Lisa Pepi, Chief Financial Officer
International Leadership of Texas
International Leadership of Texas
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A life of international diplomacy is in the cards for Kirsten Cruz, a senior at International Leadership of Texas Windmill Lakes-Orem High School who spent most of her high school years immersing herself in foreign language.
“All countries really depend on each other to really function in the world,” said an excited Kirsten, when talking about her interest in a career in foreign affairs. “That's why international affairs really caught my eye, because you can see how something that could be taking place somewhere randomly in like the Middle East, could have a long term effect on us.”
Like every ILTexas student, Kirsten learned in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. The Houston-area senior participated in several of ILTexas’ Exceptional Learning Opportunities (ELOs), including a Chinese language summer program at the University of Mississippi. Following that, she spent several weeks putting her new skills into practice during an immersive ILTexas trip to Taiwan.
“A lot of the terminology that we were taught in Ole Miss became useful in Taiwan because the teachers were of China and Taiwan descent,” she said. “We were able to actually know how to say certain things that could become useful.”
After graduation, Kirsten will attend Oberlin College in Ohio for international relations. Her hope is to earn a graduate degree from an Ivy League school.
In addition to participating in travel opportunities with ILTexas, Kirsten is part of National Honor Society, Student Council, and our Model United Nations team. She’s also part of the Marine JROTC program at Windmill Lakes-Orem. She credits her experience in JROTC, as well as the leadership classes each student is required to take at ILTexas, for her expected success in an international relations education.
“There was an entire lesson on how to show empathy, and how to how to navigate cultural nuances and cultural differences. I think skills like that are really useful in these kinds of majors,” she said. Her favorite teacher while at ILTexas was Mr. Jacob Mexicano, who inspired her love of social studies.
One of her favorite things about her time at ILTexas is the sense of support she felt from her teachers and classmates. Kirsten said, “It really creates more of a sense of community within the campus.” She’ll continue getting that support as part of the Posse Program, an exclusive scholarship program aimed on building support systems for incoming college freshmen.
For ILTexas Keller-Saginaw senior Bergen Smith, senior year was anything but typical. Her days started before dawn, balancing a demanding mix of leadership roles, varsity sports, and flight training, all while navigating one of the toughest college admissions processes in the country: the United States Air Force Academy.
In December, long before most students heard back from their schools, Bergen got the call to offer her an official appointment at USAFA.
It was the moment when all the late nights, sacrifices, and hard work finally paid off.
Unlike many future pilots, Bergen didn’t grow up obsessed with planes. Her love for flight began at just 10 years old, while traveling across the country for volleyball tournaments. The excitement of takeoff, the buzz of the airport, and the peace of cruising above the clouds sparked something inside her.
Eventually, she realized being a passenger wasn’t enough.
Her curiosity turned into action. Bergen earned her Private Pilot’s License while still in high school and quickly began working toward her instrument rating. But she didn’t stop there; she started dreaming bigger. She began planning a future where she could serve by attending the United States Air Force Academy.
JROTC played a huge role in shaping Bergen into the leader she is today.
When she first joined ILTexas’s JROTC program as a freshman, she was new to the district, with no prior experience in the program and no connections. But what started as something unfamiliar quickly became a second home, a place where she felt supported and pushed to grow. JROTC provided the structure she needed to thrive, helping her build the leadership qualities she’d always had but never fully developed.
As the Battalion Executive Officer (XO), Bergen didn’t just wear a rank, she earned it. She mentored cadets, set high standards, and held herself accountable to them. These experiences shaped her into a leader, mentor, and source of inspiration for others.
She also commanded both the primary Color Guard and Armed Regulation teams, leading them to multiple top-three finishes, including a 3rd place at Regionals, and proudly representing ILTexas at events across Texas.
“JROTC taught me how to lead with confidence, but also how to lead with care,” she said. “It pushed me in ways I didn’t think I could handle, mentally, physically, emotionally. It taught me that discipline is a choice you make every day, especially when no one’s watching.”
Applying to USAFA was like adding a full-time job on top of being a full-time student, athlete, cadet, and pilot. While most students were focused on a few essays and their transcripts, Bergen was tackling nominations from elected officials, preparing for interviews, attending nomination boards, and writing essay after essay.
“It was the hardest semester of my life,” she said. “I was writing constantly, training for the Candidate Fitness Assessment, flying, going to volleyball practice, and keeping up with school. There were times I was sick, injured, or just exhausted, but I kept showing up. Because deep down, I knew what I was fighting for.”
Despite everything, she maintained a 4.0 GPA, led multiple organizations, and volunteered over 496 hours, all while giving it her all for the application process.
“People see the appointment and think, ‘Wow, that’s cool.’ But they don’t see the blood, sweat, and tears that went into it. And that’s okay, because I do. And I’ll carry that with me forever.”
When the phone rang in December, Bergen wasn’t expecting anything. She hadn’t even heard back about her nomination. But there was an offer of appointment to USAFA.
