Philosophy

The George West Independent School District and the citizens of this community recognize their responsibility to prepare students for life in the 21st century. The District's goal is to enable students to successfully become tomorrow's adults by giving them the knowledge, skills, and works habits necessary to make reasoned decisions in the ever-changing future. George West ISD is committed to providing both students and educators with the skills to access, evaluate and apply information and knowledge as technology advances. To accomplish its goals, the district acknowledges the necessity of employing qualified and skilled personnel at all levels, as well as encouraging the active participation of parents and community members in decision making and instruction.

Facilities

One primary school, grades PreK-3, one elementary school, grades 4-6, one junior high school, grades 7-8, and one high school grades 9-12
District facilities provide space for present as well as future student population growth.
All classrooms are air-conditioned.
One library on each campus, one main cafeteria, serves high school, junior high, and elementary students. The primary campus has its own cafeteria; however, the food is prepared at the main cafeteria and transported to the Primary School.
The football stadium seats 2,500 spectators and has an all-weather track.
The district has two gymnasiums and a weight training facility available to all students.
One band hall, located on the west end of the main cafeteria, is utilized by the high school, junior high, and elementary schools.
Thirteen bus routes transport 500 students per day.

Staff

The superintendent operates the school system in accordance with locally adopted policies of the Board of Trustees, rules and regulations of the Texas Education Agency, and state and federal laws.
The District constantly strives to maintain a low teacher/pupil ratio.
The district employs 168 people; 95 professionals, 40 secretaries and aides, 10 cafeteria personnel, and 23 maintenance, custodial, and bus personnel.
Teachers continue to upgrade their teaching skills through scheduled in-service and by working toward advanced certificates and degrees.

Community Setting

The Board of Trustees for the George West ISD is composed of seven members. The George West public schools are divided into seven districts and one board member is elected from each district for a 3-year term.
Regular board meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Administration Building, 913 Houston Street. Agendas are posted for all meetings of the Board of Trustees and meetings are open to the public.
George West is located approximately 85 miles southeast of San Antonio.
The wealth of the district is derived from farming, ranching, retail business, residences, and mineral interests. From these resources, the district generates a tax base of $352,988,650.
The average student population is approximately 1150.

Educational Programs

The District continually plans for educational improvement in accordance with goals adopted by the Board of Trustees.
The District received a "Recognized" Accountability Rating for 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004. The District received an "Academically Acceptable" Accountability Rating for 2005. TEA assigned no rating for 2003.
Comprehensive programs emphasizing academic strength in basics are provided to all students. In addition, Advanced Placement and Honors courses are offered at the high school.
Varied electives and vocational courses offer students opportunities to expand their educational plan to meet individual interests and requirements.

Special Education

The George West ISD is a member of the Brush Country Co-op, which provides special education services for student ages 3-21 with disabilities.
It is the goal of the district to provide every student the educational opportunity to develop his/her full potential. We recognize that in order to develop his/her potential, an exceptional child must participate in the general education process to the maximum extent appropriate with supplemental support and services he/she may require based on individual needs. Our goal is to keep the student at the center of our focus as we combine the parents, school, community and related agencies' efforts to provide the most appropriate education for the exceptional child. Our ultimate goal in the education of the exceptional child is to develop each individual to his/her fullest potential in order for him/her to become a fully-functioning, self-maintaining member of society.

Gifted/Talented Education

Students identified as gifted and talented in grades K-12 are offered educational experiences beyond those normally provided by the regular school program. Our district is committed to providing a sequential, system-wide, differentiated educational program for identified gifted students so they may realize their own potential and maximize their own contributions.

English as a Second Language

The Language Proficiency Assessment Committees (LPAC) meet on each campus to evaluate language and screening information of student placement in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

Extra- and Co-Curricular Activities

The George West School District will compete in District 31-AA for all academic and athletic contests during the 2004-2005 & 2005-2006 school years.
The boys' and girls' athletic program is one of the finest in South Texas.
George West High School has a tradition of success in a variety of sports in recent years.
The girls' volleyball program has won the district title and participated in the regional tournament for the last several years, highlighted by competing in the state tournament and placing second in state in 1993.
District students in grades 1 through 12 are consistently successful in UIL academic and literary events.
The sweepstakes winning George West High School Band is considered one of the best in South Texas.