained to administer strategies and guidance to schools that do not meet state standards.

She has been a peer reviewer with the Department of Education and the State of Texas, conducting district and campus staff development sessions in teaming and state testing data disaggregation.

Currently, Ms. Graves-Roane serves as the assistant superintendent of schools responsible for the areas of curriculum, accountability, federal programs and testing.