Kennedale ISD

Reimagining the Classroom

A Four Day Model for Education Leads to Life Balance and Academic Achievement

Kennedale ISD is proving that the future of education belongs to those willing to lead it. In the past year alone, the district has set in motion a four-day instructional week, launched new career programs in partnership with local industries, and secured a $98 million bond to modernize its facilities. It’s a bold mix of initiatives that sends a clear message: Kennedale is committed to being future-ready.

The transformation is intentional, shaped by a leadership team willing to take calculated risks for the sake of students, staff, and the broader community. At the heart of it is a willingness to question “the way things have always been done” and replace outdated practices with forward-looking solutions.

“We are a gem amongst these larger districts and are finding ways to compete for our students as we are all competing for students right now,” says Dr. Stephanie Devlin, Director of Counseling Services. “One of the things we can do in our size is a little bit more innovative than the larger districts.”

That ability to innovate quickly has already yielded results. Teachers who once left the district are returning. Retention rates are climbing. Students from surrounding districts are seeking transfers. And much of this momentum is tied to one of the district’s most ambitious changes yet.

The district is standing out for another reason; its emphasis on early learning as a key indicator of future student success. Offering an Early Childhood Center with grades PK-1, the district committed  substantial resources, nearing $6 million, to create a unique learning environment for its youngest learners. Children have the opportunity to learn through play and experiential learning opportunities, perfectly setting them up for conquering the elementary years that lie ahead.

Four-day leap forward

The upcoming shift to a four-day instructional week is more than a scheduling tweak; it’s a cultural shift for Kennedale ISD. It’s also one of the most talked-about decisions the district has ever made, with reactions ranging from enthusiastic support to cautious skepticism.

“It did not come without controversy,” says Dr. Chad Gee, Superintendent. “You’ve always got people who are in favor of it, and you’ve always got the ones who are not. We knew we might lose some families, but we also felt like we would gain more who were looking for something different.”

The decision was born out of both competitive necessity and a recognition of evolving expectations in the wake of COVID-19. Texas public schools are operating in an increasingly crowded landscape, facing competition from charter schools and private institutions bolstered by the state’s voucher program. Declining enrollment made it clear that Kennedale needed a compelling reason for families to choose and stay with the district.

“Coming off of COVID, you hear the term work-life balance a lot,” Dr. Gee explains. “For educators, there wasn’t a work-life balance. They saw their neighbors, their spouses, their family, and friends all have the ability to work from home and have non-traditional work weeks. But for educators, that capability wasn’t there. We asked, “How can we do something for our staff to give them more of a work-life balance?” And for that matter, how can that also impact our students and families?”

The shorter week is expected to give teachers more time for lesson planning, professional development, and personal responsibilities, while allowing students and families to enjoy more extended weekends for rest, enrichment, or simply a break from the fast pace of the school year. Early indications suggest it’s already attracting new talent and fueling interest from outside the district.

Connecting classrooms to careers

While the calendar change is a headline-grabber, Kennedale ISD is equally committed to reimagining the academic and career opportunities available to its students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) has become a pillar of the district’s mission to ensure every graduate leaves prepared for life beyond the classroom.

Through strategic partnerships with Tarrant County College and the Tarrant to & Through (T3) Partnership, students can access specialized training in high-demand fields. “We can offer welding, automotive technology, construction science, and our new HVAC program starting next year,” says Dr. Devlin. “We wouldn’t be able to offer those in-house, so that partnership is critical to our students who want a more hands-on job experience when they leave high school.”

The district has also cultivated relationships with local businesses, providing internships and practicum placements in areas like physical therapy, graphic design, and digital media. These programs offer more than just technical skills as they introduce students to workplace expectations, professional networks, and potential career pathways that may begin the day they graduate.

“Though we’re small, we’re mighty,” Dr. Devlin adds. “Our community and businesses have partnered and rallied around our CTE program to offer these experiences for our students.”

