Ott's Outlook
January 2026
We are so excited to welcome back our students and staff after what we hope was a restful and enjoyable holiday break. I have already had a chance to sit in on professional development opportunities and have visited several campuses and you can feel the excitement across the district.
January is also an exciting time because it is School Board Appreciation Month and gives us a chance to celebrate our outstanding Board of Trustees. Board service is a volunteer effort and is a tough job with no salary. Temple ISD is blessed with a board that is truly dedicated and committed to providing an excellent educational experience for all students in our district.
The seven members of our Board of Trustees are personally invested in Temple ISD, as every member of the board either graduated from Temple High School, has a spouse that graduated from Temple High School, or has children enrolled in or that has graduated from Temple High School. They understand the importance Temple ISD plays in our community and make every decision with that in mind.
Our current trustees have combined for more than 84 years of service to Temple ISD and also serve the greater Temple community through involvement with their churches, civic and service organizations, local advisory boards, and membership on numerous committees. They demonstrate their servant leadership every day.
Our board members also helped develop and oversee the passage and implementation of both propositions included in Election 2025, the completion of projects included in Bond 2022, and the piloting and implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) across the district. The Temple ISD trustees have also participated in the Raise Your Hand Texas Board Advocacy Program, strengthening their voice in advocating for our students, staff, and stakeholders with elected officials state-wide. They have also worked closely with our local representatives to work toward the legislative priorities approved in 2024.
Their hard work, dedication, and commitment has also been noticed and recognized beyond our local community. The Temple ISD Board of Trustees was named the 2025 ESC Region 12 Board of the Year and went on to be selected as a TASA/TASB Honor Board as one of the five finalists for 2025 School Board of the Year.
Again, we are so grateful for our trustees’ service, dedication, and commitment to our Temple ISD and celebrate them year-round, but especially during School Board Appreciation Month in January.
Sincerely,
Bobby Ott
Temple, Belton ISD superintendents explain policy process following approval of new local policies
Temple Education Foundation announces new scholarship for Temple High School graduates
Temple ISD officials outline bond proposition plans over next few years in message to parents
Temple High School FFA has most successful finish at area competition in more than a decade
Practice 'welding' at Temple ISD Career and Technical Education annual community Christmas event
Bond vs. VATRE: How Temple ISD proposition funding mechanisms differ, effect project timelines
Initial stages of 2025 Temple ISD bond, project planning begin; security upgrades priority for next school year
Temple High School's The Blue Plate offers real-world culinary training to students
You can nominate a special Temple ISD alum for our Alumni Spotlight!
Temple ISD has a long history of excellence and we have had many, many graduates who have gone on to exemplify our vision to become influential and impactful leaders in their local communities and beyond. Temple ISD Alumni Spotlight will feature alumnus and alumna that have represented our community and our district in a positive way.
To nominate yourself or a Temple ISD graduate, please complete our online Alumni Spotlight Nomination Form. Nominations will be reviewed and candidates selected by the Temple ISD Board of Trustees Policy Committee
Sampson-Howard Students received a "Spread the Empire" bracelet for their amazing performance at the admin building.
Passing out bracelets to all Choir students from Sampson-Howard.
THS Band won the 6 News Spirit Award.
Mission Monday at Wheatley.
Great lunch with Region 12 Executive Director Kenny Berry & Tom Norris.
Christmas luncheon at Scott Elementary.
Travis Science Academy received treats for meeting their attendance goals.
Class of 2019 Chris Hitt, is back at THS as a substitute.
"Spot on Award" to Mrs. Jenkins at Wheatley.
LJ at Raye-Allen received a "Spread the Empire" bracelet.
Mission Monday at Fred Edwards Academy.
Congratulations Mrs. Carlisle for being named December Rotary Educator of the Month.
Supporting the THS Cosmetology program.
The Grinch performance was amazing!
Elliana Scantling did an amazing job as "Cindy Lou Who" in the Grinch.
Congrats Jason Bradford for signing with TCU.
Congratulations Mrs. Goddard for your nomination for Region 12 Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Enjoyed the invitation to the Class of 72' luncheon at Suzy Q's.
Wes Tweeters was surprised with the Friends of Temple ISD Award.
Spot on award was given to Mrs. LeRoy at Jefferson Elementary.
Congrats Jamarion Carlton for signing with UT.
The Temple Christmas parade is always fun!
Scott Elementary students received a "Spread the Empire" bracelet for their leadership.
