Comstock ISD

In its July edition, District Administration magazine honored 45 school districts from 26 states as Districts of Distinction. This is the eighth round of honorees for this national recognition program, which began in November 2014.

Districts of Distinction was established by District Administration to honor school districts that are leading the way with new ideas that solve challenges. Honorees are selected based on the quantifiable results and replicability of their initiatives. The July 2018 Districts of Distinction honorees were selected by the magazine’s editors from numerous nominations. Comstock ISD was recently chosen as a District of Distinction in 2018. Only four districts from Texas were recognized.

Like in other small, rural districts, Comstock ISD administrators want to offer students advanced science classes that teach higher-level problem-solving skills. They also want to provide more opportunities to serve the community.

Comstock ISD faculty and local archaeologists from the Shumla Archeological Research and Education Center co-led a scientific research class in which students digitally mapped the Comstock Cemetery, which resulted in a new historical designation for the site. Students have also helped researchers document ancient cave drawings done by indigenous peoples. This year, students researching rock art along the Pecos River used geographic information systems software, high-resolution photography and 3D modeling. “We asked the students to come up with research questions that can be answered by methods we use daily,” says archaeologist Jerod Roberts.

The students gain advanced problem-solving skills and get exposed to cutting-edge technology they otherwise would not get to use. They also learn about local history. The program has led some students to major in archeology and natural sciences in college.

“These districts all have developed exemplary programs to support students in their education and well beyond the classroom,” says JD Solomon, editorial director at District Administration magazine. “We hope our readers are inspired by the innovation of these honorees to create successful initiatives in their own districts.”

“We are very pleased to have been recognized in this manner,” says O.K. Wolfenbarger III, superintendent of Comstock ISD. “Our partnership with Shumla has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain real world problem solving experience, as well as be exposed to cutting edge STEM activities.”

To view a full list of honorees, visit https://www.districtadministration.com/dod/all