Central Staff News

From professional dance studios to high speed networks in every classroom, Dallas ISD’s 2020 Bond Program is changing campuses into hubs of creativity, technology and academic excellence, transforming the landscape of education for the next generation.  

The bond program, the largest such voter-approved investment in Texas history, focuses on building sustainable, high-quality facilities that equip students at every campus with the resources they need to be successful. 

“Our district has made remarkable strides bringing to life state-of-the-art facilities and modern learning environments that embody our district’s dedication to excellence,” said Chief Construction Officer Brent Alfred.

Whether a student has dreams of becoming an architect, researcher, or professional dancer, they will have access to the modern tools, technology and learning environments needed to turn those dreams into a reality.   

Through $270 million bond funds allocated for technology, every campus will be equipped with the right tools for now and the future, including in areas like the arts, which are deeply supported by technology. Fine arts spaces across the district are being transformed with soundproof practice rooms, ensemble rooms with recording equipment, digital music studios and even dance studios with professional sound systems.  

One of the most exciting transformations can be seen at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy in South Dallas, affectionately known as “Baby Booker T.” The $9-million makeover featuring a new dance studio, piano lab, maker space, and updated library, aligns with the school’s mission of “bringing dreams to life,” and prepares students to feed directly into Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to visit a campus and witness firsthand students making use of the equipment and resources we’ve provided,” said Jennifer Uwe Williams, executive director of EdTech Enterprise Support Services. “Each encounter strengthens our team’s commitment to further our student’s enlightenment.” 

Beyond just the arts, the 2020 Bond technology allocation ensures all students have access to reliable, high-quality technology across a variety of career focuses. The Educational Technology team works in partnership with the construction and bond departments to order, install and integrate equipment, all while using resources efficiently. Their work includes providing internet, Wi-Fi, computers, and classroom technology for new projects, along with strengthening cybersecurity and infrastructure districtwide.  

In the 2024-2025 school year alone EdTech:

• Improved network access and completed technology upgrades at 13 elementary schools.

• Installed 3,397 new connectivity access points

• Refreshed all high school student devices 

• Strengthened cybersecurity districtwide

These milestones not only support teachers in their instruction, but they also ensure students have reliable tools to learn, create and innovate. 

“The path ahead is filled with promise and potential,” Alfred said. “Let’s continue this important work with the same passion and dedication that has brought us this far, knowing that the best is yet to come.”  

And the winners are

 Dallas ISD is building legacy and is proud of the great participation from team members in last week’s Legacy Launch. Team members’ energy and engagement during the day of celebration and inspiring video was unmatched! More than 6,600 people scanned the QR code to be eligible to win prizes. A special congratulations to Legacy Launch winners:

• BRHOLMES@DALLASISD.ORG – Brittany Holmes – 
• LMERCADO@DALLASISD.ORG – Lorenzo Mercado
• JESALAZAR@DALLASISD.ORG – Jeneace Salazar
• EDIOSADO@DALLASISD.ORG – Ermelinda Diosdado 
• CHANMALONE@DALLASISD.ORG – Chandler Malone
• AMMARISH@DALLASISD.ORG – Amanda Marish
• AGUZMANOSORIO@DALLASISD.ORG – Angel Guzman Osorio
• JBANDA@DALLASISD.ORG – Juana Banda
• JOVALDEZ@DALLASISD.ORG – Jose Valdez
• VDAWSON@DALLASISD.ORG – Vicki Peace Dawson

A huge thank you to partners Broadway Dallas, the Dallas Mavericks, AT&T Performing Arts Center, and the Dallas Museum of Art for their generous donation. 

Winners will be contacted by phone and email by a member of the Communications team with details on their prizes and how to retrieve them. 

Have a great school year!

Dallas ISD is launching a new “Season Pass” for tickets to all district regular-season home athletic events on GoFan.co, its exclusive ticket provider. Passes will go on sale on GoFan.co beginning Aug. 15 and will be discounted for one month.

The season pass is designed to provide savings to district families, friends, and fans, especially if they have multiple children playing sports at various levels: middle school, freshman, junior varsity, and varsity.

An adult season pass is $55 through Sept. 15, when the pass will go up to $70. The purchase of an adult ticket includes admission for that adult and one child. The individual price for 10 football games would be $60 for an adult, which is a $5 savings for the adult in addition to the child getting in free.

A student season pass is $40 through Sept. 15, when the pass will go up to $55.

“The year-long pass makes our events more accessible for our families, especially those families that have multiple student-athletes who play multiple sports all year long,” said Vince Reyes, assistant superintendent for Athletics. “And we have some amazing Dallas ISD alumni and alumni groups, along with community members that may have no kids in our schools, but they just like supporting our teams and attend multiple sporting events all year. This first ever season pass is just another way that we Play Big in Dallas ISD.”

