The Texas Education Agency gave failing grades to two Hidalgo County schools for their performance last year.

Administrators at one of the schools hope to start this new school year on a clean slate to turn things around.

Evangelina Garza Elementary in La Joya kicked off the school year with a new principal who said he hopes to make some changes.

Principal Jose Garcia is new to Evangelina Garza Elementary.

He just started working there two weeks ago, and he already has his hands full.

"Our goal is to ensure that all students read and accomplish that 90 plus on their TAKS scores," said Garcia.

The Texas Education Agency flunked Garza Elementary earlier this summer.

The agency said the area suffering the most is reading.

"The sky's the limit," said Garcia. "We can only go up regardless if we make a 10, 15 point increase; we'll ensure that students are successful."

Garcia said he is meeting with teachers and students alike looking for feedback and will decide what changes need to be made to improve reading scores.

"I do have to do an assessment a needs assessment to ensure that I have the qualified teachers which I know I do," said Garcia.

Imelda Villareal Guerra teaches the 5th grade at the school.

"We did work our hardest and sometimes things don't come out the way we want them, but the only thing we can do is instead of dwelling on it, move forward," said Guerra.

Guerra said more one-on-one teacher and student time is essential.

She said teachers should look over exams and figure out what students have problems with and then go back and redirect and teach.

Another activity principal Garcia said could help motivate students to improve their reading skills is to get them involved in a reading millionaire program where students that read more than a million words can get dressed up at the end of the year and got to lunch in a limo.

The principal said with teamwork, positive attitudes and student recognition, he's sure the school can make a comeback.