WFAA anchor, Cynthia Izaguirre, a former band student at Thomas Jefferson High School, is challenging Dallas to donate more than 125 band instruments.  Anyone who donates an instrument will receive a pair of tickets to the May 17 Barry Manilow concert at the Verizon Theatre. Gently used instruments can be dropped off at the Verizon Theatre any time from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday until May 17.  Click here for directions.  They can also be dropped off at the Metroplex Piano in Dallas from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday until May 17.  Click here for directions.

I am a former band student at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School.  I am asking former band students from all Dallas ISD schools to collect your gently used band instruments and donate them to this worthy cause. Help students who want to be in the band, but can not afford their own instruments.  Help Cynthia Izaguirre meet her goal of more than 125 instruments.

Cynthia Izaguirre and the Manilow Music Project; a great combination for the Dallas ISD band program.  Make it happen!

Thank you, District 5 voters.  I appreciate you making a statement at the ballot, Saturday, May 11, 2013.  You made a statement to continue the trend towards improving education in Dallas ISD for some 158,000 students, taught by nearly 10,000 teachers, and lead by almost 225 principals.

Thank you, District 5 voters.  You can continue to count on me.  You can continue to reach me by email; lew@LewBlackburn.com, or by cell phone; 214-232-6380.

Sincerely,

Keeping in mind our vision and mission, as president of the board, I have proposed that trustees look outward as well as within as we focus on improving Dallas ISD. Our Core Beliefs are centered on students, educators, the achievement gap, the learning environment, finance, parents, and community.  Our goals call for improved student achievement, developing teachers and other employees, ensuring good financial management, maintaining district facilities, and a safe and secure environment.  Based on the vision, mission, core beliefs and goals as our foundation, we can succeed with the cooperation and support of the community.

Focus 2013

The Board of Trustees has adopted my proposed plan of action, Focus 2013, which will be the guide we will use to reach our goals.  It is not meant to be the ultimate solution, but rather a starting point for the school year; 2012-2013.

Focus 2012 is based on guiding principles and strategies.  The BOARD principles are Building Opportunities for Achievement through Relationships and Determination.  The strategies are from the Six Pillars of Dynamic Schools as expressed by authors Steven W. Edwards and Paul E. Chapman:

• Communication & Relationships
• Leadership & Empowerment
• Planning & Evaluation
• Collaboration & Partnership
• Accountability & Responsibility
• Consistency & Repetition

Dallas ISD cannot become a premier urban school district without the cooperation and collaboration of many others.  It is only when service organizations join with those they serve that we can build the kind of community support necessary to build the village students need to succeed. Based on this premise, I am asking that the trustees and district leadership invite more people, groups, and entities to collaborate with us to improve our schools.

Listening and Learning

Trustees make decisions each month that have a great impact on students, employees, parents, and the community at large.  Many of these decisions could be more effective if we engaged in more dialogue with the people who will be affected.  Focus 2013 provides two rather simple approaches to make this happen:  Dialogue and Dinner, and Listen and Learn.

• Dialogue and Dinner would bring 10-12 concerned citizens together monthly with top-level district decision-makers at the dinner table to share information about the district and to discuss ways to build stronger schools.  The dinners would be hosted quarterly in private homes or restaurants with each dinner attended by guests of diverse backgrounds.  A top-level administrator and trustee would attend each dinner to listen and learn and share information with the participants.
• Listen and Learn would be an opportunity for students, employees, parents, and community members to learn about district programs, discuss their concerns about Dallas ISD, and express ideas for improvement.   Top-level administrators and a trustee would attend quarterly meetings to listen and learn from the participants.

 Community Commissions

We experienced significant results from the work of the Citizens Budget Review Commission whose members were appointed by trustees and the superintendent.  Focus 2013 will build on this concept by engaging citizens to help address our goals.  The intent is to have community members, experts in teaching and learning, and District staff collaborate to learn about our district’s many program offerings, analyze our programs and operations, and offer suggestions for improvement.

• The Blue Ribbon Education Commission will focus on curriculum and instruction, student achievement and development, student activities, school leadership and operations, and parent/community involvement.
• The Star Employee Commission will focus on employee practices, procedures, and performance, assessment, professional development, and morale.
• The Community Relations Commission will focus on educational philosophy, community involvement, accountability, and public relations.
• The Financial Stewardship Commission will focus on fiscal management, business operations, food service, technology, facilities, the bond program, transportation, and real estate.

Trustees and the superintendent will each appoint one member to each of these commissions.  The Chief Officers and Assistant Superintendent will work with the commissions, along with a trustee serving a liaison to the board.