“It hit me like a wave,” she recalled. “I couldn’t believe it. I told my parents and called my mentors, coaches, and friends as soon as I could. That night, I just sat with my family and let it sink in. Every ounce of effort, every setback, every breakthrough, it all led to this moment.”
For Bergen, receiving the appointment wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was an incredible honor. “I understand how much of a privilege it is to receive an appointment to the Air Force Academy,” she said. “My family and I view those who answer the call to serve our country with the utmost respect. To now be a part of that legacy is incredibly humbling.”
She credits her parents for being her rock, offering constant support even when things seemed impossible.
“My parents have been my foundation. They’ve sacrificed so much for me, supported every crazy dream, and reminded me who I am when I doubted myself. This appointment is as much theirs as it is mine.”
Outside the classroom and cockpit, Bergen made her mark across ILTexas in countless ways. She was part of the group of students who had the honor of welcoming former astronaut Capt. Christopher Cassidy, during his visit to ILTexas Keller Saginaw High School as part of the Leadership Speaker Series, an event that left a lasting impression on students and staff alike.
Bergen also took part in a meaningful moment of school pride when Brandon Hall, a member of the Texas State Board of Education, visited the campus, and again when she helped welcome Jennifer Dailey-Perkins from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) for a special site visit. During her time at ILTexas, Dailey-Perkins toured multiple campuses, observed the Chinese Advanced Language (CAL) project in action, and met with students and staff.
Thanks to DoDEA’s support, ILTexas is expanding language learning for all students, a mission Bergen was proud to be a part of.
Now, Bergen is looking ahead, ready for the next chapter, heading toward the U.S. Air Force Academy. She plans to grow into a pilot and leader who embodies the grit, integrity, and compassion she’s learned along the way.
“I want to be the kind of officer who makes people better, who challenges them, but also leads with compassion,” she said. “I’m not just going to survive at the Academy. I’m going to thrive. Everything I’ve done up to this point has prepared me for that.”
From a volleyball-playing little girl captivated by takeoff to a determined cadet ready to lead from the flight deck, Bergen Smith is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it’s just the beginning.
As a young woman stepping into a field where few look like her, Bergen hopes her story inspires others to pursue their passions, no matter how daunting the path may seem.
ILTexas College Station K-8 students Richard Barraza and Avril Ferrer were selected as National Math Stars, a program that chooses mathematically extraordinary students early in their education to help "overcome barriers to reaching the frontiers of math and science."
The program includes math mentorship, family advising, community gatherings, and funding over 10 years. Each student will receive $100,000 in math resources.
Richard's family said, when asked about the program, "Math is so much more than solving problems and National Math Stars knows that some students have unlimited potential if given the right tools and opportunities. It is a great program that will help Richard for the next 10 years to nurture his desire to learn with advanced Math classes, a yearly budget to use on resources like STEM kits, books and enrichment programs and a fully funded Summer Math Camp experience where he will have the opportunity to connect with other students that have the same love for Math. We are beyond excited for all the opportunities that this program has to offer and can't wait to see the positive impact this will have on our son."
He also added, "Our experience so far has been nothing but extraordinary, from our family advisor, Math mentor and an incredible team that go above and beyond for every star. We are very thankful for Mrs. Krueger at ILTexas for introducing us to this amazing program."
Congratulations Richard and Avril!
More than 30 students competed at the Texas Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State conference earlier this month, with many successes.
Two teams placed in STAR Event competitions, with one advancing to Nationals later this year in Orlando. In Family & Consumer Sciences subject oriented objective tests, 4 students win Gold (90-100), 4 students win Silver (80-89), and 2 students win Bronze (70-79).
Ilse Bustos was elected as the incoming State Vice President of Leadership Development for Texas and will also represent ILTexas as a national officer candidate in Orlando, Florida!
Congratulations to these eagles on their incredible initiative.
DALLAS, Texas–Junior ROTC cadets from ILTexas Garland High School (GHS) received certificates of achievement from Texas Senator Nathan Johnson at his central office in Dallas on Friday, July 29.
The students were recognized for representing their school and the state of Texas at the JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl (JLAB) national competition in Washington D.C. which was held June 19-28. The cadets in attendance were rising sophomore Joy Okunade, and rising seniors Eryn Jeon and James Tran.
The students listened to Johnson as he described details of his journey into politics and some of his duties in his role as a senator. The students also got to share more about ILTexas and what they learn while students at the school.
“It's absolutely fantastic to have a senator recognize the amazing work that these students have been doing,” said ILTexas GHS Principal Karen Marx. “They worked incredibly hard all year long for their accomplishments and to have that recognized was amazing.”
For Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Fears, the cadets getting the opportunity to meet the Senator was a great learning experience.
“They came [to the senator’s office] with the opportunity not only to meet him, but also learn about what you do as a state senator,” he said, adding that “it was a great event and we really appreciate the opportunity to come out here.”
