Savannah Elementary within Savannah, a Huffines Signature Community, Received the Highest Rating of “Exemplary”

Savannah Elementary School recently received the highest rating of "Exemplary" as reported by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in their 2008 Accountability Ratings. The ratings data posted by the TEA tracks the academic achievement of school campuses statewide. The new rating is exciting news for the Savannah community!

This achievement clearly represents a success of not only the school as a whole, but of the individual students as well. The setting of personal goals and working toward the individual academic success of each student is a major focus at Savannah Elementary. The school first opened back in August 2006 and this is the first year the school was eligible for rating by the TEA. In only their third year they are being honored as the best of the best and look forward to a bright future by having students continuing to excel in all rating categories. It's an obvious success story, having made great progress in such a short period of time.

Michael McWilliams is the new Principal of Savannah Elementary, replacing former Principal Rod Southard. Mr. McWilliams has been an educator for 12 years with six of those years as campus leader. He was principal at Mitchell Boulevard Elementary in Fort Worth since 2002. The Assistant Principal, Chris Rangel has been an educator for nine years, six of which she spent as a Kindergarten teacher in Denton.

To gain the coveted "Exemplary" status, a campus must have received a 90 percent passage rate in all accountability areas. Less than 10% of the schools in the state reach such an elevated rating.

Phillip Huffines, co-owner of Huffines Communities, responded to the great news, but expressing his appreciation, “We are truly fortunate to have a school of such high quality right here in Savannah which exemplifies the dedication and leadership of Superintendent Dr. Ray Braswell, Principal McWilliams, all of the teachers and the support staff at Savannah Elementary!"

Once again, Savannah residents are extremely proud that their local campus exemplifies the best in education. The families in their community know how important it is to have such a highly recognized campus. The DISD, local school staff and the students should  be congratulated for their exemplary rating. We are all proud of you – way to go Gators!