Supporting families in crisis

This summer, several Dallas ISD team members went above and beyond to assist families facing severe hardships, including lack of electricity, food, hygiene products, transportation, and housing.

Just days after school ended in May, many families were severely impacted by a tornado that passed through Dallas. Numerous households were left without electricity or water for days when temperatures climbed into the 100s.

The City of Dallas received a report about terrible conditions of several apartment buildings where Dallas ISD families lived, many of whose children attend Charles A. Gill Elementary School.

Leslie Cannon, a community engagement specialist for the City of Dallas, quickly reached out to Chandra Roberson, Gill Elementary’s principal, who instantly went into reaction mode, contacting district leadership, Student Transportation Services, Food and Child Nutrition Services, teachers, community liaisons, churches, and anyone else she could think of who could help.

Within hours, families were picked up and taken to the school for food and resources—bags with hygiene products, extra water for families to take home, and additional food to support students in the community.

“Good thing we had summer school at Gill, so we were already serving hot meals,” Roberson said. “I had some team members to help me put everything together. It wasn’t just me. I have to say that I would not have been able to make those moves had the team not been so responsive.”

Meanwhile, Jazmine Harrison, director of Student Transportation Services, worked with her department to quickly select a driver who could assist families in need.

“The district not only picked up Dallas ISD students, but they also provided support to seniors living in these apartments,” Cannon said.

Randolph Staff, a standby cover driver responsible for various transportation assignments and summer duties, was called to transport the families to Gill. He was glad to step in and help because he finds joy in working with students.

“He helped carry all the supplies onto and off the bus and went above and beyond to help. We couldn’t have asked for a better driver,” said Cannon.

Team members often tell students, “I am taking care of you now; one day you’ll be taking care of me and my children. There will be a day you are possibly [going to be] my banker, attorney, doctor, or even be my children’s teacher or school bus driver. When that day comes, you will be helping me or my children.”

According to Albert Brown, director in the Student Transportation department, Staff personified the Core 4 tenets by joining in to help these families in need.

“My favorite memory with the district is helping families in need,” Staff said.