After helping thousands of adult students learn to read and write, Dallas ISD’s decades-long stewardship of the adult education program is nearing an end. A grant from Workforce Solutions of Dallas/Texas Workforce Commission is expiring at the end of 2014. District staff is working on a transition plan to make sure that the work of students and teachers continues uninterrupted. “The work done through this grant has transformed thousands of lives under the leadership and coordination of Dallas ISD,” said Paula Blackmon, senior executive for intergovernmental affairs and community relations for Dallas ISD. “We are committed to working with workforce…

Approximately $2.1 million in college tuition savings. That is the amount Dallas ISD minority students saved in college tuition costs by passing one or more Advanced Placement (AP) exams last May. This group of students led the nation in the number of qualifying scores on AP exams in subjects such as math, science and English. “We know of no other large urban district in the country that has even half the results Dallas has with respect to the percentage of their minority students passing AP math and science exams,” said Gregg Fleisher, Chief Academic Officer of the National Math and…

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…