The district has not offered a season pass in recent history, which meant those attending district games—adults and students—had to purchase tickets on a game-by-game basis, paying typically $6 per adult and $4 per student. While the option to purchase individual tickets remains, fans have the option to realize some savings by purchasing the season pass and attend several games across all sports at all levels. 

Exclusions apply to the season pass: No special events, including UIL playoff games, the Dallas ISD Holiday Basketball Invitational, and campus sponsored tournaments.

The district will continue to enforce its clear bag guidelines at all games. All approved bags are subject to be searched. For more information about which bags are permitted at sporting events, please download the guidelines document.

Dallas ISD started the 2025-2026 school year with its lowest first-day teacher vacancy count in a decade—only 59 positions remaining to be filled. This resulted in an impressive 99.4% teacher fill rate for the first day of school. 

This record-breaking achievement is attributed to the continuous, effective, and multifaceted teacher recruitment and talent management strategies implemented by Human Capital Management, in close collaboration with School Leadership, said Chief of HCM Robert Abel. These efforts have generated approximately 12,000 teacher applications, significantly expanding the talent pool and enabling principals to select the best candidates for our students and campuses.

Human Capital Management is actively continuing to source candidates for the remaining openings, leveraging the substitute teacher pool to support campus needs and partnering with Academic Services to ensure all campuses with vacant positions receive comprehensive support. 

Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde often has pointed to teacher retention and recruitment as one of the reasons for increased student achievement. 

“Let’s remember where we buried our treasure. We are a leader in pay for performance, and the data show that we retain our most effective teachers at a rate that other districts envy,” she said during a recent Board of Trustee meeting discussing early results of the State of Texas Assessments for Academic Readiness.

Historical first day teacher vacancy rates by school year are reflected in the chart below:

On Aug. 8, the Dallas Education Foundation awarded 51 Dallas ISD teachers Heart of Teaching Grants to fund innovative, teacher-led projects that will enrich classrooms and campuses across the district. 

The Grantee Award Ceremony brought together educators, principals, and district leaders to celebrate bold ideas that, according to DEF, will inspire and transform student learning. From robotics and cheerleading to sensory spaces, theater clubs and gardens, each project reflects the passion and creativity that define Dallas ISD educators.

“Extracurricular activities arewhere students often discover their voice, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging,” said Emily Davis, Grants and Programs manager at the Dallas Education Foundation. “We are honored to support these educators who are creating meaningful opportunities for students to thrive.”

Grants awards were divided into two categories: 17 teachers received the Heart of Teaching Advancing Equity through Innovation in Special Education Grant and 34 teachers received the Heart of Teaching Grant for Elevating Extracurricular Excellence. Each educator will receive up to $2,500 impacting a total of 7,737 students. 

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Heart of Teaching Advancing Equity through Innovation in Special Education grant recipients: 

• Christine Bickers, Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary 

• Toni Cheri Butler, Frank Guzick Elementary School 

• Youngsun Choi, Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Middle School 

• Michell Dukes, E.B. Comstock Middle School 

• Pamela Jenkins, Martin Weiss Elementary School 

• Dora Karim, Barbara Manns High School – DAEP 

• Adriana Perez, Leslie A. Stemmons Elementary School 

• Yizzel Pompa, Leila P. Cowart Elementary School 

• Patricia Reyes, W.H. Adamson High School 

• Rachel Rogerson, W.W. Samuell High School 

• Jennifer Rottkamp, W.H. Adamson High School 

• Shauniesa Sisk, Central Elementary School 

• Stashawn Swist, Jerry R. Junkins Elementary School 

• Jewel Vaughn, Anne Frank Elementary School 

• Lenett Wilson, Adelfa Botello Callejo Elementary School 

• Karen Wood, W.W. Samuell High School 

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Heart of Teaching Grant: Elevating Extracurricular Excellence grant recipients: 

• Emily Allison, Bishop Arts STEAM Academy 

• Bailey Brown, Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy 

• Mark Brunet, Ascher Silberstein Elementary School 

• Jose Cena, Mount Auburn STEAM Academy Elementary School 

• Sara Cram, Thomas C. Marsh Preparatory Academy 

• Sergio de Rozas Barrio, L.O. Donald Leadership Academy 

• Devlin DeCutler, Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management 

• Saraid Driskell, Solar Preparatory School for Boys at John F. Kennedy Learning Center 

