Trustee Lance Currie: Wishing District 1 a joyful holiday season

Photo courtesy of Dallas ISD

I want to take a moment to wish all District 1 families a joyful holiday season!

As we reflect on our students’ growth and achievements of 2024, let us look ahead to an even brighter 2025. Thank you for your support and dedication to our students’ success.

Record Teacher Applications

During a recent board meeting, Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde Ed.D. reported that Dallas ISD received a record number of teacher applications in the last nine months. Data shows that the district continues to retain our most effective teachers at a rate above 90% annually. Congrats to the district team on their hard work attracting and retaining top talent to best serve our students.

Applications for specialty and Legacy schools are open

The application period for the district’s specialty and Legacy schools are open through Jan. 31. Our neighborhood schools continue to grow and thrive, and now, more than ever, Dallas ISD families have a wide variety of options to find the best fit for their students. For more information on our academic offerings and upcoming events, please visit www.dallasisd.org/discover.

College, Career, and Military Ready

A decade ago, less than 8% of Dallas ISD seniors earned an associates or bachelor’s degree within six years after graduation. Today, more than 11% of Dallas ISD graduates earn an associates degree before they graduate from high school. Our district has seen significant growth in students earning college-based (level 1 and 2) credentials, and now we have 69% of Early College pathway graduates earning an associates degree (60 credit hours) by graduation.

Holiday meals are available at no cost

Dallas ISD will be closed for the winter break from Dec. 23 until Jan. 3. To ensure all students have access to nutritious meals, the district will provide free pop-up meals at select schools for children 18 and under, as well as for students with disabilities up to 21-years-old. For dates and school locations, visit www.dallasisd.org/FCNS.

District 1 Updates

Congratulations to District 1 students for showcasing their incredible talents! From W.T. White and Thomas Jefferson high school students shining in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to W.T. White’s awe-inspiring production of The Lion King, our students continue to amaze us. Congratulations to all the performers and the dedicated teachers behind these achievements for bringing these unforgettable moments to life.

Finally, I also have exciting news about the renovation of our buildings. It was wonderful to participate in the dedication of Everette L. DeGolyer Elementary Schools’ new campus. It is stunning, and students will grow and thrive in that beautiful building for many years to come. Also, Harry C. Withers Elementary School recently began construction on renovations, including 10 new classrooms, a secure vestibule, and much more.

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.