Partnership Initiatives

As we focus on our vision of becoming a premier urban school district with a mission of educating students for success, we need to enhance our partnerships with other entities.  As part of Focus 2013, partnership initiatives will work to develop and enhance working relationships with the goal of involving individuals, higher education, nonprofits and governmental agencies to help ensure student academic success.

• The Intergovernmental Partnership Initiative will include congressional, state, county, and city elected officials that represent portions of Dallas ISD.
• The Higher Education Partnership Initiative will include area colleges and universities such as Dallas County Community College District, Paul Quinn College, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Southern Methodist University, University of Dallas, University of North Texas at Dallas, University of North Texas at Denton, and University of Texas at Dallas.
• The Partners Interested in Education Initiative will include businesses, organizations, chambers, community, faith-based groups, parents, teachers, and students.

Focus 2013 is meant to be a guide for Dallas ISD trustees and its senior leadership to more actively engage the communities we serve in our efforts to improve our schools because I think we would all agree that as Dallas ISD and our children go, so goes our city. Working together as a community that cares, we can make Dallas ISD a premier urban school district that educates students for success.

Dallas ISD Board of Trustees Focus 2013

For Additional Information, Contact: Dallas ISD Board of Trustees President, Lew Blackburn, Ph.D.; lblackburn@dallasisd.org; 972-925-3720

Education Opens Doors

Education is the key to the doors of life. Many doors of opportunities will be available for our children. It is our responsibility to equip them with the knowledge and skills to make wise decisions about which doors to open.

Dallas ISD students have a right to receive a high quality education, provided by effective and caring educators. However, students should respect every opportunity to learn, in various situations. Ultimately, students have a responsibility to use the knowledge and skills they acquired through education to positively impact their community, city, state, nation, and possibly the world.

We must strive to provide an equal life chance for all students to obtain an exemplary quality education. With the community as our foundation, and with parental support and involvement in the educational process, our goal is to achieve high student academic achievement and social success in a safe and nurturing environment. Thereby, Dallas ISD is preparing our students to become successful and productive citizens in a culturally diverse and ever-changing technological society.

Education is paramount for a successful life. Through education, we acquire knowledge and skills that are valuable for the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. Dallas ISD exists for the sole purpose of providing an education for the children in our many diverse communities. The goal is for students to gain knowledge to develop their skills whereby they will be able to positively contribute to their community and mankind. However, the objective is not only academic development, but also social and emotional development.

Student Support System

Academic pursuit is the ideal of teaching and learning in schools. However, schools cannot educate children in isolation. For students to be successful there must be a systemic effort that will encourage and support student achievement. Students need a support system that will continuously maintain and sustain their efforts toward academic achievement and social and emotional development.

The Dallas ISD system must be a collaborative effort between the community, home, and the school. To support student achievement, our collective philosophy must be geared toward helping students to become productive citizens who are independent and interdependent supporters of a diverse and evolving community and society.

The community is charged with the responsibility of making sure students have the provisions to learn, and also serves as role models of success for the students. The community involves many organizations such as government, businesses, health providers, and civic. With their help, schools have the foundation for a successful educational system.

At home, parents are a child’s first and constant teacher, providing stability for their children, making sure they are prepared for school. Parents and other relatives can provide constant encouragement for students to become successful academically, as well as socially. Being closest to the student, they can interact with the student on a more personal level. With their help, students are better prepared for instruction in the classroom, and the school in general.

In Dallas ISD schools, administrators create an environment that is conducive to learning for diverse learners from diverse backgrounds in diverse communities. They make sure students receive high quality and equitable educational opportunities. Teachers provide instruction to their students in the classroom. Successful Dallas ISD educators teach using a variety of instructional methods, strategies, and techniques designed to benefit the unique needs of each student. Hence, we must believe that all students can learn, when taught effectively.

New Leadership

Mr. Mike Miles was chosen as Superintendent of Schools last April.  Under his leadership, much has changed in school operations, human resources, and other district operations.  My expectations are that the changes will lead to higher efficiency, but, more importantly, an increase in  student achievement through effective teaching, strong leadership, parental engagement, and community support.

Miles’ plan of action is Destination 2020, the district improvement plan, has established goals;

• 90% of our students will graduate on time by Year 2020;
• 40% of our students will attain a 21 or higher composite score on the ACT exam; or SAT of 1110 on reading/math;
• 75% of our students will be proficient on the “Year 2020 workplace readiness assessments”; and
• 80% of our students will enter college, the military, or a “career-ready job” straight from high school.

The plan is based on key actions:

• Ensure staff members understand the direction of the District and the Core Beliefs;
•  Improve the quality of instruction; Develop principals into effective instructional leaders;
• Create a professional and high-functioning central office team;
• Tie teacher and principal evaluations to student achievement data;
• Restructure the Department of School Leadership and its function;
• Create a career-ready certificate; and
• Create strategic feeder groups.

