Virtual training for the 2025 ServiceNow Employee Center Update is now available in Cornerstone. This course will guide you through navigating and utilizing the new Employee Center, including how to:
Refer to the images below for a side-by-side comparison of the Self-Service Portal and the Employee Center.
Are you new to the district, never had a headshot taken, or simply due for an updated one? Now’s your chance to shine!
Dallas ISD central team members are invited to the next professional headshot session from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11. There will be a lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. when no photos will be taken.
The session will be held at the Linus D. Wright Central Administration Building, 9400 N. Central Expressway, 5th Floor, Suite 538.
Updates to Quarterly Headshots
We’re adapting and improving our process to better serve the district’s growing photography needs. Here’s what’s new:
Who Can Attend:
Headshot Day Details and Tips
Tips for a Great Headshot Experience:
For questions, email photography@dallasisd.org.
Educational Technology publishes a biweekly EdTech Newsletter, a publication designed to share information with principals, assistant principals, office managers, registrars, data controllers and other dedicated staff members looking to stay informed about the latest technology initiatives in our district.
Marlon Harrison, Educational Technology assistant superintendent, encourages the district to “stay ahead of the curve with our Educational Technology newsletter, designed to keep campus and central employees informed and engaged with the latest news and insights in the Dallas ISD tech world.”
“Our newsletter features sections on top technology issues, training opportunities and cybersecurity safety information,” he says, “ensuring you have the knowledge and resources to thrive as part of the Dallas ISD family.”
Why read the EdTech Newsletter?
How can I access the EdTech Newsletter?
The EdTech Newsletter can be accessed on the Education Technology website. The biweekly newsletter highlights the latest edition and includes links to previous issues, keeping you informed about exciting developments and key insights.
For more information about Educational Technology, visit Dallas ISD’s Educational Technology page.
In the coming months, Dallas ISD will be switching its procurement platform to improve client service within their organization, realize time savings and efficiencies by eliminating paper and Excel-based processes, and ensure compliant bids and RFPs.
“Bonfire will digitize and improve the procurement process for the districts as it has for hundreds of other districts and public sector entities,” said Candace Yarbough, executive director of Procurement Services. “This will improve the experience and the services we offer both to team members and vendors while continuing to ensure the highest standards in our procurement processes.”
What Bonfire brings to to the table compared with the existing platform:
Bonfire’s intuitive software with award-winning support makes it a platform that is easy to get up and running, easy to learn, and easy to use with great support for team members, stakeholders, and vendors.
Over the past 12 years, Bonfire has successfully implemented its procurement platform at hundreds of organizations across North America. To date, the Bonfire platform has managed billions in spending decisions and helped more than 900 clients gain efficiency and increase competition in their solicitations.
Before the platform is fully functional, Procurement Services will hold a pilot to work out any potential issues. Then, it will offer training for team members who regularly use the platform for RFPs. Because hundreds of vendors are already registered with Bonfire, the transition should be easy, but training for vendors will also be offered.
In honor of Black History Month, Dallas ISD is celebrating the achievements of team members throughout the district who are making notable contributions to the schools and the community.
Beverly Tillmon, elementary math teacher at Personalized Learning Preparatory at Highland Meadows Elementary, represents the best of what it means to be an educator. Recently selected as the school’s 2024-2025 Campus Teacher of the Year, her leadership, guidance and 55 years of experience have rewarded Tillmon with the unofficial title of matriarch at the campus.
Tillmon stepped into this year confidently after spending time out of the classroom to provide guidance as a math instructional coach. She admitted that although she knew this year would feel different, it has been easy.
The key to being a great math teacher, Tillmon says, is to “stay ahead of the game, always prepared for what is to come well before bumps in the road appear for students.” This has given her longevity and has made what she says can feel like teaching a new language, fun and rewarding.
Tillmon believes in preparing her students to be self-sufficient academically and socially, and said, “students will do what you ask them to do if they know what you are talking about.”
Tillmon’s impact on not only her students but also other teachers at her school is evident. Highland Meadows is also home to two Teachers of Promise, a recognition reserved for exceptional teachers within their first three years of teaching. When asked to give advice to the next generation of educators in the district, Tillmon was quick to answer that “she hopes to encourage them.”
“Your classroom isn’t built in a day or a year,” she said. “It takes time to learn yourself, to learn your craft, to learn your classroom, and to learn how to manage your time and outside tasks. It takes time to filter through the information and duties of being a teacher and to find what works for you.”
Tillmon spoke highly of her school and teachers, including 2022-2023 Teacher of Promise Nazira Sahial, a third-year kindergarten teacher who Tillmon has taken under her wing, commending her for the way she stays attuned to students and her ability to keep a calm and efficient classroom.
Sahial for her part credits her success as a teacher this far to Tillmon and spoke of her admiration for the Campus Teacher of the Year, who she described as her rock.
“She made space for me,” Sahial said. “She was there for me to keep my head up and keep going.”
Tillmon said she loves to work hard and finds solace in committing to her passion for education but also believes in rest and wellness. Despite her continued dedication to the craft, she finds comfort in her family and her faith, finding daily relief in these personal commitments. She credits her success to preparation, which allows her to remain grounded throughout the day, always keen to filter through what is most important for the success of her classroom.
Tillmon said that when her husband asks her, “How was your day?” she quickly replies, “It was a good day. That’s all I have are good days.”
Human Capital Chief Robert Abel was honored this week with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award by the Council of the Great City Schools for his distinguished service in urban education.
The award is sponsored by Kelly Education and is given to an individual from the management services ranks during the annual Chief Human Resources Officers meeting, which this year took place in Baltimore, Md.
With over two decades of experience in educational leadership, Abel has continually driven meaningful change in large, urban school districts, a vital part of the Council’s mission to improve student outcomes. Since stepping into his role as chief of HCM in 2021, he has been instrumental in strategic initiatives, such as a 44% reduction in overall grievances filed while achieving a remarkable 90% reduction in Level 3 grievances. These accomplishments reflect his commitment to fostering fair and transparent employee relations.
Under his leadership, the teacher applicant pool in Dallas ISD has grown by 14%, and substitute fill rates increased from 66% to 81%. Additionally, Abel implemented the Substitute AABS monitoring and accountability system, which has yielded approximately $1.5 million in annual cost savings. His strategic oversight of the district’s excess pool also resulted in savings between $10-12 million annually, ensuring that vital resources are reinvested into the classroom.
According to the CGCS, Abel’s dedication extends beyond numbers. He is a passionate advocate for collaboration and innovation in human capital management. His involvement in districtwide initiatives—including the At-Home Learning CORE team, IT Tech Steering Committee, and Special Education Curriculum Advisory Council—underscores his focus on operational excellence and holistic support for students, educators, and team members.
“Robert Abel epitomizes the kind of leadership we strive to recognize—one marked by the profound impact on students and staff, as well as innovative solutions to urban education’s most pressing challenges,” said Nicola Soares, president of Kelly Education, which co-hosts the annual meeting. “His achievements are a testament to the power of visionary leadership in creating strong, equitable systems that benefit every level of the school community.”
Abel holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from Oklahoma State University.
The Benefits Department is launching the 2025 Go Red—Healthy Heart Campaign, which takes place during February. This month-long campaign is all about raising awareness for heart health and encouraging a healthier lifestyle for all Dallas ISD employees.
The campaign includes:
Go Red Ribbons
Benefits will be sending red ribbons to all campuses and departments to wear throughout February in support of heart health awareness. Wear your ribbon proudly and show your commitment to heart health!
Keep It Pumping: A Heart Healthy Wellness Challenge
Join the fun with a wellness challenge! Get active with activities like walking, hitting the gym, doing yoga, or even taking the stairs at work. It’s all about keeping your heart healthy. Benefits will also be providing red pledge hearts to display around the campus or work area as reminders to stay on track.
Blood Drive: Give the Gift of Life
In partnership with Carter Blood Care, Benefits is hosting a blood drive at the Linus D. Wright Administration Building (Room 207/208) on Monday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a wonderful way to help others and support heart health in our community! Sign up to donate—every pint helps!
Go Red, Show Red
Wear your red on Friday, Feb. 14, and celebrate heart health with a fun twist: wear jeans for the day. It’s a small gesture that can make a big impact—show your support for a healthy heart!
Fresh Fruit Fridays
H.E.B. will be providing free fresh fruit every Friday at the Linus D. Wright Administration Building. Enjoy nutritious snacks that boost your heart health, support blood pressure, and give you the vitamins and fiber you need to feel your best.
Tips
Stay tuned for helpful tips throughout the month on managing blood pressure, healthy eating, and simple exercises to keep your heart strong. Plus, don’t forget to download your Go Red digital email signature from the Benefits website to show your support.
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out to the Benefits Department at 972-925-4300 or email Benefits@Dallasisd.org.
The Benefits Department is offering an opportunity to help team members plan for an exciting next chapter of their lives—retirement. Join experts for “Tuesday Talks: Achieving Your Retirement Goals”—a series of seminars designed to equip team members with the knowledge and resources to make retirement smooth and successful.
Save the Date: Feb. 11, 2025 | 5-6 p.m. VIRTUAL
The Benefits Department will guide participants through the essential steps to kickstart the retirement process with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and answer any questions about future retirement plans.
Why you can’t miss this event:
This event is first-come, first-served, so make sure you sign up early to guarantee a place. Register by clicking on this link to reserve a spot. The link to the virtual seminar will be sent out the day before the event.
Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or you’re already deep in the planning process, ‘Tuesday Talks’ will provide the insights and support to move forward with confidence.
On Jan. 31, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott issued a ban prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence and social media apps affiliated with the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party on government-issued devices. The list below has been updated.
The 88th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1893 prohibiting the use of certain social media applications and services on governmental entity devices. Government Code Chapter 620 requires governmental entities to ban the software products listed below on district-owned devices and networks effective Nov. 20, 2024. This extends the network block the district instituted on Jan. 27, 2023, on the social media service TikTok (Covered Applications).
Prohibited Software/Applications/Developers
New (as of Jan 31, 2025)
Existing List
Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we continue to secure sensitive information in our care.