While Texas was not selected to receive a $120 million federal grant to expand pre-kindergarten offerings throughout the state, Dallas Independent School District programs will not be negatively impacted. The U.S. Department of Education awarded 18 states nearly $226 million on Dec. 10 to grow their preschool programs. Texas had requested $120 million, but concerns about aspects of its application led federal officials to select other states. However, the lack of additional grant funds will not prevent the district from expanding its pre-K offerings, which serve more than 9,700 students. “Yesterday’s decision by the federal government will not slow down…

UPDATED: Feb. 16, 2015 The Dallas Independent School District has filled two important positions within its Human Capital Management department. The district has hired Shatana Allen to lead the Professional Standards Office, effective Dec. 1, and Cheston Chan was tabbed as the new director of Employee Relations effective Nov. 27. The district’s Professional Standards Office reviews allegations and complaints made about employees while the Employee Relations department manages disciplinary action of employees. Allen brings a wide range of experience from various human resources roles in both the public and private sector. Prior to Dallas ISD, Allen had held the title…

Four Dallas ISD elementary schools are among 22 schools across the nation that have been named finalists for the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) Excellence in Urban Education Award, which recognizes urban schools that serve socioeconomically disadvantaged students who are excelling academically. The four schools are: John Quincy Adams, Jimmie Tyler Brashear, John J. Pershing and Walnut Hill elementary schools. “These schools are extraordinary examples of what can be accomplished when we believe in the abilities of our students and provide high quality classroom instruction and other key supports that make a real difference,” said Superintendent Mike Miles.…

Eight district students were chosen as finalists to advance to the 23rd Annual Gardere Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition, set for 11 a.m., Jan. 16, 2015, at the Majestic Theatre. In eloquent speeches, 14 district fourth- and fifth-graders shared with the audience what they felt Dr. King would have said in his acceptance speech if he were alive and won the Nobel Prize today. Each of the students wrote original essays and competed at the campus level for the opportunity to represent their school in the districtwide competition. Each student is judged on stage presence, delivery, content interpretation and…