East Central ISD Sets New Record With Highest Distinctions in District History

What are “Distinctions” and Why They Matter
In Texas, the Texas Education Agency awards distinctions to campuses that perform at the very highest levels compared to similar schools statewide. These recognitions are given to campuses that rank in the top 25% of their comparison group in specific areas, such as Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Academic Growth, Closing the Gaps, or Postsecondary Readiness.

Earning a distinction means a campus is not only meeting expectations—it is outperforming most of its peers across the state in that area.

Record-Breaking Distinction Designations
ECISD earned its highest number of distinctions ever — 15 in total:

• Highland Forest Elementary – Academic Achievement in Reading/Language Arts, Academic Achievement in Mathematics, Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth, Postsecondary Readiness, Top 25% Comparative Closing the Gaps.
• Salado Elementary – Academic Achievement in Science, Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth, Postsecondary Readiness, Top 25% Comparative Closing the Gaps.
• Oak Crest Elementary – Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth, Postsecondary Readiness, Top 25% Comparative Closing the Gaps.
• Sinclair Elementary – Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth, Top 25% Comparative Closing the Gaps.
• Tradition Elementary – Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth.

Notable Campus Improvements

• Legacy Middle School – Improved by 10 points to a C rating. This progress came before launching the new Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) program in partnership with the Texas Education Agency, which began this school year with a new principal and proven instructional team.
• East Central High School – Improved by 17 points.
• CAST Lead High School – Improved by 11 points.
• Pecan Valley Elementary STEM Academy – Improved by 13 points.

Progress in a Challenging Environment
ECISD operates with the lowest school tax rate among 19 area districts and the lowest per-pupil spending. Still, the district is growing rapidly, with enrollment projected at 12,900 students for 2025–2026.

A Community-Wide Success Story
These latest gains build on a June 17 San Antonio Express-News article noting that ECISD was one of only two area districts to increase passing scores in third- and fifth-grade math and reading, with third graders achieving a 13-point jump in reading.

“Our students and staff have worked tirelessly to push forward, and these results show the power of dedication and belief in what’s possible,” said Roland Toscano, ECISD Superintendent. “This momentum is real — and we’re just getting started.”