On Friday, Feb. 24, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District (PBTISD) received the "Business of the Year" award from the Pecos Area Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious recognition acknowledges PBTISD's commitment to providing excellent education to students and supporting the local community. This recognition is a first for the District.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Pecos Area Chamber of Commerce for recognizing PBTISD as the Business of the Year," said Brent Jaco, Superintendent. "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, who strive every day to make PBTISD a great place to learn and grow."
PBTISD is committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. We believe that education is a fundamental and we are proud to be able to contribute to the development and growth of our students.
Over the last couple of years, PBTISD has corrected many issues that plagued the District and eroded trust in the community. In 2019, the District saw its academic rating fall to a D, and Crockett Middle School was rated an F by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Additionally, the financial accounting could have been better, as indicated by the history of findings on audit reports, and the District had some recent failures with passing a bond.
Since 2020, the District has worked to rebuild trust with the community through increased transparency and improved operations. It's PBTISD's vision to Inspire and Empower for Excellence among their students and staff daily. Through our diverse student body, we push to achieve Excellence, positively impact our community and transform the world!
In May 2021, PBTISD passed the largest bond referendum in the school district's history, which brought the District the construction of two new elementary campuses, a new Career & Technology Education Center for the high school, a daycare, and a new service and support warehouse facility. The District has built what was promised to the voters, all within the bond's budget.
In August 2022, PBTISD received an overall district rating of a B (84), and Crockett Middle School improved to a C in the TEA accountability system. In 2019, the District was deemed to be in the bottom two percent of all school districts in the state. With its new rating, PBTISD joins the top 74 percent of schools!
Financially, the District is in a great position, with the last two years of good, clean audit reports and a rating of 98 on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas. It is estimated that there has been over $224 million worth of economic activity, and over $6.25 million in state and local property taxes has been generated from the 2021 bond referendum.
“As a school district, we take great pride in our role in the community,” said PBTISD Chief Financial Officer, Tucker Durham. “We understand that our success is intertwined with the success of PBTISD, and we remain committed to supporting the local economy and providing opportunities for our students."
The District is highly honored to be recognized as the 2022 Business of the Year by the Pecos Chamber of Commerce. The entire staff of PBTISD is to be applauded for their dedication and commitment to the students of this community.