CLEVELAND, Texas—The ILTexas community came together to celebrate the grand opening of ILTexas Brigadier General “B.G.” Ramirez K-8 on Tuesday, July 26. Students, teachers, and staff gathered in the gymnasium for the event, to listen to guest speakers and take some time to get familiar with the building. Plans to build the school were announced in June 2021, with ILTexas celebrating the groundbreaking event the following September. Less than a year later, the K-8 is finally ready to welcome its incoming students.
The school’s namesake, Brigadier General Joe Ramirez, was in attendance and stated how honored he was to be part of the school’s emergence.
“It is truly an honor for me to be here among you today to celebrate the opening of the school,” he told the audience during his speech. “It’s important that we have schools like this that will imbue our children with the skills necessary to go out and represent our nation at a time where we need that leadership and those vital skills.”
Ana Hernandez, a parent of an incoming ILTexas B.G. Ramirez student, expressed her excitement for the new school.
“I chose ILTexas for my kid because it's a great opportunity [for them] to be enrolled in a leadership, role-model school,” she said.
Coral Martínez-Cotto, who serves as the school’s principal, welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of building a community.
“We are truly an international community and we want to provide students with the very best,” she said, reiterating the ILTexas mission of servant leadership and trilingual education.
ILTexas Chief of Staff Marcus Young presented Principal Martínez with a framed proclamation from Texas Governor Greg Abbott who acknowledged the opening of the school.
Guests then gathered outside the building for the official ribbon cutting ceremony where ILTexas Founder and CEO Eddie Conger, Principal Martínez, and fellow ILTexas B.G. Ramirez staff helped cut the ribbon, marking the 21st addition to the ILTexas school roster in the state of Texas.
The official start to the 2022-23 school year for ILTexas students begins on August 11.
International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas) is proud to announce the following new Principals in the Tarrant Area:
Dr. Keisha Washington – ILTexas Arlington K-8
Dr. Keshia Washington has been with International Leadership of Texas since December of 2019. Since that time, she has served in various roles such as middle school assistant principal, campus testing coordinator, SPED administrator, LPAC administrator, gifted and talented administrator, and a slew of other roles. She is also a Class of 2021 graduate of the AAA program. Dr. Washington comes to International Leadership of Texas with over 20 years of educational experience and background.
Dr. Washington’s educational experiences have afforded her to work with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing scholar achievement and well-being. Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that every scholar can succeed, given an efficacious learning environment, strong well-informed leadership, a committed focused leadership team, an invigorating community, and a nurturing family.
Jared Laginess – ILTexas Keller K-8
Jared Laginess is starting his 6th year serving at International Leadership of Texas. Graduating from Colorado State University with his master’s degree in Education, he began his career in Dallas ISD as a 9th and 10th grade English teacher. After leaving DISD, he came to ILTexas East Fort Worth K-8 where he served as 7th Grade GLA, Reading Teacher, and Instructional Coach. During the last three years, he has served as the 3-5 Assistant Principal at ILTexas Grand Prairie K-8.
Mr. Laginess enjoys spending time with his wife, Kayla, who was a kindergarten teacher, and his six-month-old daughter, Lennon. He is an avid reader, hockey enthusiast, and loves spending time hiking with his dogs.
Teresa McCasland – ILTexas Heritage K-8 (Opening in the 2023-2024 school year)
Mrs. Teresa McCasland has been with International Leadership of Texas since 2015 and is a seasoned administrator with experience in grades PK-12th grade. Mrs. McCasland holds a Doctoral Degree in Global Leadership, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science degree with triple majors in Secondary Education, Literature, and Theatre Communications; as well as an Associate of Arts degree in Behavioral Sciences with a minor in American Sign Language. Her Texas Education Certifications include Superintendent, Principal, and Secondary Theatre Teacher.
Before becoming an administrator, Mrs. McCasland was a high school teacher, Interim District Fine Arts Director, and Administrator. She has earned accolades including Teacher of the Year awards at the campus, district, county, and state levels; as well as a National Disney Teacher of the Year nominee, TETA Teacher of the Year nominee. Mrs. McCasland was recently awarded the 3rd-5th Grade Assistant Principal of the Year for International Leadership of Texas.
Since joining ILTexas, she has served on many task forces and committees including the Texas Education Agency Dual Language Immersion Pilot Focus Group. Mrs. McCasland is an avid supporter of the trilingual program and was recently presented with the DLI Fidelity and Integrity Award for her support of the DLI program at ILTexas Garland K-8.
Dr. Dora Renaud – ILTexas Keller-Saginaw High School
Dr. Dora Renaud is returning to International Leadership of Texas after holding positions of progressive leadership in the STEM field both in non-profit and in the public education landscape with a focus on continuous improvement in her 25+ year career. Previously held positions include Vice President of Content, Curriculum, & Student Success for Papaya Tutor and Senior Director of Academics for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.
Dr. Renaud earned her doctorate in Education Administration from the Cooperative Superintendency Program at the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. She has a Master of Science in Literacy Development, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Minor in Professional Education and a specialization in Bilingual Education.
She has served as a school administrator at ILTexas Keller K-8, Dallas ISD, and Colegio Internacional de Caracas in Venezuela and has been a teacher, instructional specialist and curriculum developer.
