Killeen ISD’s Ira Cross Junior Elementary earned an “A” rating from the TEA, showcasing progress in academics and student growth.
KILLEEN, Texas — Ira Cross Junior Elementary School in Killeen is among a small group of Killeen ISD campuses to earn an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency this year, a distinction that highlights years of steady progress.
The rating is based on academic performance, student growth and closing achievement gaps. It marks the first time since 2020 the TEA has released its accountability grades.
Former principal Tomas Sias, who led Ira Cross for 11 years before becoming principal at Manor Middle School, said the success reflects the combined effort of students, staff and parents.
“They have to feel that they can accomplish anything,” Sias said. “It’s more about getting the students to want to come to school and want to learn. Teachers have to be motivated, too. The payoff of what we do is definitely more important than the challenges.”
Sias credited the school’s culture of high expectations and strong community support for creating an environment where students could thrive, despite obstacles. More than 80 percent of Ira Cross students come from low-income households.
“A lot of times we focus on things we can’t control, but in schools we can control what happens inside the building,” Sias said. “We focus on building confidence in the whole child, not just academics.”
For third-grade teacher Betzaida Machado, who has taught at Ira Cross for seven years, the “A” rating came as no surprise.
“Our leaders always set high expectations—for teachers, for students and for all the staff,” Machado said. “No matter what’s happening at home, we tell our kids ‘You come here, you do what your teachers ask you to do, and you will be successful.’”
Machado, who began her career at Ira Cross after moving from Puerto Rico, said she instills in her students the belief that they can overcome circumstances and achieve their goals.
“I tell them, ‘I came here not knowing anything about Texas or education, and look at where I am now. If I can do it, you can do it too,’” she said.
Though Sias has moved on to Manor Middle School, he said he intends to bring the same philosophy to his new campus.
“I’m carrying those same high expectations with me,” Sias told 6 News. “It’s about accountability—what you choose to do today, whether it’s academics or behavior. Hopefully, we can turn things around and make Manor a place that’s positive and motivating, not just academically, but for everyone who walks through the door.”
Both educators say the rating is a point of pride, but more importantly, it’s a reflection of what can be accomplished when high standards and strong relationships guide the work inside a school.
A look at TEA ratings across Central Texas school districts can be found here.
