Ott's Outlook
September 2024
It has been an outstanding first two weeks of school. I have visited all 15 campuses at least twice during the first week and have been amazed. The district opened the school year with several noticeable changes, the most obvious example being the opening of Sampson-Howard Elementary School. Sampson-Howard is the first brand new campus to open in the district since 1998 and is the only elementary Fine Arts Academy in Central Texas. The campus welcomed almost 600 students for the first week of classes. I cannot brag more on the district staff (warehouse, maintenance, food service, central office…) and campus staff (teachers, custodians, librarian, admin…) for their level of collaboration and determination. They have opened a school without blemish, and it has been noticeable to parents, children, and community members.
Due to the opening of Sampson-Howard, Temple ISD had to rezone the entire school district to help balance enrollment figures at eight elementary schools. As a result, TISD is using 11 fewer portables to house students this year compared to the opening day of the 2023-2024 school year. As a reminder, complete portable removal was part of the 2022 bond and those projects are in progress. With nearly 170 more students attending Temple schools this year, the new attendance zones are set up to accommodate future growth. This number is expected to grow over the next couple of weeks.
Temple High School took a major step forward in eliminating distractions to the learning environment. This included the implementation of merit-based open lunch privileges, starting with seniors during the second six weeks, and a new cell phone policy driven by parent/staff feedback, which eliminates usage during classroom time. Each classroom is equipped with a cell phone locker where students store their phones during class. Students can still use their phones during passing periods and lunch. The feedback I have received from campus staff, parents, and students is that they have already noticed a difference in learning. I am extremely proud of our staff for this new process. We will stay the course!
Our Transportation Department also had a great week. They not only contended with rezoning, but also all the construction in the city of Temple. This reconfigured bus routes and adjusted procedures at several campuses, which caused some early delays in dismissal, but all routes have improved drastically since the first day of school. During the first day of bussing, we did not have one student board the wrong bus. I cannot ever remember this happening during my time in education. I am so grateful to our bus drivers, dispatchers, crossing guards, and mechanics.
Logistically, the past two weeks were a solid success.
The spirit, energy and culture were also beyond compare. In the classrooms I witnessed routines being established, respect agreements, classroom norms, and academic expectations. I also saw very engaging instruction. Teachers have planned during the summer and are rolling out their high-quality instructional materials as part of their best practices. I am so proud of our teachers, their expertise, and enthusiastic energy.
Extra-curricular activities are off to a great start. I believe this to be a key ingredient in normalizing the environment and conditioning the community. I have attended tennis, cross country, the football season opener, Kitten practice, band practice etc. In so doing, I want to compliment our sponsors and coaches for maintaining the appropriate balance between competition and compassion. Competition can bring out the best and worst in an individual, but in Temple we must remain on the better side of its value – through words, actions, and interactions. This is our culture, what our kids need, and yields the best outcomes. I am proud to say that we were on the best side of competition the past few weeks – an excellent start!
Our school board has wrapped up several listening circles with community/parent groups and they will be finalizing legislative priorities in the coming months. I have met with our current representatives to discuss interim charges and education needs. Temple ISD is a leader and trusted voice at the capitol among education/legislative circles, and we will continue to be involved in crafting solutions and working closely with our state officials. These discussions are happening as we speak.
As I close out this edition, I want to thank each of you for your support. Temple ISD is a relational institution, and one that greatly relies on our partnerships and your support. We are blessed to be 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.
Your Biggest Fan,
Bobby Ott
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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
Temple ISD Finance Department Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Temple ISD Finance Department was presented with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting in recognition of the TISD Finance and Operations Department. This is the fifth consecutive year to receive this recognition!