• Tim Eastman, L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School 

• Ashley Gallo, Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs 

• Dakecia Hall, Umphrey Lee Elementary School 

• Brittany Hearne, William M. Anderson Elementary School 

• Jakim Jackson, Stephen C. Foster Elementary School 

• Angela Johnson, Royce West Leadership Academy 

• Katharine Joss, Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School 

• Raven LeDay, Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy 

• Jamie Linver, Dallas Hybrid Preparatory 

• Yun Liu, Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School 

• Esmeralda Martinez, Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School 

• Alicia McCowan, E.B. Comstock Middle School 

• Maria Melian, Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School 

• Blake Mokate, Skyline High School 

• Kelley Moore, New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell 

• Martha Mouret-Sanders, San Jacinto Elementary School 

• Maira Perez, Rosemont Upper Campus 

• Lorraine Ramos, Adelfa Botello Cajello Elementary School 

• Carla Renteria, Personalized Learning Preparatory at J.W. Ray 

• Netallia Rush, Ronald E. McNair Elementary School 

• Jonathon Salguero, Thomas Tolbert Elementary School 

• Ana Sepulveda, John Q. Adams Elementary School 

• Gloria Velasquez, San Jacinto Elementary School 

• Anali Vidana, Barbara Jordan Elementary School 

• Jordan Wheatley, John Q. Adams Elementary School 

• Destinee Wilson, North Dallas High School 

“My deepest, most sincere gratitude goes to the Dallas Education Foundation,” said Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Transformation Brian Lusk. “By providing vital programs like the Heart of Teaching grants, you are directly empowering our teachers to innovate, to dream bigger, and to create opportunities that might otherwise remain just dreams.” 

When Jerrence Garrity was 8, his father, who owned an HVAC business, taught him how HVAC systems worked, what to look for when they fail, and what to do to repair them. Now, decades later, Garrity is not only the owner of Garrity Heating and Air, but also teaches the skills necessary to work on them to freshmen and sophomores at Career Institute East.

Garrity, a graduate of David W. Carter High School, isn’t new to teaching. He taught English Language Arts and Reading at John Lewis Social Justice Academy at Oliver Wendell Holmes in 2012 and later at D.A. Hulcy STEM Middle School in 2016. His father, he said, also taught HVAC at Skyline High School from 1996 until he retired in 2010. 

Garrity, who first worked for Dallas ISD in 1995 as a summer helper for the Maintenance and Facility Services department, said he is returning to the classroom for 2025-2026 in honor of his father. 

“His spirit is with me when I’m in the classroom,” he said. “I can feel him there, and it’s kind of what made me come back, because he poured his heart and his soul into teaching and not just teaching—HVAC as well.”

Garrity learned to love the trade not only because his father taught it to him, he said, but also because he likes “to see people being comfortable in their households.” He mentioned his experience as an HVAC technician for the district gave him a new perspective on the importance of a comfortable learning environment for students and teachers.

“It’s just a passion of mine to see people comfortable, especially when I was in maintenance and going into the classrooms,” he said. 

As a teacher, Garrity is now dedicated to preparing students for life after graduation. His goal, he said, is to help them learn a trade they can rely on. 

“The idea is that they come away with a certification,” he explained. This gives the students a “steppingstone into the workforce” and helps set them up for success.

Garrity said one of the most memorable parts of teaching for him was when a former student called him, years later, to ask for his advice. 

“When they come back and talk to you, it just shows a lot,” he said. “It’s these moments of connection and impact that make the job so rewarding.”

For Garrity, teaching is a two-way street: “The teacher has to have that zeal and that enthusiasm just as well as the students do. It is very hard, but no teacher can reach 100% of students, but as long as you reach one, you’ve done your job.” 

In his classroom, he relies on a method that ensures every student participates and learns from his peers. Through structured cooperation and engagement, the method keeps any one student from dominating the conversation, he said. 

With the new school year beginning, he hopes new teachers know that teaching will be overwhelming at first, but “to ponder the thought that things get better.”

“We teachers have to dig deep, especially on those days we may not be feeling good and we can’t leave the campus or maybe going through something,” he said. “You have to be trained. You have to work through it, fight through it, and get through it for your students.”

When Dallas ISD Police Sgt. Quintin Barge heard about the devastating floods in Central Texas, he stepped in to help by spearheading a one-man relief effort for the survivors. 

“This happened in the state of Texas, and Dallas ISD is a really big district,” he said. “I said to myself, “Why don’t I do something?”’

With approval from leadership, Barge set empty boxes by the biometric clocks at the police station on Ervay Street and at Elisha M. Pease Elementary School, where Dallas ISD police meet for training.

