AUSTIN (KXAN) — While the worst of the pandemic is in the rearview mirror, the impacts on students, and even teachers, still lingers.

Time away from the classroom took its toll, especially on students facing economic challenges.

“We are working now on not just building the capacity in our students and addressing the gaps that were created during the pandemic,” said La Kesha Drinks, Austin Independent School District assistant superintendent of elementary schools. “But we are also building the capacity of some of our teachers.”

Title I schools were hit hard during the pandemic.

“That is students and families that are experiencing poverty and they are experiencing it at a larger margin,” said Angel Wilson, assistant superintendent of secondary schools.

Students in these Title I schools face challenges like language barriers, generational poverty, lack of resources, but they also struggle to retain teachers.

“There are a larger number of vacancies in our lower performing schools and even when we do fill those positions you will notice there are a large number of novice teachers,” said Wilson.

More than 39,000 students in AISD are enrolled in schools that participate in schoolwide Title I.

St. Elmo Elementary School is one of the many Title I schools in Austin.

“We are 80% plus economically disadvantaged here,” said St. Elmo Principal Ben McCormack.

McCormack said getting to know the more than 300 students at his campus is key to their success.

“We use that relationship to figure out what we need to do to help every student in their unique situation,” said McCormack.

These relationships can help cater to each students needs and make sure they are caught up in their academics.

St. Elmo was recently named a Texas Gold Ribbon School.

“It is kids in high poverty high needs situations that are still showing growth and having success in terms of growth,” McCormack said.

McCormack said despite the challenges his students face, his staff makes sure the students have all the tools they need to succeed.

“The last state rating we had was an A,” said McCormack.

St. Elmo said a big part of their success is due to community partners.

Groups such as ‘Foundation Communities’ helps students with their academics after school and offers food pantries.

St. Elmo also received a grant to build a butterfly garden.

McCormick said the more resources the better the outcomes for students.

AISD graduation rates