Trustee Lance Currie: Setting goals for the future of DISD

Photo courtesy of Dallas ISD

School is hitting its stride, and so is our process of setting goals for the future of Dallas ISD, which we undertake once every five years. The Board has set up Community Listening Sessions in all parts of the city and with certain key partners (business leaders, education advocates, etc.) so that we can work together to build the school system our kids deserve.

Dallas ISD Updates

The District 1 community listening session took place on Oct. 9 at Career Institute North. I had the opportunity to be there with many of you, along with Trustee Sarah Weinberg (D2), Trustee Dan Micciche (D3) and Trustee Joe Carreon (D8) to focus on two key questions:

What are the most important things that students in Dallas ISD should know or be able to do by the end of elementary, middle, and/or high school?
With the priorities you identified in mind, what should Dallas ISD preserve or avoid doing as it focuses on its priorities?

It was great to see everyone there, and I look forward to meeting many more at our next community meeting session. Please check here for the full schedule so you can attend one of the next sessions. We are also gathering feedback through this online survey, which will remain open for the next six weeks. This is your opportunity to share what is important to you and your family.

Student Outcome Goals Progress Report

Speaking of student outcome goals, the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees has discussed progress toward our current goals. Consistent with national trends, the district saw declines in state assessment (STAAR) scores across many subjects, notably in third grade reading and math. However, we have seen increases in algebra I, biology, English II, and U.S. History. At the briefing, Dallas ISD administration explained its strategic adjustments to address these challenges.

District 1 Updates

Here are highlights from our District 1 schools:

Congratulations to Ms. Cortney House, of E.D. Walker Middle School: Ms. House was selected by Teach for America and the College Football Playoff Foundation as a 2024 Extra Yard Teacher. Shoutout to Ms. House for her commitment to promoting excellence and equity in her classroom and going the extra mile for her students.
Thomas Jefferson High School hosted an incredible Hispanic Heritage Fair: Huge thank you to Mr. Nate Forrister, TJ’s modern band director, for inviting me to TJ’s Hispanic Heritage Fair, which made the news! It was an incredible showcase by the Patriots of traditional food, art, music, and dance. Well done.
Reading Partners at Stephen C. Foster Elementary School: Thank you to principal Crystal Torres and the amazing team at Foster for welcoming me and our friends at Reading Partners to the campus. I’ve been volunteering for reading partners for eight years, and I met an amazing student that I will work with for the rest of the year. Just one hour per week can change a young student’s entire educational journey. Volunteer at Reading Partners to help our kids become the best readers they can be.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our students. If you have questions, thoughts, or want to talk about how we can work together to make Dallas ISD the best school district, please e-mail me at LanceCurrie@dallasisd.org.