“I said to the troops, ‘Hey, you guys may have seen empty boxes in front of the biometric clocks that say toiletries for the flood victims. Be sure to donate, if you can. God blesses us to be able to bless others, right?” Barge said.

Donations began dribbling in. The entire department—from police officers to security guards to administrative assistants—contributed, Barge said. The donations, Barge continued, included soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, deodorant, and even laundry detergent. It was enough to fill up the back seat and trunk of a Tahoe SUV.

Initially, Barge considered mailing the supplies, but early last Tuesday, Barge and Detective Terry Brazil hopped into the Tahoe and drove four hours to Kerville ISD where they were greeted by a welcoming committee. 

“They were happy to see us,” Barge said. “They were really, really happy. The area looked almost abandoned, and I didn’t see any men. Only women and boys.” The men, Barge said, had gone off to help with flood recovery and cleanup. 

Barge said that all donations are kept in an old elementary school that doubles as the headquarters. The donations are set up in tables in the cafeteria by products, he said. 

After the Dallas ISD donations were unloaded, Barge said, he, Brazil, and Kerville staff members held hands for a quick prayer and conversation. 

“Kerrville ISD doesn’t have many resources. There’s not a lot of money there,” Barge said. “The items that were delivered came from all kinds of personnel—the non-sworn staff, dispatchers, and the administrative assistants.”

Helping others, like the flood survivors of Kerr County, is not new for Dallas ISD Police. They are committed to community engagement throughout the year through a variety of initiatives, such as the annual Officer Claus holiday celebration, back-to-school rallies, Thanksgiving food drives, and stop-the-violence initiatives. “I’m also just happy to have leadership within our department that makes community engagement a high priority,” Barge said. “We love our jobs, our community,  our kids, and our staff members. We’re willing to sacrifice ourselves for them.”

We are excited to kick off the 2025-2026 school year, where legacy will be built through you. On Aug. 4, teachers returned to their classrooms to prepare for another year of energy, creativity and learning. This year is all about Legacy, honoring the impact teachers make through every lesson taught, every relationship built, and every challenge overcome. 

Whether this is your first year with Dallas ISD or you grew up in the district as a student, we celebrate your unwavering commitment. We are also celebrating our veteran educators who are preparing for their final year with the district. Their legacy will last for generations to come. Together, let’s make this year unforgettable.  

With the focus on building legacies for 2025-2026, there are a few new developments this year to build on:

• Dallas ISD begins the school year with 99% percent of teacher positions filled and less than 100 vacancies, the smallest number in recent history.
• This school year starts with great news about academic success and students showing remarkable progress across the board. Results often exceeded state performance, and Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde attributed the district’s momentum to the unwavering dedication of its educators and the district’s bold approach to innovation.“Let’s remember where we buried our treasure. We are a leader in pay for performance, and the data show that we retain our most effective teachers at a rate that other districts envy,” she said. “Additionally, we intentionally invested in early learning and were leaders in implementing what we call high-quality instructional materials and what regular people call a rigorous curriculum.”
• This year, school leadership changed its reporting structure, adding a sixth region. 
• The recently passed House Bill 1481 will prohibit the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. Even though the law does not go into effect until Sept. 1, the district will start enforcing this on the first day of school Aug. 12.
• Students at John Lewis Social Justice Academy at Oliver Wendell Holmes and Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy will be starting the school year at two new school buildings thanks to the 2020 Bond Program.. 
• Several new programs will be added for students, such as outdoor recreation, which includes camping, swimming, outdoor safety, first aid, among other outdoor activities.
• Dallas ISD will boast the first competitive soccer league in the fall for students in grades 4-6.
• A new districtwide messaging  system will offer two-way communication so principals and teachers can better communicate with parents/guardians and students in the language of their preference. 
• Translation Services has two new forms to request translation of documents and interpretation during meetings. You can find the forms at www.dallasisd.org/translationservices.
• A new rowing program, which includes training in swimming, will launch this fall. This program, part of a partnership with Bachman ROC Rowing Club, will provide scholarship opportunities to students and support diversification in the sport. The first training was held this week at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center.
• Dallas ISD is transitioning to a new secure web gateway solution powered by Netskope, which will replace iBoss in student devices. Like iBoss, Netskope will operate in the background during this transition. The new platform is designed to enhance the student web experience and strengthen the security of district devices and data. 

Dallas ISD put out a call for new teachers. About 1,000 answered—both novice and experienced educators alike.

This past week, the district  welcomed them through the New Teacher Academy, a professional development series focused on instructional delivery, student engagement, digital tools, content, and curriculum.

