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 At the heart of it is a willingness to question “the way things have always been done” and replace outdated practices with forward-looking solutions.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. 345 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 KENNEDALE ISD
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx