Ott's Outlook

The beginning of October is one of my favorite times of the school year. Our staff and students have settled into their routines and there is this overall synergy of engagement and achievement district-wide. It is truly incredible to watch our students and staff excel!

Temple ISD was highlighted at the state-level in a variety of ways during the Texas Association of School Boards annual conference last month. What I am most proud of is that our district and community are being recognized for the exemplary things that are happening here on a daily basis. From our incredible business/community partnerships to the blue lights that don the downtown on Friday nights, this community cares for and supports our staff, students and families with a relentless passion that is unparalleled.

If you ever wonder if your support makes a difference to our students and staff, it does. Our students are able to thrive because of how our district and community work together to prioritize their needs, maximize their potential and prepare them for their futures. Our staff are able to raise expectations and champion our students because the Temple community does the same for them. Not only does your support matter but it is one of the things that makes Temple ISD and this community so special.

I have said before that I have the best job in the world and that is because of the people I get to serve and work with in this district and across the community. I am truly blessed and grateful to be a part of this Temple ISD community.

Sincerely,

Bobby Ott

Dr. Bobby Ott was named the 2022 State of Texas Superintendent of the Year at the TASB's Fall Convention! The selection committee comprised of school board members from across the state noted that Dr. Ott stood out from the rest because he sees education as a way to transform lives and he prioritizes a personalized learning experience for every student in the district through portfolio-based assessments and a local accountability system that reflects the needs of his community.

At the September meeting, the Temple ISD Board of Trustees adopted a total annual tax rate that that is 1.5 cents lower than last year even with the sale of $100 million bonds. The tax rate remains the lowest rate for Temple ISD since the 2010 tax year and the lowest rate compared to our surrounding districts. In total, Temple ISD has lowered the tax rate nearly 18 cents in the last five years for our tax payers.

The Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath visited classrooms at Jefferson Elementary in September to see the Amplify literacy program in action. At the end of his visit he stated that he these were the kinds of classrooms that he would love for his own children to be in. The staff and students at Jefferson provided a glimpse into the heart of Temple ISD for him and now the top education leader in the state knows how special our district and community truly are.

Temple ISD School Attended: Thornton Elementary, Bonham Middle School, Temple High School Class of ‘98

TAUGHT AT: Bonham Middle School Choir 2002-2008, Mom (Connie Harris) taught 25 years at Jefferson Elementary School

College Education: Southwestern University, 2002, Bachelor of Music; Boston University, 2008, Master of Music Education; Louisiana State University, 2011, Ph.D. in Music Education

Current Job: Division Director of Fine Arts at Temple College (faculty since 2013), co-owner (with husband, Zechariah Baker) of The Beltonian Theatre

Family: Husband Zechariah Baker and son Gray Baker, is a junior at Temple High School, is an IB diploma candidate, and plays bass in Highlighters

Favorite memories in Temple ISD: The courtyard with bunnies, ducks, and chickens at Thornton. My friends and I potty trained a duck so he could walk the halls of the school.

Choir and Theatre events in High School including playing Marian in The Music Man and making the Texas All-State Choir twice.

Being a Wildcat to me is being a curious lifelong learner and striving to be your personal best at anything you put your mind to do.

Congratulations on all of your success, Sara!

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.

The virtual auction will run from October 3 - 5. To register, click on the image below or go to www.TEF2022Fall.givesmart.com or text text TEF2022Fall to 76278.

Email: bobby.ott@tisd.org
Website: https://www.tisd.org/apps/pages/Superintendent
Phone: 254-215-6760
Facebook: facebook.com/templeisd
Twitter: @OttTempleISD