Dr. Renaud is the proud daughter of two bilingual educators who were the pioneers of bilingual education when it began in Dallas in the early 70’s. Her family is originally from Donna, Texas.
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Please join us in congratulating Dr. Washington, Mr. Laginess, Mrs. McCasland, and Dr. Renaud. Each of these individuals are true servant leaders and have shown a commitment to the ILTexas mission and the success of our students. We look forward to seeing these campuses flourish and grow under their leadership.
International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas) is proud to announce the following new Principals in the Houston Area:
Mr. Sergio Camarillo – ILTexas Katy K8
Mr. Sergio Camarillo started his education career in Jacksonville ISD where he was a bilingual teacher for more than eight years. He joined the ILTexas in 2014, where he served as 3rd grade GLA and helped open up the ILTexas Keller K-8 campus in the DFW area. In 2016, he was transferred and promoted to Assistant Principal and helped open the ILTexas Katy K-8 campus. Mr. Camarillo was instrumental in the success of the inaugural years of that campus, eventually becoming the Associate Principal. During his tenure, Mr. Camarillo built rapport with staff, parents, and students and established systems and processes in different areas that are still being used today. In recent years his roles at ILTexas have included Houston Area EL Coordinator and Assistant to the Houston Area Executive Officer, supporting all campuses in multiple areas.
Mr. Camarillo received his bachelors in Industrial Engineering from the Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores, received his Master’s degree in Education and Leadership from Universidad Regiomontana, and he is currently finishing his Ph.D. in Bilingual Education at Texas A&M.
Mr. Carlen Charleston – ILTexas Orem K-8
Mr. Carlen Charleston was born and raised in Prairie View, TX, graduated from Waller High School, and went to the University of North Texas on a football scholarship. After graduating he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving for 20 years around the globe and in the U.S., and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Yearning to work with young students, Carlen then served for 12 years as a Marine Corps JROTC instructor. He began by serving 5 years at Willowridge High School in Fort Bend ISD and then did 7 years at Tomball Memorial High School in Tomball ISD. During those years he acquired two advanced degrees in leadership - one from Western International University and another from Regent University. After 12 years of teaching, he left to begin a nonprofit organization called ERASE Race and currently serves as the Executive Director. His diverse educational background and breadth of professional experiences give credibility to his speaking topics concerning Leadership, Character, Education, Mentoring, Personal Development, Teams, and Family.
Ms. Ebony James - ILTexas Pearland K-8 (Opening in the 2023-2024 school year).
Mrs. Ebony James has more than 23 years of education experience, working in various leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach, and classroom teacher for Texas public school districts. Embodying a growth mindset while serving others has driven her to be impactful in every area of her life. Most recently, Mrs. James has served as an Associate Principal at ILTexas Windmill Lakes K-8 for the past four years. Ms. James earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. She holds certifications in Mathematics 1-8, Generalist 1-8, English as a Second Language EC- 4, and a Principal’s Certification EC-12. When people ask Ebony James to describe herself, she does not hesitate to state she is a driven individual who humbly leads others with confidence while managing her work and personal life with care.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Camarillo, Mr. Charleston, and Mrs. James. Each of these individuals are true servant leaders and have shown a commitment to the ILTexas mission and the success of our students. We look forward to seeing these campuses flourish and grow under their leadership.
NATIONAL HARBOR, M.D. – At just 11 years old, ILTexas Katy K-8 student Kirsten Santos was one of the youngest contestants to compete at the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee finals on Thursday, June 2. The competition aired on the ION Network and was hosted by Levar Burton from the famed PBS children’s show, ‘Reading Rainbow.’
The sixth grader made it to the top 12 finalists of the Scripps National Spelling Bee out of the initial 234 contestants to vie for the $50,000 cash prize. Four of the finalists were from Texas, including Santos who represented her hometown of Richmond. She was sponsored by the Houston Public Media.
Santos successfully made it past the first round of the finals after correctly spelling ‘colane,’ the subacid fruit from an Australian tree, but was eliminated in the 2nd round for misspelling ‘bastille,’ a french word meaning ‘prison’ or ‘jail.’
Santos ultimately tied for 5th-place at the Bee and will be eligible to compete again until her 8th grade year. See her complete spelling summary for the competition here. Santos is no stranger to high-stakes spelling bee competitions. In 2019 she tied for 1st place at the National Spanish Spelling bee when she was just eight years old.
Founded in 1925, the Scripps National Spelling Bee is administered by the E.W. Scripps Company with a purpose “to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives,” according to their website. Elementary and middle school students from the United States and participating countries are eligible to compete for the ultimate cash prize of $50,000 and the chance to be crowned the Scripps National Spelling Bee winner.
GARLAND, T.X. – International Leadership of Texas teachers and staff filled the gym of ILTexas Garland High School on Tuesday, May 31, to welcome the Chinese Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang. A special luncheon was held in the school library for the Ambassador and ILTexas leadership. The luncheon was followed by a ceremony where ILTexas teachers, students, and headquarter staff honored the Ambassador’s visit. Senator Royce West and his wife, Carol West were also in attendance.
