Inside Dallas ISD

When Edwin Dubois, principal of H. Grady Spruce High School, stands before students, he doesn’t see a random crowd of teenagers. He sees the future of the neighborhood where he grew up—and a calling he can’t ignore. “I want people to know that it’s a new day here at Spruce,” Dubois said. “Whatever yesterday’s view of Spruce was, we want people to see about today.” A Dallas ISD legacy, Dubois grew up in the Pleasant Grove community and graduated from Skyline High School. While his professional life didn’t begin in the classroom, the fire was lit once he began substitute…

From the classroom to campus administration, Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School emphasizes leadership development at every level.  The school earned an overall academic score of 88 from the Texas Education Agency by focusing on schoolwide collaboration.   At Brashear, academic success begins the moment students walk through the school doors. Each morning, they are greeted by the principal, Sonja Barnes, and teacher assistants.. Barnes welcomes students with a swarm of bubbles, creating a friendly environment that sets the tone for the day.   “I believe that as teachers, we should approach our work with joy and intention, making school an exciting place…

Devon Fortson, head wrestling coach at Justin F. Kimball High School, built a championship program rooted in unity.  A former student-athlete and Kimball alumnus, Fortson dedicated nearly four decades to wrestling and is now making history. In recognition of his lasting influence on students and the wrestling community, he will be inducted into the 2026 Texas High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Honor.   “When I found out about the honor, I was reminded how everything happens in due time,” he said. “In due time, you’ll get your flowers—you’ll get your reward for the hard work you do. I’m glad…

On any given day at Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship Academy at James W. Fannin, students are dreaming up ways to solve problems most adults barely notice. One group imagines a vending machine stocked not with chips and candy, but with deodorant, lotion, pencils, pens, sanitary pads, and even hoodies that meet dress code.  Another team wants to redesign the lanyard for student IDs so it feels more like an accessory. Another looked at the hallways, and spearheaded a campaign to decorate them with student art to improve campus culture.  Kathryn Cates, the teacher who is turning entrepreneurship into a way…