Trustee Lance Currie: Spring semester updates from District one

Photo courtesy of Dallas ISD

As we dive into the spring semester, I’m proud to recognize the dedication and achievements of the students, educators, and families of District 1. Their commitment to excellence shapes a thriving learning community and paves the way for even greater opportunities ahead.

DALLAS ISD UPDATES

Dallas ISD closing the re-pandemic gap with NAEP scores: The National Assessment of Academic Progress which is administered every two years across the country to fourth and eighth graders is showing that Dallas ISD is making significant growth towards pre-pandemic levels, though with room still to grow. Dallas ISD’s eighth grade reading gains were among the highest nationally and English language learners significantly outperformed their national and large-city peers in fourth and eighth grade math and English.
College enrollment progress: Last year, 59.4% of Dallas ISD 2023 seniors enrolled in college, which is up 3% from the prior year. An amazing $425 million in scholarships were offered, which was a 37% increase from $310 million the year before. Additionally, 88% of seniors applied to three or more colleges, and fewer students needed remedial classes as measured by an increase in TSI readiness from 33% to 58%. This progress is a direct result of board Investment in greater student access to college counseling.
Access to proficient teachers: Strong teachers in the classroom can have a positive impact on student outcomes, and Dallas ISD is setting a priority to close the gap between high priority and non-high priority campuses and student access to proficient teachers. While Dallas ISD has taken significant steps and increased student access to “proficient 1” teachers across the board, we regressed on closing this gap. The board spent a significant amount of time working to understand why and what the administration’s plan is to move forward.

District 1 updates

Here are highlights from our District 1 schools.

Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy Destination Imagination team advances to state: Congratulations to Walnut Hill’s D I team for advancing to the state Destination Imagination Competition at the University of Arlington in March.

Everette L. DeGolyer Elementary School PTA receives award: Congratulations DeGolyer PTA for receiving the Golden Apple Award from Texas PTA for the 2024-2025 school year. This award recognizes the 100% PTA membership achieved for our full-time DeGolyer staff. It shows the commitment of the teachers and staff to building an amazing community.

W.T. White High School coach Pat Williams celebrates 500th win: Congratulations to W.T.White basketball coach Pat Williams for achieving his 500th win. This is an incredible milestone, and it shows his lifelong commitment to building young men into leaders.

Three George H.W. Bush Elementary School teachers awarded support grants: Big thank you to United to Learn for awarding three teachers at Bush Elementary support grants to fund their classrooms. Thank you!
Thomas Jefferson High School alumni sworn in to Texas House: Congratulations to Linda Garcia, of T.J. High School class of 1999 for being sworn into the Texas House of Representatives, serving District 107.

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, just email me at LanceCurrie@dallasisd.org.