$98 Million in facilities upgrades

In May 2023, the community delivered a resounding vote of confidence by approving a $98 million bond. For a district of Kennedale’s size, the figure is transformative, representing one of the most significant investments in its history and a clear mandate from residents to prioritize education.

“For our community to come together and see the need for renovations was tremendous,” says Dr. Gee. “We’re right in the middle of preparing for the new school year, with four of our six buildings under renovation. It’s stressful, but these improvements will ensure that our facilities meet the needs of the next generation.”

The scope of the upgrades is far-reaching. The bond represents a complete commitment to modernization over short-term fixes, with projects ranging from critical infrastructure improvements to state-of-the-art technology installations and redesigned classrooms that support collaboration and hands-on learning. Safety and accessibility are also key priorities, ensuring every campus is equipped to meet current standards and anticipate future requirements.

Supporting staff in every way

For Kennedale ISD, innovation isn’t just about programs and facilities—it’s about people. The district has embedded professional development days into the academic calendar, ensuring teachers receive ongoing, targeted training without pulling them away from their classrooms for extended stretches.

Equally important is the district’s investment in staff well-being. “We are going into our third year with this online platform at no cost to our staff,” says Dr. Devlin. “They can access medical care and counseling services for themselves and their families, which has helped reduce absenteeism.”

The availability of free telehealth services has been particularly impactful. “One of the things I kept hearing in my Superintendent Rounds was how thankful staff were for the counseling service,” Dr. Gee notes. “The ability to do it through telehealth, without the hassle of scheduling in-person appointments, has been incredibly beneficial.”

These supports align with the philosophy behind the four-day work week, creating space for rest, recovery, and balance in a profession known for its demands. “More than anything, [the four-day week] is about giving our staff more opportunity for a mental break,” Dr. Gee says. “Five straight days of school, followed by two days to get everything else done, doesn’t leave much time to recharge.”

Leading by example

Dr. Gee leads by example when it comes to continuous learning. “I just finished my doctorate two years ago at 58 years old,” he says. “I believe very strongly in lifelong learning. We are never too old to challenge ourselves and take on new challenges.”

It’s a mindset he works to instill in his staff, encouraging them to pursue further education and professional growth. “We’ve had employees who thought they were too old to get their master’s, and I’ve told them that if it’s something they want, they should go get it.” By modeling this philosophy, Dr. Gee reinforces a district culture that values growth, curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence at every stage of life.

The heart of the work

When reflecting on what keeps her motivated, Dr. Devlin’s answer is immediate and heartfelt. “The kids. Seeing them walk across the stage at graduation is why we do this work,” she says. From the first day of pre-K to the final moments of senior year, Kennedale ISD’s mission is to provide a safe, structured environment that nurtures every student’s potential.

This commitment is a collective effort—teachers, administrators, counselors, front office staff, cafeteria workers, and community partners all play a role in shaping the district’s culture. “We are building future community members,” Dr. Devlin emphasizes. “The landscape has changed since the pandemic, and we have to keep evolving. Change is hard, but our purpose is always our students.”

Adapting today to lead tomorrow

For the next two years, the district’s focus will be on adaptability and long-term readiness. “It’s not just about being innovative, it’s about being future-ready,” says Dr. Gee. “The job markets, our society, and technology are constantly changing. If we approach education with a static mindset, we risk failing our students. We need to integrate new approaches, focus on growth, and move away from the traditional way of doing school.”

Dr. Devlin’s goal is equally ambitious: “Every kid graduating high school. Not just crossing the stage, but leaving with a plan, whether that’s going straight into the workforce or into higher education. We’re building relationships with students and families to ensure they know their next steps.”

Kennedale ISD’s story demonstrates that size is not a limitation when vision and community support align. By challenging outdated structures, investing in people, and keeping an unshakable focus on students, the district is positioning itself as a leader in educational innovation.

At A Glance

Who: Kennedale ISD

What: A public school district committed to providing a diverse, engaging, and safe environment. 

Where: Kennedale, Texas

Website: https://www.kennedaleisd.net/