Ott's Outlook
September 2025
I am so proud of the way Temple ISD has started the 2025-2026 school year. I have visited all 15 campuses and seen our dedicated staff in action. Students are engaged and focused and there is a sense of spirit and culture that continues to build across our campuses.
Teachers are using state-approved High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) throughout the district after Temple ISD piloted the use of those materials in previous years. New classroom additions at Hector P. Garcia, Kennedy-Powell, and Raye-Allen Elementary Schools were open on the first day of school and helped the district keep its promise to eliminate portables. There is also new furniture, new paint, and new roofs at several campuses and our facilities look great as students and staff return.
Students and staff have also adapted well to the expansion of our cell phone policy to our middle and elementary schools and high school also has a new policy regarding student ID’s. I am so proud of the way our staff has embraced these new safety and accountability measures as we continue to strive to create the best learning environment for all students.
The Transportation Department started the year strong and continues to refine routes to ensure timeliness of pick up and drop off of our students and our extra-curricular activities are also going well. Those programs have been practicing and competing while building character under compassionate coaches and sponsors. It is a joy to watch our students buy into the Temple ISD culture and the Wildcat Way!
During the August board meeting, our trustees voted to send two referendums to the November ballot. Those referendums will be listed as Proposition A and Proposition B and address safety and seats across the district.
Proposition A would generate $2.75 million to fund ten additional police officers and allow TISD to have a dedicated police officer on every elementary campus. It would also fund impact-resistant film on non-student buildings as required through new TEA safety standards, perimeter fencing and courtyard/playground fencing on several campuses, upgraded campus fire alarms and replacement and addition security cameras. If passed, Proposition A would add less than a penny to the total rate for taxpayers.
Proposition B addresses additional classrooms for continued growth for $119.7 million. Major projects include adding 16 classrooms and other improvements at Temple High School, adding two classrooms and a permanent space for the 18+ Special Education Program at Edwards Academy, adding classrooms at Hector P. Garcia and Kennedy-Powell Elementary Schools, classroom improvements at Meridith-Dunbar Early Childhood Academy, and finishing classrooms at Lamar Middle School and Travis Science Academy. If passed, Proposition B would add one penny to the total rate for taxpayers.
As a reminder, these propositions were developed by parents and community stakeholders. They represent only the leanest of askings to address safety requirements and seats to accommodate growth. Please watch the video linked below for an in-depth look at the two propositions and the process involved in creating them. You can also find more information at the following link: www.tisd.org/Election2025. We will also continue to provide information as we move closer to Election Day.
We are so grateful for the support of each and every one of you. Temple ISD relies so much on our partnerships with the community. We are blessed to be a part of your team and serve alongside each of you. As your superintendent, I could not imagine doing this alongside anyone else or anywhere else.
Sincerely,
Bobby Ott
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Temple ISD reports positive results from its own cell phone ban ahead of new state law
Temple ISD Trustees vote to send referendum to November ballot for school security, additional classrooms
Teachers, staff packed Mayborn Civic and Convention Center to celebrate school year
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
First home Wildcat Football Game!
Meeting my grandson- BEST day ever!
First Mission Monday at Meridith-Dunbar.
Senior Leadership Team greeting Pre-K students at Meridith-Dunbar.
"Spread the Empire" bracelets to Mr. & Mrs. Jones- 1973 graduates.
Grateful for the Women of Prayer Ministries.
Appreciation breakfast for Transportation team.
Leadership Team supporting our amazing transportation dept.
Spot on Award to Peims Coordinator, Clare Stratmann.
First Day of School campus visit to Meridith-Dunbar.
First Day of School campus visit to Sampson-Howard.
First Year teacher at LMS- Coach Martin.
Meet the Teacher night at Thornton Elementary School.
Rotary presentation over Safety and Seats.
First Day of School Campus visit to Hector P Garcia.
Class of 2027 white Coat Ceremony at Temple Bioscience Institute.
Safety & Seats presentation at Temple Chamber.
Safety & Seats presentation at Temple Area Builders Association.
We had around 1,350 TISD Staff at Convocation. It was a great day!
Brittney Anderson and Western Hills Staff are ready for a great school year!
Abby Cook, THS class of 2022 received her "Spread the Empire" bracelet.
Safety & Seats presentation at the Lions Club.
Scott Elementary Staff received permanent classrooms.
First Pre-K "Spread the Empire" bracelet of the new school year.
Freshman Experience Action.
"Spread the Empire" bracelets for Kylie & Katherine.
