A “Board Business” summary is published on the district website following regular school board meetings convened by the Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees. School board members hosted a regular board meeting on April 11, 2022. A video recording of the meeting will be available on the district website under Board of Trustees section.
Boys Basketball Team Celebrated for Fourth Consecutive State Championship
The Duncanville High School boys basketball team returned to the State Championship tournament to defend their title and brought home a fourth consecutive state championship win. The team finished the season with a record of 35-1. They played nationally ranked teams all across the country throughout the season and were ultimately ranked #1 in two polls, MaxPreps and Fab40.
In addition to be outstanding athletes, the members of the boys basketball team also excelled in the classroom with a combined grade point average of 3.2. Seniors Davion Sykes and CJ Ford were both named to the Texas High School Coaches Association Academic All-State Team.
Congratulations to these academic and athletic champions for continuing their reign.
Board Honors Three Recipients Presented with District’s Top Award - Spirit of a Champion
In a school district with so many outstanding leaders who put students first and serve as a model to others, it’s difficult choose a people to present with the Spirit of a Champion award. The selection committee was comprised of prior District Teachers of the Year, and they reviewed more than 60 nominations before making their selection. The 2022 Spirit of a Champion award winners are:
Tamra Thompson, Principal at Brandenburg Intermediate School
As a campus leader, Ms. Thompson shapes a vision of academic success for all students. She creates a welcoming school climate where educators and staff feel safe to freely share. Ms. Thompson is an outstanding listener, who is consistent and dependable. She is a prime reason those on her campus feel like Brandenburg is home and everyone there is part of an extended family. Ms. Thompson is the person other principals, directors and leaders contact for advice, because she always has a creative idea and words of wisdom. Her dedication doesn’t stop at just her school. She’s also regularly seen at extracurricular activities all over the Duncanville ISD, from fine arts to sports to community events. Ms. Thompson is also a Duncanville High School graduate, so she really knows what it means to have the Spirit of a Champion!
Alec Hawkins, Duncanville ISD Head Athletic Trainer
Service before self describes Mr. Hawkins is the district’s head athletic trainer and cares for the health and well-being of student athletics. Mr. Hawkins goes above and beyond the responsibilities of his job. He’s regularly the first person to arrive and one of the last to leave, as he waits to ensure students have a ride home well after practices and games have ended. Mr. Hawkins regularly stays late or opens the training room during weekend so parents, coaches and athletes are able to be fully informed and have access to the tools they need for the health and wellness of students. His influence goes beyond sports medicine. Mr. Hawkins is also the Fellowship of Christian Leadership Athletes (FCA) advisor. Since he’s taken on the role, the FCA membership has grown. The FCA is involved in community activities and student leaders are frequently invited to speak at other clubs or city events. Mr. Hawkins drive, commitment to students and influence embody the spirit of a champion!
Andrea Fields, Chief of Staff and Operations
Mrs. Fields is a leader who is passionate about people. She believes in building strong relationships and is proactive about getting the work of the district accomplished. She has the ability to uplift those around her with a kind word but will not hesitate to hold her team accountable. Mrs. Fields is a consistent leader who models a can-do spirit. She not only has a positive impact on her team, but her leadership spans across the entire school district. She freely shares her wisdom and encouragement to encourage people to continue pressing on even when facing difficult challenges. Mrs. Fields truly has the spirit of a champion!
“Made with Pride in Duncanville” Honorees Recognized at Board Meeting
Each month, Duncanville ISD honors a student, staff member and teacher who go above and beyond. They are chosen from nominations submitted by coworkers, classmates or community members. These individuals reflect the excellence and pride of our district and they are “Made with Pride in Duncanville.”
The April honorees include student Seleste Long, staff member Jada Ross and teacher Jack Zellar.
Seleste Long is an 11th grade student at Duncanville High School and has been a member of the Duncanville Band since 6th grade as a bassoonist. Seleste continues to grow as a musician and leader in our band program while maintaining high academic standards for herself and participating in many clubs and extracurricular activities.
Jada Ross is the Teacher Specialist at Central Elementary School. Mrs. Ross goes above and beyond to connect with both the students and staff. She is always available to help and is extremely knowledgeable.
Jack Zellar is a band teacher at Duncanville High School. Mr. Zellar is the definition of excellence. Excellence is his teaching, in his love for his career, and in his love for his students and the Duncanville High School Band. He is selfless, timely, and a great example for the students he teaches in the band program of Duncanville High School. He also is an inspiration to many students and teachers.
To read more about the Made with Pride in Duncanville honorees, click here.
Superintendent’s Report
Duncanville ISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith regularly provides information about recent events in the school district. This month the Superintendent’s Report included recognition of the annual District Art Show, which as hosted at the Shine Performance Hall on Thursday, March 24. Student artwork was on display from all of the schools in the district. Artwork ranged from creations made from sea shells, tennis shoe art and realistic pencil and charcoal drawings.
The Duncanville High School choir traveled to Colorado where they participated in the Winter Park Ski Musical Competition and finished with a Superior Rating, Best in Class, and received the Grand Champions award.
Prekindergarten enrollment began last month and the district hosted the annual Pre-K Roundup last week to assist parents with enrolling their 3- and 4-year old children. During the roundup, 99 Pre-K students enrolled for the 2022-2023 school year.
Dr. Smith closed out his report with graduation information. The Duncanville High School graduation ceremony is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
Other Items
The board agenda items can be found here.
Approved minutes from the March 21 board meeting and March 31 budget workshop
Approved financial report for February 2022
Approved budget amendments for April 2022
Approved purchase of shared services arrangement agreement with Irving Regional Day School Program for the Deaf
Approved District of Innovation Renewal
Approved Board of Trustees Education Hours
Approved Awarding of Depository Contract
Discussed Budget Development Timeline and Budget Overview
Discussed Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC) at Duncanville High School
Discussed Heating, Ventilation and Cooling – HVAC Replacement and Air Quality Plan
Discussed Technology Update
Discussed COVID-19 Update