Superintendent

Dr. T. Lamar Goree is a nationally recognized transformative leader whose leadership style reflects his unwavering commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for all students. Dr. Goree’s inspiring vision, vast experience, and commitment to excellence and innovation make him a notable figure in the field of education, poised to lead Duncanville ISD to its next great chapter. 

Superintendent Experience
Before joining Duncanville ISD, Dr. Goree served as superintendent of Caddo Parish Public Schools (CPPS) in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he led a district of nearly 34,000 students across 57 schools. His tenure at Caddo Schools is noted for significant academic achievements, including reaching an all-time high graduation rate and producing numerous National Merit Scholars, perfect scores on the ACT, and U.S. Presidential Scholars. Under his leadership, three district schools were awarded National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence honors, one earned a Green Ribbon School designation, and another was named a National Title I School of Distinction.

He also spearheaded the implementation of top-rated curricula and prescriptive professional development for educators, directly aligning these efforts with student needs to enhance performance. Dr. Goree also introduced the Transformation Zone, a targeted intervention for the district's most underperforming schools, resulting in marked improvements in academic performance and graduation rates. He is also credited with being one of the longest-serving superintendents in the district’s history. 

Fiscal Responsibility and Innovation
Dr. Goree's leadership is characterized by a commitment to being a good steward of taxpayer dollars while prioritizing the classroom. His tenure includes overseeing efforts that led to Caddo achieving its highest fund balance in decades. His strategic financial management enabled multiple employee pay raises and the establishment of incentive pay structures all without additional funding. 

Holistic Approach to Student Well-Being
Dr. Goree's holistic approach to education includes addressing the social and emotional needs of students. He launched a districtwide initiative in 2019 to train staff on adverse childhood experiences, implementing trauma-informed practices to better support students' emotional well-being and reduce the number of disciplinary referrals. His initiatives also included opening school-based health centers, expanding mental health services, and introducing mobile dental services to ensure students' comprehensive health needs were met.

Community Engagement and Recognition
Active in community service, Dr. Goree has been involved with numerous nonprofit organizations including My Brother’s Keeper, Rotary, the Committee of 100, and Step Forward. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2019 Louisiana Superintendent of the Year and a 2021 Broad Academy Fellowship. He is also a member of Chiefs for Change, advocating for career and technical education and expanded secondary education opportunities on a national stage.

Vision for Duncanville ISD
As superintendent of Duncanville ISD, Dr. Goree is committed to bringing the same level of excellence and innovation that marked his tenure at CPPS. He aims to enhance student achievement, ensure students have access to opportunities to foster their creativity and find their passions and support a safe, collaborative environment for both students and staff. Dr. Goree prioritizes effective communication, community engagement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in education.

Education
Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Goree is a graduate of Huntington High School.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Morehouse College and both a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Early Career
Dr. Goree was called to education while volunteering as a tutor at a local middle school while working at General Electric shortly after graduating from Morehouse College. As the son of two lifelong Caddo educators, Dr. Goree had originally thought his career path was heading toward business and finance. However, after heeding the call to the classroom, he enrolled in a teaching certification program and began working as a math teacher in Marietta, Georgia before being recruited to Fort Worth ISD in 1998 as a math teacher. From there, he rose in school leadership with roles in Fort Worth ISD and Mansfield ISD including serving  as principal of Leonard Middle School, Danny Jones Middle School, and Mansfield Summit High School before moving into district administration in Mansfield as an assistant superintendent and area superintendent. 

Personal Life
Dr. Goree is married to Kimberly, whom he met during their sophomore year in high school math class. They have two children: Morgan, who recently graduated from Parker University as a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, and Madison, who will be a sophomore at Xavier University in New Orleans this fall. The family also enjoys their energetic Goldendoodle, Miles.

 

Superintendent's Contract