Spring ISD Board Trustees, administrators and Richey Academy staff and students officially dedicate the new campus.
HOUSTON – Feb. 19, 2016 – The Spring Independent School District held a dedication and open house for the new Richey Academy Feb. 18. The facility, which formerly served as the district’s support services center, has been fully renovated to serve as the district’s new in-house Disciplinary Alternative Education Program.
“This facility – and the program now housed here – represents a step forward for Spring,” said Dr. Rodney Watson, superintendent. “Our strategic plan is called “Every Child 2020,” and we take that ‘every child’ seriously. We know that sometimes a student can benefit from a change in their environment, and we believe that there is value in ensuring that discipline-related reassignments aren’t just punitive, but are focused – as much as possible – on addressing the unique needs of every student and helping them to succeed.”
Designed to accommodate up to 250 middle and high school students, the academy supports learning, development and growth for students who have been reassigned due to conduct or behavioral issues – helping these students stay on track academically and develop skills to maintain positive interactions with peers and adults.
The district contracted with Camelot Education to operate the academy because their program model meets the district’s goals for the new campus.
“The Camelot program structure, staff and commitment to students is second-to-none. In a short conversation with any of the staff here, you will quickly know that students and their development are at the top of the list,” Watson said.
During the event, Watson thanked members of the Board of Trustees for their vision and commitment to developing the program internally; and Board President Dr. Deborah Jensen echoed Watson’s focus on meeting the needs of every child during her remarks.
“Please know that basing our decisions on what is best for students is at the top of our list of SpringWay core values,” Jensen said. “Treating everyone with dignity and respect is also part of the SpringWay, and I’m please to say that this new academy – from its inception – has been intended to offer dignity and hope to the students who attend here.”