DISD Board highlights district achievements and ongoing issues

Dallas, Texas - In a routine meeting that involved reviewing district reports and recognizing the achievements of educators and students, the DISD Board of Trustees addressed several key points of celebration and challenge.

Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde confirmed that despite minor air conditioning issues—which have been resolved—the start of the academic term proceeded smoothly.

Elizalde highlighted the significant improvement in STAAR test scores over the past year and proudly mentioned DISD's recognition as a ‘District of Distinction’ by the Texas Art Education Associates. This honor is significant, with only 68 out of 1,250 school districts in Texas receiving it.

She also revealed that the district's visual arts program ranks in the top five percent across Texas and the number of unfilled teaching positions is now down to 70.

However, a vocal group of community members, including parents, teachers, and other concerned citizens, emphasized the pressing needs of Dallas youth. Considering that 86% of DISD students are from economically challenged backgrounds, community involvement is crucial.

Shondria McDonald presented data that emphasized the importance of proactive measures in districts with many disadvantaged students. She urged the board to reintroduce parent and community engagement forums and to allocate more district resources. McDonald's plea emphasized the necessity of close ties between schools and their communities for improved student outcomes.

Highlighting the potential within DISD students, District 6 Trustee Joyce Foreman referred to the success story of Carter High's Sha’Carri Richardson. Foreman reminisced about Richardson’s victories in 2017 and 2018, leading up to her setting world records in Budapest, a testament to what students can achieve with determination.

However, community advocate Robert Ceccarelli voiced concerns, comparing Dallas' test scores unfavorably to other major Texas cities. The discussion also delved into ongoing challenges, with Stephen Poole drawing attention to the declining standards at Carter High School due to changes in leadership.

Madison High School's principal came under scrutiny when Ceccarelli pointed to her conduct, urging attendees to review a video recording from the Dallas Independent School District's June 2023 board meeting. Yolanda Williams joined in, advocating for the principal's removal and contrasting her previous achievements with current issues.

George Rangel thanked the board for adjusting testing requirements for students up to eighth grade, liberating teachers to concentrate more on teaching. Christopher Wilkins lamented the state of libraries within the Dallas Independent School District, emphasizing their essential role in education.

Concerns were also raised about the school curricula, with Sierra Tyler pointing to gaps in mathematics courses and Tanesha Bynham spotlighting the lack of girls’ athletic periods. Rosie Kurtz discussed the potential pitfalls of the newly-introduced Carnegie lesson plans, and Brittany Lawrence stressed the challenges faced by special education students.

On the topic of school transportation, elevated temperatures on school buses were addressed. Linda Barrett and Miracle Mallard presented instances of extreme heat on the buses, while also highlighting the challenges faced by bus drivers. One notable incident involved a driver named Jay Hawkins, who suffered from heat-related issues. Sheila Walker, offering a perspective on the same, suggested providing chilled water to students and drivers as a temporary measure. She emphasized the need to prioritize the students in all educational decisions.

Credit: Dallas Independent School District, Dallas Metro News