WWW.MARIONISD.NET MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT A COMMUNITY-CENTRIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION AND INNOVATION
A COMMUNITY-CEN TO EDUCATION AND MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AT A GLANCE MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT WHAT: A rural Texas district blending tradition with innovation through campus modernization, STEM/CTE programs, and student-run enterprises WHERE: Marion, Texas WEBSITE: www.marionisd.net A RURAL TEXAS SCHOOL DISTRICT PREPARIN WHILE STAYING ROOTED IN COMMUNITY VALU 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
NTRIC APPROACH D INNOVATION Nestled in the heart of rural Texas, the Marion Independent School District (MISD) embodies the grit and resilience of its tightknit community. With deep roots in farming and ranching, this small-town district prioritizes preparing students to thrive in a changing world while staying true to its blue-collar values.“It’s a family-oriented, get-to-work type of community,” says Superintendent Dr. Don Beck, describing Marion as a community where hard work and collaboration define daily life. NG STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE LUES 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
From modernizing campus safety to adapting curriculum for tomorrow’s workforce, MISD balances community pride with forward-thinking strategies. For business leaders, MISD’s story offers a model of how strategic planning and community engagement can drive long-term success in education. CORE VALUES AND COMMUNITY ROOTS At MISD, education extends beyond the classroom, rooted in the community’s hardworking ethos. The district’s mission, “to prepare graduates to be responsible, productive citizens in a diverse and changing world through partnerships with parents and community by providing opportunities to achieve excellence and personal growth,” reflects its dual focus on tradition and innovation. For MISD, values aren’t just stated, they’re lived. The district mirrors the community’s “get the job done” attitude, fostering unity through shared purpose. Dr. Beck illustrates this bond with a vivid memory from his first time in town, “I look behind me at the football field full of young kids, and the sun was setting over the football stadium and I just thought, man, I’m back in small-town USA.” This alignment between school and community ensures that every initiative, from curriculum to infrastructure, reflects the needs and character of Marion itself. SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION Safety takes center stage at MISD, where a sweeping campus redesign transforms both security and learning spaces.After national tragedies highlighted risks, a community bond committee proposed a solution. Faced with a scattered layout of aging buildings, some with open doors and up to 20 entry points, the district acted decisively. “We had 8 buildings that we were rotating kids around through with doors open and such,” explained Dr. Beck, “After looking at that, a community group decided, you know what? Why don’t we try to connect the buildings as opposed to separating the buildings all together.” Now in Phase 1, the redesign prioritizes controlled 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
access while expanding career-focused spaces. “By getting us all into one roof, we’re able to expand our CTE departments, make things a little bit bigger for the growth that’s coming,” Dr. Beck notes,“it also just makes it safer in general by giving us limited entry points.” Flexible classrooms feature movable furniture instead of “built-ins,” allowing quick adaptation to evolving needs. “We’re trying to focus on furniture and not built-ins to the walls that pigeonhole us into what’s happening in those rooms,” Dr. Beck explains, “things change on a dime.” The project also future-proofs growth, enrollment has surged from 1,475 to 1,708 in three years, demanding infrastructure that keeps pace. For MISD, safety isn’t just physical, it’s about creating spaces where students and teachers can focus on progress, not vulnerabilities. CURRICULUM EVOLUTION FOR A NEW ECONOMY MISD is rewriting the playbook on career readiness, moving beyond the “college-for-all” mindset to meet modern workforce demands.“We do know it’s a changing world,” says Dr. Beck,“the original thought with no child left behind was that every kid should go to college.” “Right now, we’re struggling to fill those voids of that thinking and trying to get kids into the trade industry, and in fact, kids actually make a lot more money than those of us that have degrees at university sometimes,” he adds. The district responds with agile programs designed for jobs that may not yet exist.“We don’t know exactly what this can look like, but we do know we got to prepare kids for what’s coming,” Dr. Beck emphasizes. STEM and career training take center stage. Dr. Elizabeth Bentzen, Curriculum Director, highlights grants fueling innovation including a Caterpillarfunded robotics program, Project Lead the Way courses, and a GVEC funded CNC plasma torch cutter for welding, all integrating technology like CAD and Adobe certifications.“We’re trying to up our game in technology,” she explains. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
Dove Song is proud to be part of the Marion ISD community, a place where education, innovation, and a strong sense of belonging come together to build a brighter future. As Marion continues to grow, its schools remain the heartbeat of the town, shaping the next generation and fostering a culture of excellence. At Dove Song, we believe that great communities are built on strong foundations, and education is at the core of that vision. Marion ISD represents the dedication and resilience of this town, cultivating an environment where students and families can thrive.As we work alongside Marion ISD, our shared commitment to progress and opportunity ensures that this community continues to flourish. Dove Song is more than just a presence in Marion—we are part of its story. We are invested in the future, in the people who call this town home, and in the energy that makes Marion so special. Together, we are shaping a community that honors tradition while embracing growth, creating a place where families can find not only a home but a future full of possibilities. The journey ahead is exciting, and Dove Song is honored to walk it with Marion ISD and the town we all cherish. MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
probably learning how to fix implements for their fathers on the farm,” he explains. Now, middle schoolers learn the basics so high school can focus on advanced tech like AI-assisted design. “When they get to high school, we have more time and more ability to teach more of the technology that’s going to go with that,” Reiley explains,“I think adding that extra level of technology is what’s going to make those students better employees.” Dual-credit partnerships with local colleges expand opportunities, offering courses from criminal justice to floral design.“We’ve partnered with our community colleges to offer not only core academic classes that are dual credit or dual enrollment, but to offer CTE classes,” Dr. Bentzen adds. Dwayne Reiley, a career-tech instructor, ties Marion’s past to its future. “When you look at the history of our district, we’re almost 150 years old and probably the first kids that took welding in Marion,Texas were 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
“We’re having kids come out with skills that are relevant to not just today’s workforce but we’re educating kids and trying to give them skills for jobs that don’t even exist yet,” he adds, proof that Marion’s curriculum evolves as fast as the economy. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MISD bridges classroom learning with real-world opportunity through robust industry collaborations. The Seguin Economic Development Corporation connects students with major employers like Caterpillar, Niagara Bottling, and United Alloys.“Our kids do job shadowing, tours of facilities, and we meet with them on a regular basis,” says Dr. Bentzen. . “There’s a lot of different opportunities for students to see the skills they’re learning here and how they’re relevant in industries that are right here in our own backyard,” Reiley adds.These partnerships also offer internships, with some juniors landing paid roles while still in high school. The district prioritizes keeping talent local. “That’s going to be the best for the kids, it’s best for the industry, it’s best for our community to keep that locally educated student here in our community and be productive members of our community,” Reiley explains. “We go back to that a lot, we talk about community, but that’s a big thing too is that they have opportunities here, they don’t have to go off halfway around the world to be able to do that trade 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
POWERING PROGRESS IN MARION: GVEC BRINGS COMFORT, EFFICIENCY AND VALUE Partnership powers progress in Marion, and GVEC proves it. Founded in 1938 to electrify rural SouthCentral Texas, the Cooperative serves more than 130,000 consumers spanning 3,500 square miles and 13 counties. Since the beginning, service has been at the heart of what we do, with a mission to empower the people and communities we serve. GVEC proudly powers Marion and its surrounding communities with essential services that extend far beyond electricity. Today, GVEC offers high-speed wireless and fiber internet, AC/heating solutions, licensed electrician services, solar installations and advanced battery storage systems—bringing comfort, efficiency and value to homes and businesses alike. In this growing area, GVEC is responsive to the evolving needs of our customers and consistently invests in the people, technology and solutions to serve the needs of today while looking toward the future. GVEC’s dedication to serving our customers doesn’t stop at utility services. We actively support the community of Marion through scholarships for graduating high school seniors, Power Up™ grants for local non-profit organizations, partnerships with education foundations, emergency responders, and by providing donations, sponsorships and in-kind services for community events. In a fast-moving world, our commitment to innovation and value remains rooted in community impact. Unleashing Innovation in the Bulldog Community gvec.org | 800.223.4832 TACLB00116382E | TECL32802 Advanced Internet, AC/Heating, Solar & Battery, and Electrician solutions for South Central Texas.
At Mosaic Land Development, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside school districts across the region—but few stand out like Marion Independent School District. From our very first interaction, it became clear that Marion ISD is led by a team of professionals who are not only deeply committed to educational excellence but also to the long-term wellbeing of their students and community. The district’s leadership exemplifies integrity, vision, and a deep sense of responsibility. They bring a thoughtful, strategic approach to every conversation—balancing the needs of today with a clear focus on the opportunities of tomorrow. Their collaborative spirit and forward-thinking mindset make them ideal partners in growth, development, and community building. What truly sets Marion ISD apart is its people. The district is run by smart, talented, and compassionate individuals who understand that education is the foundation of a strong and thriving community. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and shared commitment to doing what’s right for students—both current and future—are values we respect deeply. We are proud to support Marion ISD and commend its leadership for building a school district that any community would be fortunate to call its own. — Mosaic Land Development We o er a full range of services to help developers and home builders manage their development needs. We partner with landowners to help navigate through the development process to maximize and preserve both value and flexibility. EXPERIENCE. KNOWLEDGE. RELATIONSHIPS. WHAT WE DO: HOME BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS LANDOWNERS Site Feasibility Development Planning and Budgeting Joint Venture Partnering Equity Participation Fee Development Construction Management Contract Management Value Engineering Project Management Land Banking Ability to provide entitled/papered/finished lots MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
By aligning education with regional employer needs, MISD ensures its graduates aren’t just job-ready, they’re community builders. INVESTING IN THE FUTURE MISD’s $78.8 million bond initiative marks a transformative leap from temporary fixes to sustainable growth. “This is a significant change for us,” says Reiley. “We have had through the years in terms of the bond packages, what people here thought were big, again, the 20 to 22 million, it and so we do work hard to get those connections.” Dual-enrollment programs with colleges like Northeast Lakeview and Palo Alto further anchor opportunities locally, offering courses from marketing to animal science. “Some of the things we’re going to incorporate next year is getting other kids besides just manufacturing kids involved, because all of those plants, they have HR departments and marketing,” explains Dr. Bentzen. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
