The Rural Schools Innovation Zone (RSIZ) is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at improving educational opportunities for rural students in South Texas. Formed in 2019, the RSIZ was launched as a collaborative partnership between three districts: Freer ISD, Premont ISD, and Brooks County ISD. Each district shares the vision of expanding opportunities for students in the region to attain meaningful and valuable career opportunities. Knowing that preparing students for the 21st century job market is critical to their success, the RSIZ, in collaboration with post-secondary institutions within the region, has developed a program at four campuses within the zone that provide high-quality preparation for post-secondary success. This annual report provides a summary of the RSIZ’s first year, including its priorities, achievements, and areas to grow.
RSIZ Core Beliefs
Students from rural communities should have every opportunity for access to challenging career paths to achieve high levels of postsecondary success.
Rural students should be exposed to the best teachers in America.
Rural schools are stronger through collaboration.
Rural communities nurture big dreams through innovation.