The academy culminated in a districtwide celebration at the Winspear Opera House where participants donned bright yellow T-shirts that Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde said meant they were joining a 14-karat gold team—and that they were chosen from among the best.

“We chose you to play on our team. Our vision is absolutely to be the premier school district, and that doesn’t mean someday. It means now, today—every one of our kids needs it,” she said.

The event kicked off with a performance of “Hakuna Matata” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy students and messages from Elizalde and Board of Trustees President Joe Carreón.

Carreón reminisced about the teachers who helped him to find his voice and his purpose in the world. 

“That is their legacy. I am indebted to every one of them,” he said.

Elizalde recalled her own challenging first year of teaching, admitting that she “quit four times in just the month of October.” She acknowledged the demanding, but highly rewarding, nature of the profession stating that “95% of the time, [teachers] are going to love this calling, because it’s not a job. But 5% of the time it is going to hurt.”

She urged the teachers not to let the 5% become the 95 and reminded them that students are more than just test scores.

“Everything shouldn’t rest on assessments, because each and every one of us and every one of our students is way more than a test score,” she said.

But even when it comes to STAAR test scores, Elizalde said, Dallas ISD is “outpacing the state in 80% of tests, especially among emergent bilingual, African American, and economically disadvantaged students.”

Meet some of our new teachers below and discover why they chose Dallas ISD.

 

Valerie Castaneda—Prekindergarten ESL teacher
PreK Partnership Center

“This is my home. I was a product of Dallas ISD, and it only made sense to return and contribute to it.” 

 

 

 

Diana Torres—Bilingual teacher
J.L. Long Middle School

“This is where I grew up. I’m also a product of the district. I’ll be a Spanish teacher, and my Spanish teacher in high school is actually the one who inspired me to serve the community.” 

 

 

Gabriela Pedroza Martinez—Bilingual teacher
Woodrow Wilson High School

“I appreciate that Dallas offers great programs like teacher certification that are completely free– that’s one of the things that led me to this.”

 

 

 

Katherine Williams—Math teacher
J.L. Long Middle School

“I have grown up in Dallas and lived near the school where I’ll be working for most of my life. I’ve always felt called to be a teacher, and I have already been teaching for 15 years. It’s natural for me and brings me a lot of joy, especially when I feel like I’m able to make a difference in my students’ lives.”

 

 

Jayah L. Caley—English teacher
North Dallas High School

“I want to be a teacher because I strongly believe in public education. My grandmother was a high school English teacher, and it was a childhood dream of mine to also be a teacher. I hope to one day serve at a more policy-oriented level.”

 

 

 

Zachary Moon—Welding teacher
Career Institute North

“I started my education in Dallas Community College, and I wanted to give back the same kind of resources that I got. Now I’m teaching welding, and it feels really good to be able to give a younger generation a head start.”

 

 

Brock Hunter—Coach
Grady Spruce High School

“I come from a family of educators. My mom taught for 35 years, and I think it’s just in my blood. I just love helping children; I love being a good role model.”

 

 

 

Carrington Washington—Health teacher
Career Institute South

“I was working at CVS and then decided to make the transition to teaching. What I like about teaching is that I get an opportunity to see that light-bulb moment. I enjoy seeing when students make those connections not only theoretically but practically.”

 

 

 

Marie Abigail—Special education teacher
B.H. Macon Elementary School

“I know that Dallas can help me grow professionally and personally as a teacher. It offers a lot of opportunities for us to improve. I believe the children need me, and I need them, too.” 

 

 

 

Mary Joy Encallado—ESL teacher
Stevens Park Elementary School

“I like teaching because I want to share my knowledge and skills with my students and to expose them to my Filipino culture.”

 

 

 

Imee Bruce—ESL teacher
Lee A. McShan Jr. Elementary School

“I’m so happy to be part of Dallas ISD. Not only is it one of the biggest school districts in the United States, but I was chosen out of countless teaching applicants in the Philippines. I am very excited because it’s my first time teaching in another country.”

In compliance with state and federal laws, Dallas ISD requires that all employees complete the annual compliance training at the beginning of every school year. The deadline for completion is Sept. 30.

Employees (except for substitute employees) can log into Cornerstone at https://dallasisd.csod.com. On the “Welcome” page, go to the “My Assigned Training” section and click “Add” or go to the “Learning” tab and select “View Your Transcript.”

For help with technical issues with the courses in Cornerstone, employees may go to the “Live User Support” tab to access the live support team.

Substitute employees can log into the Compliance Learning Portal using their employee ID, last name (as it appears in Oracle/Biometric Clock), and date of birth.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Human Capital Management (HCM) Policy and Compliance team at HCMcompliance@dallasisd.org.