basically allowed us to keep our doors open and have enough classrooms for everybody, it was a band-aid.” “Now, we are able to really make a difference, and provide some opportunities for students that we just haven’t had here in the history of our school district,” he adds.“It’s a positive thing to have a school board and administration that believes in the programs enough that we’re spending that kind of money to renovate and rebuild.” “It takes an investment,” Dr. Beck adds, “and the community is willing to do that.” Teacher support anchors this progress. “Start with the teachers first because the teachers are the ones that are going to support the kids,” Dr. Beck says. “We’re looking for anything that we can find to give them that edge that they need to be successful.” “I think when it comes to the CTE stuff it’s important to find teachers that exude that passion,” Dr. Bentzen adds, “and I think that keeps those kinds of kids engaged in the content.” “If you have the right teacher and you’re given the right materials, the kids really want to take those programs,” Dr. Beck adds, noting how the board’s support enables classroom innovation. By investing simultaneously in facilities and educators, MISD ensures its upgrades yield long-term academic and community returns. JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR ALL COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS BEFORE AFTER Contact us today to experience topnotch customer service. www.americanfacilityservices.com Kevin McCann, President Harold Angel, Vice-President Our cleaning service collaborates with clients to achieve their business goals. FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER and a consistently clean business space is crucial for associates and guests. Choose American Facility Services for high-quality, flexible commercial cleaning. Regardless of space size, our experienced team ensures cleanliness. 770-740-1613 info@amfacility.com 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
design lab, and to offer culinary experiences. Monthly market days and potential rotating food trucks will further energize the community. This living classroom delivers real-world skills. “We’re going to not only have kids learning how to grow plants, we’re going to have the business aspect of it of marketing and sales and finding that right cross point of supply versus demand” explains Dr. Beck, with plans for proceeds to fund the program’s sustainability. THE GREEN SPACE INITIATIVE MISD’s most visionary project transforms a defunct nursery into “The Green Space,” standing for Students Participating in Authentic Career Experience, a student-run hub blending education with entrepreneurship. “As we purchased it, we wanted to try to keep that thing up and running for the community as best as possible,” explains Dr. Beck. The revitalized space plans to feature an operational greenhouse, floral 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
More than a revenue generator, The Green Space embodies Marion’s ethos, preparing graduates to strengthen the community they call home. WHERE COMMUNITY ROOTS MEET FUTUREREADY GROWTH MISD masterfully bridges its rural heritage with forward-thinking innovation, proving tradition and progress can thrive together.The district’s proactive investments, from safer campuses to The Green Space, demonstrate how strategic planning meets community needs. “If we’re not learning, we’re not progressing,” emphasizes Dr. Beck, whose dynamic Advanced floral design students could operate a retail shop, while others master agriculture, business logistics, and customer service. “The Green Space provides a lot of opportunities for all types of students as they get into all kinds of business skills from marketing and management and accounting,” says School Board President Ryan Zwicke, “the students are going to learn valuable business skills through this opportunity.” “We love the idea that the kids are going to be able to run their own park that can not only teach them, but also give back to the community,” Dr. Beck adds. 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Dove Song by Pulte Homes www.pulte.com Discover Dove Song by Pulte Homes, just 15 miles from San Antonio in Marion, TX. Designed for multigenerational living, floor plans like the Sweetwater offer space and flexibility. With over 800,000 homes built nationwide, Pulte delivers trusted quality and innovation. Connect with a New Home Specialist at pulte.com. n GVEC www.gvec.org GVEC is a trusted, local cooperative powering South Central Texas with electricity, high-speed internet, solar, battery storage, AC/heating and electrician services. Since 1938, we’ve empowered over 130,000 consumers through five service locations in Cuero, Gonzales, La Vernia, Schertz and Seguin. n Mosaic Land Development www.mosaiclanddevelopment.com Mosaic Land Development provides fullservice land development, working closely with landowners, builders, and other developers to deliver customized, cost-effective solutions. We collaborate with engineers, planners, and researchers to manage every phase—from site feasibility and budgeting to construction and project oversight. Whether delivering entitled, papered, or finished lots, Mosaic brings value and flexibility through experienced guidance and innovative thinking. n American Facility Services www.americanfacilityservices.com First impressions are everything in business. When it comes to high-quality commercial cleaning services, you need the flexible team at American Facility Services. Our team has the experience and expertise you need to keep any sized space shiny and clean. Our team is here for you. leadership team embodies this growth mindset. “As things change, we need to make sure that we’re doing it too.” For districts nationwide, Marion’s success offers a blueprint, authentic community partnerships and bold investments create lasting impact. Here, education isn’t just about preparing students for the future, it’s about building that future together, one graduate at a time. 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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