Ott's Outlook

We are now in the final month of the 2025-2026 school year and are looking forward to a busy month of events leading up to graduation. There are a number of culminating activities on the upcoming schedule for every stage of a student’s career, from our youngest learners in pre-K, to our soon-to-be high school graduates ready to embark on the next chapter of life. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to support our students and staff and we hope that all of our community will join with us in celebrating their hard work and accomplishments this year.

In that spirit, while looking ahead to what is still to come in the month of May, I also wanted to take a moment to look back on what Temple ISD has been able to achieve this school year.

The recognitions started this last summer when the Temple ISD Board of Trustees was named ESC Region 12 School Board of the Year and was also honored as a State Honor Board as one of five finalists for Texas School Board of the Year. I was also humbled to be named 2025 Communicator of the Year by TSPRA earlier this year. Over the course of the year, we have seen a number of our departments recognized by their peer organizations for outstanding work on behalf of the district and our stakeholders. We have had departmental honors pour in on the international, national, and state-wide levels. These recognitions include communications, financial, and various other operational recognitions.

Academically, we have seen students advance to national competition in several of our Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). These competitions allow our students to showcase the lessons they have learned in the classroom while also developing leadership and other skills that make them workforce ready. We have also seen students shine and advance through UIL Academic meets, middle school and elementary school robotics competitions, Regional History Day Fairs, and even JROTC archery contests. We are so proud of these groups and individuals and are so grateful to work for a district that provides so many varied experiences for our students.

In Fine Arts, the department was recognized state-wide for its work in music education, visual arts, and theatre arts. One-Act Play advanced to the regional contest, individuals qualified for state and national competitions, and the Temple Highlighters once again received national recognition. Students at every grade level also excelled through Fine Arts and entertained the community through a full calendar of band, choir, and orchestra concerts, theatrical productions, and musical programs this school year.

Athletically, Temple HS qualified in all but one of its programs for postseason play and had students advance to state in both wrestling and powerlifting. More than 30 Temple High School student-athletes earned Academic All-State honors this school year. The athletic department was also recognized with a Grant Teaff Beyond the Game Team Award for its commitment to community services initiatives, and Head Athletic Trainer Windee Skrabanek was named the 2026 Excellence in Athletic Training Award winner by Perry Weather.

There has been so much to celebrate this school year. But we also celebrate beyond the honors, awards, and recognitions that our students, staff, and departments have earned. We also celebrate the trust and support Temple ISD receives from the community. These awards do not happen in a vacuum, and Temple ISD is stronger because of each of you. This is a team effort with our students, teachers, staff, school board members, families, community partners, taxpayers, elected officials, and other stakeholders. We could not do it without your support, and we celebrate each of you for the role you play in making Temple ISD Wildcat Strong!

Sincerely,

Bobby Ott

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