ILTexas Superintendent Eddie Conger welcomed the Ambassador and his wife, Lin Yan, in his opening speech and highlighted the importance of learning another language.
“Our relations between the United States and China have gone through several different transitions,” he said. “The more that we can speak in each other’s language, the better this world is going to be.”
Qadence Saulsberry, an incoming fourth grade student at ILTexas Garland K-8, recited the ILTexas pledge for the audience in Chinese and English. Following the pledge, Ambassador Gang and Mrs. Yan were presented with custom made cowboy hats in a symbol of unity between China and the U.S. Back in 1979, during a visit to Texas, China’s former Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping, was presented with a cowboy hat by two teenagers, Kitty and Kelly Van Dries. Forty-three years later, one of the teenagers, Kitty Van Dries was at the event to present the hats once more.
The event featured a special performance from the ILTexas choir who sang ‘God Bless America’ for the guests. The Ambassador and Mrs. Yan later joined the choir to sing ‘Jasmine Flower,’ a popular Chinese folk song.
ILTexas College Station K-8 second grade student, Tatum Howell, who won first place in her division at the Confucius Classroom Coordination Office (CCCO) Chinese Bridge Competition in April, greeted the Ambassador in Mandarin and mentioned how learning Chinese has helped expand her language skills.
Student winners of the CCCO Chinese Bridge Competition played a Chinese word game and held a roundtable discussion with the Ambassador, each speaking in Mandarin throughout.
The Ambassador later spoke to the audience during his speech, acknowledging the impact that ILTexas has created for its students with its emphasis on learning the Chinese language.
“Language learning is critical and fundamental to the mutual understanding and the trust between our two countries,” Ambassador Gang said. “We will do our best to support Chinese language education in America.”
After his speech, two ILTexas students presented Ambassador Gang with a photo from the event where he and Mrs. Yan sang with the choir. He then presented a Certificate of Recognition to ILTexas founder Eddie Conger for his “great contribution and accomplishment to the Chinese learning and teaching in Texas.”
The Ambassador also presented a gift to ILTexas Garland High School Principal Karen Marx. The gift had five bulls painted on it which he said symbolizes courage, power, and hard work.
We hope that Chinese and American students can learn together, improve together, become partners, and then companions in their future careers and the roads of life and make greater contributions to China-US relations,” Ambassador Gang told the audience. “Just as that little girl [Qadence] said in today’s function . . . by learning Chinese, you will change the world.”
See more news coverage of the event here:
ARLINGTON, Texas–As the school year draws to a close, and seniors prepare to graduate, one ILTexas principal wanted to do something special to congratulate his students for their hard work. Marco De Leon, who serves as principal of ILTexas Lancaster-Desoto High School (LDHS) created a ‘27 for 27’ mile run where he would run 27 miles to raise scholarship money for each of his 27 graduating seniors.
De Leon’s race began at 5 a.m. at the LDHS campus with the finishing point at ILTexas Arlington-Grand Prairie High school (AGPHS). The latter school was chosen to honor the humble beginnings of LDHS which started in the portable classrooms on the AGPHS Campus.
“I was going to run where our new building is projected to be in Dallas . . . but [the seniors] wanted to be here to have a little flashback,” De Leon said. “It’s just a great story, and the story culminates with their May 27 graduation.”
Deleon finished his run shortly after 12 noon after running for six hours straight. LDHS seniors, staff, and parents were in attendance to cheer him on.
For Amyrah Simmons, a graduating senior at LDHS, De Leon’s efforts were admirable.
“I think that [the run] just proves that he wants to see us succeed,” she said. “He saw that all of us were worth it.”
As for De Leon, he wants the focus of the run to be on students as they prepare for college.
“This class is special in what they’ve been able to accomplish and [what] they’re going to continue to accomplish,” he said. “College costs are insane and . . . any cent, any dime, [is] very appreciative [so] we can donate to the kids because it will help them.”
For more information on the ‘27 for 27’ mile run and ways you can donate, please visit their website here.
New York, May 12, 2022 -- Moody's Investors Service has assigned a Baa3 underlying and Aaa enhanced rating to International Leadership of Texas' approximately $111.6 million Education Revenue Bonds, Series 2022. The bonds are issued by the Clifton Higher Education Finance Corporation, TX on behalf of the charter network. Moody's has also affirmed the previously assigned Baa3 rating on the organization's Series 2021 debt. The outlook remains stable. Following this issuance, the charter network will have roughly $668 million of charter revenue debt outstanding.
RATINGS RATIONALE
The Baa3 rating is based on the charter network's large and growing scale of operations, fueled by its advantageous locations within Texas' rapidly growing metropolitan areas. Academic performance based on standardized testing is broadly comparable to competitors, though its unique offerings, such as a trilingual program, provide a competitive edge. Charter renewal risk is minimal considering current performance on authorizer metrics and a generally supportive environment within the state. Financial performance has historically been uneven, though the network's budgetary performance and liquidity is now a credit strength. Days cash on hand is a healthy 129 days as of fiscal 2021 and is expected to be maintained going forward. These factors are weighed against an elevated debt profile which will remain so due to an extended maturity schedule combined with continued issuances expected to fuel future growth.
