INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY MARY MCGARR:

Being selected, by virtue of one's PSAT score, to become a National Merit Semifinalist is one of the highest honors one can achieve.  High School students must score at a very high level to obtain this honor. 

While the test, the number of students taking the PSAT, the ability of the students taking the PSAT, and probably some other factors all enter in to the mix of ingredients culminating in one's selection. 

Katy ISD students have always been well-represented in this group.  I have always thought, considering the educational and economic backgrounds of our students that we should have more NM semifinalists. I'm always happy that we have some.

In 2014, Katy ISD has 37 National Merit Semifinalists.  Last year there were 41.  In 2011 there were 51.

We have more students, we have spent more money, we have built more fine schools, we have initiated what is supposed to be an "outstanding curriculum," we pay the employees of the district more, and yet the number of students that represent excellence are declining.

There's a reason for that.  I suppose I'm going to have to draw a picture to get what's wrong with our schools across to the public!