Hello East Harris County and Crosby ISD families,
The school year is ending, our seniors are moving to the next chapter in their lives as proud Alumni, and the District’s work continues.
On April 18, the Crosby ISD Board of Trustees approved a $1,000 retention stipend for all employees returning for the 2022- 2023 school year. We’ve also bumped up the starting pay for brand-new teachers to $60,175 and will give a 1% raise for staff members. Crosby ISD remains one of the most competitive Districts for recruitment in Harris County.
This year was certainly not without its struggles, but I did want to share some of our accomplishments in regard to local governance. The SEC investigation into financial practices of a prior administration has concluded. No fine or other penalty was imposed on the District. Earlier this month, the Moody’s Rating Agency upgraded Crosby ISD’s bond rating, raising confidence in the District’s financial condition for investors and taxpayers. Also this month, the Texas Education Agency ended the supervision of Crosby ISD by a monitor hired by the TEA. This move gives our Board more local control and autonomy in making decisions.
This month, we celebrated these and other triumphs at a year-end banquet, specifically thanking members of the Crosby / Barrett Station communities who contributed to our success this year. We couldn’t do what we do without our valued community members.
Speaking of success, the CHS Softball team set numerous records this year in their regular and post-season run. Our 2022 team set school history with the most team wins ever at 31. Our softball team has been Bi-District Champs three years in a row, Area Champs two years in a row, made it to the Regional Semi Finals in 2021 & 2022, and the Regional Finals in 2021. Most importantly, these ladies are the definition of student-athletes. Fourteen players were named 21-5A Academic All District, including Grace Sparks as the Pitcher of the Year and Hannah Wiggins as the Utility Player of the Year. Thank you to Head Coach Troy Fox and the entire coaching and sports medicine staff for keeping our players healthy, on task, and leaders in the classroom.
The Crosby High School Baseball team had a terrific run in the playoffs, making it to the Regional Quarterfinal round. Ten players were named 21-5A Academic All District, including pitcher Sean Bazmore as District MVP and catcher Larry Johns as Defensive Player of the Year. Coach Chris Wiggins was named the 21-5A Coach of the Year. These boys showed grit and gave it their all up to the last out.
This month, the Board of Trustees saluted nearly two dozen student groups for their achievements during the Spring semester. My heart beamed as we celebrated: Chess Club, Theater Arts, Cougar Stars, Softball, Boys & Girls Basketball, Boys & Girls Track & Field, Boys & Girls Soccer, Boys & Girls Golf, Swim Team, Powerlifters, Choir, Top Scholars, Audio/Visual and Art students. Our Crosby High School Culinary Arts students even catered dinner for the Board that evening as well. It was delicious!
The year culminates in our Class of 2022 Graduation ceremony on Friday, May 27th at 7:30pm at Cougar Stadium. We hope to see you there! We will salute 450 seniors who will instantly become proud Crosby High School alumni. I can’t wait to wish each of them well and watch them grow, mature, and become future leaders. Many of the graduates are choosing a future in education. I hope they all want to return and teach subsequent generations in Crosby ISD. They are welcome to pay it forward like so many alumni before them.
Finally, our theme for the 2021-2022 school year was: “This Is Now!” At our year-end banquet, we unveiled a new theme: “Better Together.” Crosby ISD is not standing still. We made some strides this year, but we know it will take all of us moving in the same direction to deliver on the promise of education to each student trusted in our care. It’s a trust we cherish.
We are Better Together! Go Coogs!