The Aaa enhanced rating is based on the rating of the Texas Permanent School Fund (PSF) and the structure and legal protections of the transaction which provide for timely payment by the PSF if necessary. Moody's currently rates the Texas Permanent School Fund Aaa.
RATING OUTLOOK
The stable outlook reflects our expectation that the charter network will maintain healthy liquidity relative to its operations as enrollment grows over the next several years, however elevated debt will remain a constraining factor for the foreseeable future as the charter school continues to rapidly expand.
FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OF THE RATINGS
- Reduced leverage and improved debt service coverage
- Continued improvement in liquidity relative to operations
FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO A DOWNGRADE OF THE RATINGS
- Draws on liquidity, particularly if caused by operational issues or difficulties making debt service payments
- Deterioration of competitive profile (waitlist, enrollment, etc.) due to increased competition or reduced performance
LEGAL SECURITY
The bonds are special limited obligations of the Clifton Higher Education Finance Corporation, secured solely by revenues derived from a loan agreement with International Leadership of Texas. The charter network's principal source of revenue is state funding derived from its charter school operations. The school has also executed a deed of trust pledging all owned real estate as security for the debt.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Bond proceeds will be used to continue the charter network's expansion campaign, including new instructional facilities.
PROFILE
International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas) is a K-12 charter school organization that operates 33 schools on 20 campuses located in the Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston/College Station metropolitan areas. The organization has experienced rapid growth and currently serves 21,000 students.
METHODOLOGY
The principal methodology used in the underlying ratings was US Charter Schools published in September 2016 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBM_1039451. The principal methodology used in the enhanced rating was Rating Transactions Based on the Credit Substitution Approach: Letter of Credit-backed, Insured and Guaranteed Debts published in May 2017 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1068154. Alternatively, please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com for a copy of these methodologies.
REGULATORY DISCLOSURES
For further specification of Moody's key rating assumptions and sensitivity analysis, see the sections Methodology Assumptions and Sensitivity to Assumptions in the disclosure form. Moody's Rating Symbols and Definitions can be found at: https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_79004.
For ratings issued on a program, series, category/class of debt or security this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to each rating of a subsequently issued bond or note of the same series, category/class of debt, security or pursuant to a program for which the ratings are derived exclusively from existing ratings in accordance with Moody's rating practices. For ratings issued on a support provider, this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to the credit rating action on the support provider and in relation to each particular credit rating action for securities that derive their credit ratings from the support provider's credit rating. For provisional ratings, this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to the provisional rating assigned, and in relation to a definitive rating that may be assigned subsequent to the final issuance of the debt, in each case where the transaction structure and terms have not changed prior to the assignment of the definitive rating in a manner that would have affected the rating. For further information please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page for the respective issuer on www.moodys.com.
Regulatory disclosures contained in this press release apply to the credit rating and, if applicable, the related rating outlook or rating review.
Moody's general principles for assessing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks in our credit analysis can be found at http://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1288235.
Please see www.moodys.com for any updates on changes to the lead rating analyst and to the Moody's legal entity that has issued the rating.
Please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for additional regulatory disclosures for each credit rating.
Alexander Rawlings
Lead Analyst
REGIONAL_SOUTHWEST
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Plaza Of The Americas
600 North Pearl St. Suite 2165
Dallas 75201
JOURNALISTS: 1 212 553 0376
Client Service: 1 212 553 1653
Roger Brown
Additional Contact
REGIONAL_SOUTHWEST
JOURNALISTS: 1 212 553 0376
Client Service: 1 212 553 1653
Releasing Office:
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
250 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10007
U.S.A
JOURNALISTS: 1 212 553 0376
Client Service: 1 212 553 1653
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX–ILTexas College Station K-8 Student Tatum Howell won 1st place at the seventh annual Chinese Bridge Competition on Saturday, April 30. The event was held at the ILTexas North Richland Hills K-8 campus and hosted by ILTexas Global in association with the Confucius Classroom Coordination Office (CCCO).
Howell performed a traditional Chinese fan dance, puppet demonstration, as well as a cover of the Chinese Mandarin ‘Thank You’ song, ‘Xie Xie Ni.”
Jiahui Yang, Howell's Chinese instructor at ILTexas CSK8, had been preparing for the Bridge competition with her for nearly four months.
“We basically did practice after school, sometimes at campus, and sometimes online with the support and observation of her parents,” Yang said. “There’s nothing more purer, therapeutic and satisfying than seeing [Tatum] smiling with happiness and accomplishment.”
As for Howell’s mother, Valerie Howell, her first place win was unexpected.
“When [Tatum's] name was called as number one we were speechless, surprised, shocked, and amazed at our talented girl,” she said. “It never occurred to her that she could actually be the winner [and] seeing her reaction to hearing her name was truly priceless and something I’ll never forget.”
