Port Arthur Independent School District is still recovering from Tropical Storm Harvey but that doesn’t overshadow the numerous accomplishments the district saw during the year.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

• While other districts began the 2017-2018 school year in early September, PAISD lagged behind a bit, not starting school until Sept. 18.

But with good reason: Harvey flooded the district’s central administration building and recently constructed Adams Elementary School, neither of which will be ready for occupancy until next school year.

People and organizations across the state and beyond stepped up to help students affected. The Tzu Chi Foundation and Austin Disaster Relief assisted PAISD and the city with funds and items to rebuild.

Rapper and PAISD graduate, Bun-B, along with Trae the Truth and DJ Rodgers give $10,000 for school uniforms and more than $50,000 has been received in funds for school uniforms.

In addition, thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies donated by districts across the country were distributed to students in the district.

In the midst of Harvey, Thomas Jefferson Middle School and Wilson Early College High School served as temporary shelters during the flood.

Also during the turmoil, PAISD Superintendent Mark Porterie traveled to Houston and Austin to testify on behalf of districts that postponed their start of school due to Harvey.

 

Accomplishments

The PAISD saw all schools making “met standard” rating from the Texas education Agency during 2017 as well as seeing ribbon cuttings for Sam Houston and Travis elementary schools.

Construction continues on Tyrrell Elementary School with new construction beginning on Sam Houston, Travis, Dick Dowling and Memorial Ninth Grade Academy.

One major event in PAISD was the passing of the Tax Ratification Election that provided raises to all district employees.

In addition, the district debuted its JAG, or Jobs After Graduation, program at the high school, the district is going forward with becoming a district of innovation and the district also debuted its five-year plan during 2017.

Sportswise, the district acheived many accomplishments including winning the football co-championship of 22-5A District. The Titans served as grand marshals of the city’s Christmas parade.

Cross country girls in October earned the district runner-up team as well as district runner-up individual. Boys basketball, earlier in the year, earned the co-district champion spot.

Boys track earned state runners-up, shattering state records in several categories.