Trustee Lance Currie: celebrating 60 years and agenda updates

Photo courtesy of Dallas ISD

I hope everyone had a wonderful October and an opportunity to visit the state fair. Kids are well into the school rhythm, and Friday Night Lights are in full swing.

Dallas ISD Updates

Goals and Constraints resetting process: Thank you to all community members who attended the recent Community Listening events hosted by the Board of Trustees. Your contributions were invaluable, and I look forward to further engaging with stakeholders to help shape Dallas ISD’s priorities for the future.

Legislative Agenda: This month, the Board adopted its legislative priorities for the upcoming Texas Legislative Session. Overall, we have five priorities:

Increase School Funding: School funding hasn’t increased since 2019, despite rising costs, growing needs, and unfunded mandates.
Provide pre-K3 and pre-K4 Full-Day Funding: The state currently funds pre-K3 and pre-K4 at half-day rates, though families need full-day programs. Additional funding is essential to support pre-K options for Dallas families.
Increase Teaching Compensation & Retention: Although no new funding has been allocated, Dallas ISD has raised teacher compensation by 21% over the past five years. State support is needed to sustain these investments for students and staff.
Increase Funding for School Safety: Safety is a top priority, yet recent legislative mandates added safety requirements without corresponding funding.
Accountability for Public Dollars: With ongoing discussions on Education Savings Accounts or vouchers, Dallas ISD advocates for equal public oversight and accountability for any schools or educational entities receiving public funds.

Discover Dallas ISD and choice school enrollment. Thank you to all families who joined us at Discover Dallas ISD at Fair Park on Nov. 9. For those who couldn’t attend, virtual information sessions are available on Dec. 7 and Jan. 18. Don’t miss your chance to explore our choice programs and apply by Jan. 31.

District 1 Updates

W.T. White High School celebrates 60 Years: Congratulations to W.T. White for celebrating 60 amazing years. We are incredibly proud who has been, is, or will be part of W.T. White’s amazing story.
Everette L. DeGolyer Elementary School Named District 1 attendance champions: Congratulations to the students at DeGolyer for their incredible attendance last year. I was honored to deliver the trophy for their new trophy case. Beautiful school, great kids, and well deserved!
Dallas ISD realtor training: On Oct.30, Dallas ISD hosted a pilot meeting with many local realtors to talk about the great things happening in our public schools. We will take the information we learned and continue reaching out to the realtors so they can tell families about the incredible success stories in our neighborhood and choice schools.
Thomas Jefferson High School’s amazing hero: Student Jonathan M. is a hero. Their family suffered an incredible tragedy when their home was set on fire. During the chaos, Jonathan ran back into his home to save his 2-year-old sister. While the family is facing an immense struggle, we are so proud of Jonathan and his heroism. If you would like to support his family, here is a link to the Go Fund Me page organized by TJ alumni: LINK.

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.