Nineteen finalists from public charters in the Dallas and Houston areas competed in the competition where they demonstrated language and cultural proficiency. Performances ranged from traditional Chinese dances and karaoke sing-alongs to Chinese yo-yo demonstrations, instrument playing, and spoken word poems.
Nine students from ILTexas took home trophies for 1st, 2nd, and third place with Howell as the first place winner of the group.
The competition was the first in-person event the ILTexas CCCO has held since the 2020 pandemic. It was also the first event the organization hosted as the Seventh US Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition site according to Helen He, director of the CCCO at ILTexas Global.
“Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition is an iconic event for Chinese learners all over the world to showcase their Chinese language ability and express their understanding and passion for the culture through talent shows,” she said. “Students definitely will grow from competitions like these [and] will also see the fruit of their learning and be encouraged to pursue their dreams with the Chinese language.”
The first-place winner from each group will enter the International Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition in China held in August and September this year.
See the full list of winners here:
K-8 Group
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High School Group
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GARLAND, TX – ILTexas Garland High School senior Victoria Torres received a surprise visit from the United States Marines Corps [USMC] recruiters on Monday, April 11. The Marine Corps JROTC cadet was surprised with a $180,000 scholarship to her college of choice based on her academic performance, community service, leadership, and MCJROTC participation, to name a few. According to Captain Stephen Alexander, the Executive Director of Marine Recruiting in Dallas, Torres was one of 55 recipients of the scholarship out of an applicant pool of 400 across 12 different states. In return, recipients are given a commission to the USMC to become officers where they will be trained and eventually given a unit to lead.
“Torres was unanimously voted across the board as one that all eight captains across the different recruiting stations wanted [as] one of those future officers,” Captain Alexander said.
For the surprise, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Fears, Senior Marine Instructor at ILTexas GHS, held practice drills in the school gym which Torres led. It wasn’t until the Marine officers and her parents walked in that Torres realized what was happening.
“I had no idea this was going to happen,” she said after receiving her scholarship award. “I had been waiting for this result for a little over two weeks now, and I was getting really anxious like, ‘oh my goodness, when are they going to release it?’ Then [during drills] I see the Marines walk in with their blues, and I see my parents behind, and it just hit me.”
Her parents, Adriana and Christopher Torres, also did not find out about the scholarship until the day of the surprise. They received a message from recruiters the day before asking if they could report to ILTexas GHS in the morning.
“It was a last minute thing and they didn’t say anything else,” said Adriana Torres. The two were incredibly proud of their daughter's achievements.
“We’re definitely thankful and to God be the glory because if it wasn’t for Him this [scholarship] wouldn’t be happening right now,” Mrs. Torres said. “We’re just so proud of her and all her accomplishments.”
Torres stated she had been thinking about the scholarship for over two years before deciding to apply.
“I finally made the choice to apply and really try for it and it’s definitely paid off,” she said.
As for her college of choice? Texas A&M University in College Station, which Torres said fell in love with during an ILTexas Road Scholars Trip in seventh grade. She plans to major in construction science with the goal of eventually owning her own company and building homes for people.
“Knowing that not only am I getting the degree I want, but going to my dream school, plus doing something that I love is incredible,” she said.
Torres, who has been a student with ILTexas since its founding in 2013, credits the charter for helping her build leadership skills.
“ILTexas showed me ‘what is leadership?’ and ‘what are you going to gain from leading others?’ and also learning how to follow others,” she said. “If it weren’t for the programs that they offer, then I definitely wouldn’t be where I’m at.”
GARLAND, TX- ILTexas hosted another successful Leadership Speaker Series at ILTexas Garland High School on Wednesday, where students and staff welcomed Perot Group Chairman and Dallas native, Ross Perot Jr.
Prior to the event, Perot Jr. toured ILTexas Garland K-8 where he had the opportunity to learn more about ILTexas and its unique mission.
At the high school, Perot Jr. answered questions from the student hosts and shared advice on how to be a great leader.
When asked who has had the biggest influence on his life, he mentioned his father, the late famed business magnate, Ross Perot.
“I’ve had incredible leaders throughout my life, but I was able to live with my hero: my father,” he said. “He was an incredible leader, incredible motivator, and so I grew up with the man I wanted to be like with his leadership skill.”
Perot Jr., who served in the United States Air Force and co-piloted the first helicopter flight around the globe at the age of 23, also shared the importance of team-building, which was key to his early accomplishments.
As for his top leadership trait? Integrity. “You need to have people who are honest, and you need people to know they can depend on you,” Perot Jr. said, in addition to following the golden rule. “Treat everyone like how you want to be treated. . .You keep those two things in mind and you’re going to do well in this world.”
For the student co-hosts, the Leadership Speaker Series has been a great way to speak to influential people and learn important leadership skills.
“This is my third Leadership Speaker Series,” said student co-host Sheldon Williams, a senior at ILTexas Lancaster-Desoto High School. “I like them because I can learn from people who are older than me [and] more experienced.”
