By Odessa American, August 5, 2026
Five years ago, Ector County ISD took the leap to adopt Opportunity Culture staffing and instructional design, an initiative from Public Impact designed to extend the reach and impact of the most effective teachers on a campus. This year Ross Elementary took that to the next level by becoming the first school in the nation to earn Level 3 Certified Opportunity Culture School status. The historic milestone reflects the school’s intentional efforts to create an environment where innovation and teamwork could thrive.
“This achievement is an incredible honor,” said new Ross Elementary Principal Amanda Anderson who served as principal intern at the school last year. “It reflects the dedication and commitment of the educators who have poured their hearts into serving Ross students.”
“We congratulate Ross Elementary on being the first in the nation to reach Level 3,” Public Impact Co-President Bryan C. Hassel said in a news release. “Ross has shown how to make this team staffing and instructional design, with higher pay and accountability for student results, become simply the way a school does things — a great example for other schools around the country.”