The Dallas Business Journal has named Dallas Independent School District Chief Financial Officer Dr. James Terry, CPA, Government CFO of the Year, an award that distinguishes North Texas’ financial professionals “whose demonstrated commitment to their respective companies’ financial best practices, accounting standards and success as a strategic visionary set them apart.” Under Terry’s direction, the Dallas ISD was able to double the district’s general fund, secure funding for major renovation to district schools, and improve its Moody’s bond rating from AA- to AA as well as its S&P rating for financial management from regular to strong.   According to an…

Five students who have been kept home while under observation after coming in contact with the first U.S. Ebola patient will soon return to school. The district has taken additional steps to address some of the psychosocial needs to calm any remaining fears. “One of the messages we have for everyone is practice good hygiene,” said Connie Rodriguez, director of psychological and social services. Connie Rodriguez heads the district’s Psychological and Social Services department. She says everyone must continue to use “common sense” behaviors. Methods such as washing your hands, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing and staying home…

Four of five Dallas ISD students who have been cleared by health authorities to resume regular activities following an exposure to the Ebola virus returned to school this morning, one day earlier than expected. The students were cleared at midnight to resume normal activities. They had been advised to come back to school tomorrow, Oct. 21. The district learned this morning of the students’ intentions after they arrived at school. “While we had planned on them coming back to school Tuesday, they were obviously eager to return back to the school environment and decided on their own to attend,” said…

Like most parents, Brittany Brown wants to give her daughter as many opportunities as possible to be successful, which is why she felt it imperative to enroll her 4-year-old daughter, Za’naae, in the Dallas ISD’s early education program at Arthur Kramer Elementary School, where she learns both English and Spanish. “She comes home and teaches me things she’s learned in class,” said Brown, who is studying to become a medical assistant. “It’s amazing watching your child grow and develop while being exposed to a different culture and different types of people.” Brown most values her daughter’s exposure to the bilingual…