After receiving a poor rating from the state, Hays CISD officials hope a new plan can improve performance at Hemphill Elementary School. At the May 22 board of trustees meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve a stipend structure that aims to “foster a culture of continuous improvement” by offering Hemphill Elementary staff economic incentives, according to district documents. The plan will distribute $70,500 over three years in stipends for additional work, Chief Human Resources Officer Elaine Howard said. Recipients of the stipends would include the Hemphill Elementary principal, vice principal, counselor and nurse, as well as teachers, instructional coaches and other positions. The money will be paid out on an annual basis, provided the recipient fulfills their contractual obligations. Board President Meredith Keller is hopeful the plan will improve performance at Hemphill Elementary and make the school more desirable. “This campus is going to be amazing,” Keller said. “We’re not messing around. We have an expectation that things are going to turn around, and quickly. I’m ready to pay for that.” In January, all Texas public schools were scored with an A-F letter grade based on closing gaps in achievement between students of varying socioeconomic and racial backgrounds, as well as graduation rates, standardized test scores and other factors. Domain I graded student achievement, Domain II addressed student progress and Domain III focused on closing performance gaps while Domain VI covered postsecondary readiness. Hemphill Elementary scored the lowest in the district, receiving grades of F, F, F and D, respectively. Scott Gleason, a parent of a student at Hemphill, spoke during public forum at the meeting about being frustrated with the school's performance. Despite loving the community, he said the school is not living up to its potential. "I know something more can be done," Gleason said. "I don't know what it's going to take. We need help."