Joyce Adewale, another student co-host and senior at ILTexas Katy-Westpark High School, shared the same sentiment.
“I like the fact that we have different kinds of speakers and we’re always looking for new perspectives and new views,” she said. “It's nice to see that the things we’re learning in school at ILTexas are being incorporated into real life jobs and our leadership traits that we use.”
*The Leadership Speaker Series is an ILTexas student-run production.
HOUSTON, T.X. - ILTexas was proud to host Ambassador Kristie Kenney at our ILTexas Katy-Westpark High School campus as part of our Leadership Speaker Series.
Ambassador Kristie Kenney holds the State Department’s highest rank of Career Ambassador. Over her 30-year career, she has represented the United States abroad as Ambassador three times and served in senior positions at the State Department and the White House.
The ILTexas Leadership Speaker Series is produced and run entirely by students and allows students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with our world's greatest international leaders.
International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas), a free public charter school network, hosted General Jim Mattis as a part of our first Leadership Speaker Series for the 2021-2022 School Year.
During the event, which was run entirely by students, General Mattis shared his leadership knowledge with students, including lessons learned during his time as a General in the Marine Corps, as well as his time serving as 26th US Secretary of Defense.
The ILTexas Leadership Speaker Series provides high school students from ILTexas across the state of Texas the opportunity to learn from and engage with some of the world’s greatest leaders. Former speakers include former President of Mexico Vicente Fox, former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd, and former Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin E. Dempsey.
International Leadership of Texas, a free public charter school district with more than 20,000 students in north and south Texas, prepares students for exceptional leadership roles in the international community. ILTexas’ unique blend of language and leadership sets students up for future success no matter where in the world life takes them.
Click the following link to view the recording of the event - https://bit.ly/383GV9N
New York, May 14, 2021 -- Moody's Investors Service has assigned a Aaa enhanced rating to International Leadership of Texas' approximately $47 million Education Revenue Bonds, Series 2021. The bonds are issued through the Clifton Higher Education Finance Corporation on behalf of the charter network.
For additional information regarding the underlying rating, please see our press release dated January 07, 2021. Moody's maintains a Baa3 underlying rating with a stable outlook on the charter school.
RATINGS RATIONALE
The Aaa enhanced rating is based on the rating of the Texas Permanent School Fund and the structure and legal protections of the transaction which provide for timely payment by the PSF if necessary. The Texas Permanent School Fund is rated Aaa and has a stable outlook.
FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OF THE RATING
- Not applicable
FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO A DOWNGRADE OF THE RATING
- Significant weakening of credit quality of Texas school districts and/or increase in charter school guaranteed debt beyond current expectations
- Unanticipated expansion of guarantee program and/or sharp decline in fund asset value resulting in substantial increase in ratio of guaranteed bonds to available fund assets
- Constitutional amendments permitting greater distribution of fund assets for non-guarantee purposes
- Growing economic, financial and/or leverage weakness at the state level
LEGAL SECURITY
Texas school district and charter district bonds approved under the program will be absolutely and unconditionally guaranteed by the corpus of the Permanent School Fund of the State of Texas. In the event of a payment default by a school district, registered owners will receive all payments due from the corpus of the Permanent School Fund.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Bond proceeds will be used to finance various expansion projects as well as an administrative facility.
PROFILE
International Leadership of Texas is a K-12 charter school organization that operates 33 schools on 20 campuses located in the Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston/College Station metropolitan areas. The organization has experienced rapid growth and currently serves 20,856 students. The schools operate under a single charter that expires in 2028.
METHODOLOGY
The principal methodology used in this rating was Rating Transactions Based on the Credit Substitution Approach: Letter of Credit-backed, Insured and Guaranteed Debts published in May 2017 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1068154. Alternatively, please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com for a copy of this methodology.
REGULATORY DISCLOSURES
For further specification of Moody's key rating assumptions and sensitivity analysis, see the sections Methodology Assumptions and Sensitivity to Assumptions in the disclosure form. Moody's Rating Symbols and Definitions can be found at: https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_79004.
For ratings issued on a program, series, category/class of debt or security this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to each rating of a subsequently issued bond or note of the same series, category/class of debt, security or pursuant to a program for which the ratings are derived exclusively from existing ratings in accordance with Moody's rating practices. For ratings issued on a support provider, this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to the credit rating action on the support provider and in relation to each particular credit rating action for securities that derive their credit ratings from the support provider's credit rating. For provisional ratings, this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to the provisional rating assigned, and in relation to a definitive rating that may be assigned subsequent to the final issuance of the debt, in each case where the transaction structure and terms have not changed prior to the assignment of the definitive rating in a manner that would have affected the rating. For further information please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page for the respective issuer on www.moodys.com.
Regulatory disclosures contained in this press release apply to the credit rating and, if applicable, the related rating outlook or rating review.
Moody's general principles for assessing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks in our credit analysis can be found at http://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1263068.
Please see www.moodys.com for any updates on changes to the lead rating analyst and to the Moody's legal entity that has issued the rating.
Please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for additional regulatory disclosures for each credit rating.
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