At the end of the current school year, we’ll expect to see improvements attributed to Mike Miles and the Destination 2020 action plan.  Hopefully, the new leadership will help Dallas ISD achieve the vision.

Vision

My vision for the Dallas ISD is that it will become a premier urban system that values and supports its students, employees, and community while achieving excellence with a quality education organizational system. In collaboration with the community and home we will emphasize, expect, and achieve high performance. My aim is to provide quality leadership, in collaboration with trustees and other community leaders, to reach the shared vision and goals of the district’s stakeholders. With your support and encouragement, Dallas ISD will be successful.

Imagine Dallas ISD, A Premier Urban School System

Now is the time to apply for admission for the next school year; 2013-2014.  Several magnet programs have a unique selection process that is simple, yet coveted.  There are a few slots available.  Review the application timeline.  Applications must be received by the established deadline; January 31, 2013.  There are no exceptions. 

During the application period, applications will be available at any Dallas ISD school,  the Magnet Programs Office at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center – 1201 East Eighth Street, Suite 237 or online.

Note: The parent or legal guardian is responsible for submitting the application by January 31, 2013.

Make Dallas ISD your first choice for a great education from one of our outstanding magnet programs.  Reach further, global competitiveness begins here.

I announced the incentive to encourage students to show up for class on time and ready to learn on the first day of school.  Attendance is critical to a student’s academic success. I wanted to make sure that each student and their parent or guardian realizes just how important attendance is, starting with the first day of the school year.

I also encouraged others to make matching donations to be used to offer incentives to more students. I am proud that Mark Koch and the North Dallas Chamber joined in with $1000 each.

Thanks to those matching donations of $2,000, a total of 15 students will receive incentives to be distributed; two middle and two high school winners each received a $500 debit card; one elementary student received a $500 debit card; and 10 elementary students received a $100 debit card.  The winners were randomly selected electronically through the district’s MIS department.

Three Dallas ISD students were surprised with a $500 debit card for their attendance on the first day of school when I personally delivered the cards to them.  Others received their debit card through their school principal.

The enrollment number for the first day of school was approximately 140,000. The second day enrollment numbers for Dallas ISD schools jumped more than 10,000, pushing the district’s enrollment to 150,736; the largest number of students attending Dallas ISD schools on the second day of school in the last ten years.

This incentive, along with other strategies implemented by schools and other organizations, helped get more students in school on the first and second day, allowing for increased opportunities to teach and learn.  Welcome back students!

Imagine Dallas ISD being on a special plane ride to our destiny, “A Premiere Urban School District”. Are you ready for the ride?

The Dallas ISD plane has several major sections for passengers. The Board of Trustees has adopted nine goals (major sections) to shape Dallas ISD into the operation necessary to move the district to a higher level of performance altitude. These goals address highly effective teachers and school leaders; safe, secure and welcoming environments; shared responsibility; rigorous curriculum; a positive and compassionate culture; professional development; data driven decisions; supportive central services; and, well-maintained facilities. Which area is yours? What part will you play?

Each section of the plane has a purpose, just as each goal of the district has defined strategies. However, goals and strategies without adequate resources for successful implementation are mere words on paper. So, what are our next steps? What will be your purpose for holding a seat on the plane? What benefit will you provide to Dallas ISD?

The Board has set the course for our destination. The plane is fueled and ready to move forward. Several schools are making great strides in many areas. Our graduation rate is the highest it has been since 1983, and I expect it to climb even higher this year. The Council of Great City Schools has declared Dallas ISD one of the fastest improving urban school districts in the nation. But, there is still much work to be done.

Over the next few years, all of Dallas must step up to the counter with your boarding passes, get on the plane, find your desired section and buckle up and get prepared to address our responsibilities to our children; the future of Dallas depends on it. Before we take off, visualize the Dallas ISD as “A Premier Urban School District”; a vision of the destination for our journey on the plane. Use whatever level of creativity you possess to see the district in this new light and believe the vision is possible. Believing the vision can lead to ownership of the goals and acceptance of your role in making the vision a reality. As you look out the windows of the plane, can you envision Dallas ISD becoming “A Premier Urban School District”?

The belief can only become as real as the people who take part in making things happen. Citizens across Dallas, including Mayor Mike Rawlings, have chosen to partner with the district to make a difference. What about you? The opportunities to join the flight to greatness are vast and can begin in every home and classroom across Dallas. Will your business or organization get onboard the plane, taking a seat, doing your part to make Dallas ISD “A Premier Urban School District”?

