A “Board Business Summary” is published on the district website following each regular school board meeting convened by the Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees. School board members hosted a regular board meeting on September 20, 2021. A video recording of the meeting will be available on the district website under Board of Trustees.
Board of Trustees Approve New Chief Academic Officer
The Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Jaretha Jordan as the school district’s new Chief Academic Officer. She brings more than 18 years of experience in education to the district. Dr. Jordan was most recently the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Executive Director of PK-5 Schools at Irving ISD. She has also served as the Executive Director of Professional Development and Instructional Support Programs at Crowley ISD and principal at Mansfield ISD.
Dr. Jordan has a passion for giving students the opportunity to achieve beyond their maximum potential and is enthusiastic about serving the students of Duncanville ISD.
Dr. Jordan earned a Bachelor of Business degree from Northwood University, a Master of Education from the University of North Texas and a Doctorate of Education from Tarleton State University.
District Network Engineer Promoted to Director of Technology Operations
Brandonn Thomas, who has served the district as a network engineer for three years, will now take on the leadership role of Director of Technology Operations. The Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees approved the decision during the September regular board meeting.
As the network engineer, Mr. Thomas played a pivotal role in the district’s technology infrastructure including cyber security, video surveillance and phone systems to name a few. Mr. Thomas has a total of 21 years of experience in information technology.
“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 September honorees include teacher Lupita Villalobos, student Chris Zenon and staff member Noella Wavers.
Lupita Villalobos is a teacher in our new Pre-K 3 program at Smith Elementary School and she has made the extra effort to speak with parents to assure them their little ones would be in great hands in Duncanville. Ms. Villalobos has received praise from parents for her compassion and kindness. Parents of Ms. Villalobos’s students say their young learners are excited to go to school every day.
Chris Zenon is a Duncanville High School senior and was nominated by teacher Shaunna Kile. Mrs. Kile says Chris is a leader among his peers. Chris is a member of the varsity baseball team, and his good character has helped motivate others to do well in school. Last year when most students were learning at home, Chris played a large role in making sure his friend did not drop out. Chris exemplifies what it means to be "Made with Pride in Duncanville."
Noella Whavers is the Risk Manager in the Human Resources Department. As the district's risk manager, Mrs. Whavers' role drastically changed as a result of the pandemic. She has worked around the clock and during holidays supporting staff members who need to report positive COVID-19 cases or may have been in close contact with someone who tested positive. Mrs. Whavers is the primary contact for staff members during a time of uncertainty. Her calming personality and the way she communicates the next steps is helpful for staff.
Superintendent’s Report
Duncanville ISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith began his report sharing details about the Leadership Southwest visit to the new Charles Acton Leadership Academy. Best Southwest Dallas County leaders toured the campus as part of their Duncanville Day to learn more about the new elementary choice school. Students took leadership roles and gave tours to those in attendance.
Dr. Smith also provided information about the annual Duncanville High School College Fair, where recruiters from more than 100 colleges, universities, trade schools and the armed forces helped students decide their next steps after high school. Students had the opportunity to speak directly with recruiters to learn more about admission requirements, college programs and more. Students in attendance said the College Fair helped them narrow down their choice schools. To learn more about the College Fair, click here.
September 15 launched the start of Hispanic Heritage Month and there have already been multiple events at our campuses including themed days to celebrate the Hispanic culture. This year’s theme is “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.” Hispanic Heritage Month continues through October 15.
Dr. Smith concluded his report with Duncanville High School Head Football Coach Reginald Samples’ 300th career win. The football team’s victory over DeSoto Friday night marked a major milestone for Coach Samples, making him the first African American coach to achieve this accomplishment and only the 13th high school coach in Texas. Dr. Smith, the Duncanville ISD Athletics Department and football players congratulated Coach Samples in this video commemorating this achievement. With last week being an away game, the team did not have an opportunity to celebrate on their own field. A short pregame ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at Panther Stadium before the football team plays Waco Midway High School.
Other Items
The board agenda items can be found here.
Approved minutes from the August 16 board meeting
Approved minutes from the August 30 board training meeting
Approved financial report for July 2021
Approved budget amendments for July 2021
Presentation of donations
Approved purchase of CEV online curriculum program for the Career and Technical Education Department
Approved 2021-2022 Dallas College Memorandum of Understanding
Approved assessment of waivers to use another Grade 7 reading diagnostic instrument
Approved request to the Texas Education Agency for a maximum classes size exception waiver
Approved request to the Texas Agency for Optional Flexible School Day Program
Approved adoption of the tax rate for the 2021-2022 fiscal year for the general fund and debt service fund
Approved Dallas Central Appraisal District’s certified rolls for 2021
Approved nomination to be considered for the Dallas Central Appraisal District Board of Directors
Discussed refunding bonds
Discussed 2021 district academic performance report
Discussed COVID-19 Update