The Board of Trustees and district staff must acknowledge, accept and put into action our role with purpose and intent, supporting the superintendent’s reforms. Parents and families need to encourage and support their children to strive to be the best in every endeavor. Neighborhoods need to aid their community schools by providing fiscal, physical, and human resources. Businesses and faith-based entities, small and large, must join hands with Dallas ISD schools and administration. Civic and social organizations can mentor and tutor students to greatness. We all have something to offer. It’s just a matter of finding where and how you can make a contribution. Are you still willing to get on the plane?

We cannot continue on the flight path we have been traveling. It is imperative we change course with a higher altitude towards reform and innovation using creative and engaging approaches that helps every student perform at or above their grade level. Combined with other districts, we can set common core standards that are higher than the state standards. Hand-in-hand with area social service resources, we can help meet the multitude of student needs that impact the educational process. Can we count on you to get on the plane?

Every flight path we travel must take our students closer to the ultimate destination; ready for college and career. And we have to do this within the budgetary restraints and other requirements under which we operate. I believe it can be done. Get your board pass! Step up to the gate! Take your seat! Buckle up! Get ready for take-off! Destination: A Premier Urban School District!

Visualize and believe in Dallas ISD. Contact a local school, or call the Office of Community Relations at 972-925-3920 to discuss how you can become engaged.

As always, I am available to meet with your organization to discuss these opportunities and the many successes in Dallas ISD in general and in District 5 in particular. Contact my office at 972-925-3718 to schedule a meeting with your group. And, follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

On behalf of my fellow trustees, I want to thank everyone who provided input into the Superintendent Profile. Trustees considered those attributes while making our decision on selecting a new superintendent.

Proact Search assisted the Board in recruiting and searching for high quality candidates. Nearly 90 persons submitted an application. We interviewed both traditional and non-traditional candidates from an elite pool. While all of the candidates had most of the qualities we valued, one candidate stood out: Mike Miles.

In order for the Dallas Independent School District to move towards being a premier urban school system, it will need a unique superintendent who has a proven track record of leadership, vision, and innovation: nationally known Mike Miles.

In education, Mike has held positions as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and currently, Superintendent of the Harrison School District in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He knows what it means to be college and workforce ready. He holds degrees from West Point, UC Berkeley, and Columbia University.

Mike has 28 years of leadership experience in high-intensity environments as an Army Ranger, U.S. Diplomat, and Superintendent of Schools. He has spent his entire life serving the public interest and for the last 17 years, he has devoted his time and energy to improving outcomes for at-risk children. He will ensure we continue our mission of educating all students for success.

Mike turned around a struggling and low-performing district in Colorado and is a recognized educational leader in his state. His ideas and innovations around systems thinking, measuring teacher and principal effectiveness, and building an adaptive organization have been recognized by national education institutes and have been adopted by numerous districts across the country.

The future of Dallas ISD has begun. I believe I speak for the Board of Trustees in saying that we look forward to a very exciting and rewarding tenure with Mike Miles. However, in accordance with state law, the board must wait at least 21 days before taking final action on his employment as superintendent.

On behalf of my fellow trustees, I appreciate your interest in this very important process, leading to our decision and your continued support for Dallas ISD.

Sincerely,

Lew Blackburn, Ph.D.
Board President

I have focused on student achievement since my election to the board in June 2001.  To recognize the academic achievements of students in District 5, I have planned Academic Pep Rallies, one for each semester.  All students from pre-K to 12th grade, parents, teachers and staff members were invited to attend.

The purpose of the pep rallies is to inspire, encourage and support District 5 students to make good grades.  It is a simple plan and has proven to be successful. It’s really exciting to see 1st through 12th graders cheering together about good grades and academic excellence. It was ecstatic!

The last District 5 Academic Pep Rally was held Saturday, March 3, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Roosevelt High School, 525 Bonnie View Rd. Dallas , TX 75203.

Bands, cheerleaders and other student groups performed and pumped up excitement about doing well in school.  Kids told kids it’s cool to make good grades.  We also gave away prizes.

Students who have made “A’s” in core subjects: Math, Science, English/Language Arts and History/Social Studies are eligible to win prizes like tickets to Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars games, laptop computers, iPods, and gift cards valued from $25 to $100. It was exciting!

I appreciate your help in rewarding the kids and keeping them motivated to make good grades, stay in school, graduate and continue to college. It was essential!

We accentuated students being SMART: Students Making Academics Real Today! Imagine students from elementary school through high school cheering about the good grades they made! You should experience the excitement!

Want to help with future events?  Send a donation to The Blackburn Foundation, 2130 Lanark Ave., Dallas, TX 75203.  Or you may donate online at www.blackburnfoundation.com.  For more information about donations, contact me at 214-232-6380 or lew@lewblackburn.com.

Join us as we celebrate academic excellence!

See additional photos from the rally.