Dear Friends,
I am proud to present to you this 2012 Annual Report as a reflection of the “Boldly
Brilliant” achievements of Plano ISD this past year. I am also pleased to share
dynamic new initiatives and opportunities for the coming school year. The theme
“Boldly Brilliant” was chosen for the 2012-13 school year to reflect the brilliant
successes of our students that could fill several volumes of a report this size. Our
achievements secure Plano ISD’s 100+-year history as a pillar school system in Texas
and across the nation. The theme also reflects the bold initiatives that our district
has taken to provide more choices for our students. The launch of the Academy
Programs of Plano will occur in fall 2013. The Plano ISD Academy High School will
incorporate problem-based learning in a science, technology, engineering, arts and
math (STEAM) context as the instructional method. The Plano ISD Health Sciences
Academy will provide a medical course sequence followed by elective course
options to prepare students for this important career field. The International
Baccalaureate World School at Plano East is an academically challenging and
balanced program of education which prepares students for success in the
post-secondary world of college and beyond.
While a big focus in the coming year will be expanding student academic choices,
our attention in January, 2013, will turn to the 83rd Texas Legislative session where
we will reinforce our continued advocacy on behalf of school children. Plano ISD
joins with other North Texas school districts in asserting that the state’s first priority
must be to adequately fund our public schools. The state’s $5 billion reduction in
public education funding decreased our district’s state revenue by $24 million in
2011 and by an additional $10 million in 2012. Yet, with creativity and industrious
planning, Plano ISD remains well positioned to offer an outstanding educational
program.
This also marks the second year of the state’s new STAAR testing program. We are
encouraged by last year’s results. Our students fared much better than the state
average on end-of-course exams. With time to evaluate last year’s results, we
celebrate our strengths and target our support in needed areas as we continue to
enhance student learning across the district.
Among the initiatives for which we continue to take great pride are ongoing
technology enhancements that connect our schools, parents and students. This is
the third year that students can bring their handheld devices into the classroom.
And, for many years, our district has offered technology tools that enable parents to
stay engaged with their students through the Parent Portal, connecting them to
student progress, curriculum and resources and through eNews, the district’s
electronic news and information system. This year, we added a text messaging
system for emergency parent notifications.
Thanks to the amazing leadership and support of the school board, district
administrators, teachers and parents, as a first-year superintendent, I have been
well-resourced and prepared to face the challenges associated with running our
large school district.
On behalf of the Plano ISD Board of Trustees and our nearly 7,000 faculty and
staff members, I thank you for taking the time to read this annual report, to become
more informed about your schools and to help us share the successes and
challenges of our school system with your friends and neighbors.
Sincerely,
Richard Matkin
Superintendent of Schools
1
Mission, Goals and Vision Statement
2
District Leadership
3
Community Facts
4
Class of 2012 Post-Secondary
Readiness
6
National Merit Semifinalists
7
Financial Focus
8
Bond Program Update
10
School & Community Engagement
12
Academy Programs of Plano
15
Education Foundation
18
Student Achievements
21
District & School Honors
22
Professional Pride
23
Faculty & Staff Achievements
1
We Envision
Rice Middle School student Ammu George represents thousands of middle school students in Plano ISD who will have new choices for their high school
education, including one of three new academy programs that will launch in August 2013.
We envision schools where all children succeed, feel safe and their curiosity is cultivated. We see schools that foster a
sense of belonging and community and that inspire collaboration. We see learning standards that challenge and
intentionally designed experiences that delight students, develop their confidence and competence and cause every child
to value tasks that result in learning. Ultimately, we see schools and related venues that prepare all children for many
choices and that give them the tools and attitudes to contribute to our democratic way of life and live successfully in a
rapidly changing world—Public Education Visioning Institute, “Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas”
Mission St atement
The mission of the Plano Independent
School District is to provide an excellent
education for all students.
District Goals
• Ensure continued improvement in
student learning
• Ensure efficient use of financial
resources/budgeting
Vision St atement
Participating in Plano ISD
schools empowers students to
be able to adapt to new learning
opportunities throughout their
lives, collaborate with, and
contribute to, the global
community and to be creative
and disciplined in their thinking.
Principles & Premises
The principles and premises we
embrace are:
• A digital learning environment
• New learning standards
• Assessments for learning
• Accountability for learning
• Organizational transformation
• Balanced and invigorated state
and local partnerships
2
The Board of Trustees
consists of seven members
elected to serve, without
compensation, for overlapping
terms of four years each.
Elections are conducted in May
BOARD OF
TRUSTEES
TAMMY RICHARDS
PRESIDENT
of odd numbered years. While
candidates run for specific
places, they do not represent
specific geographical areas;
rather, each represents Plano
NANCY HUMPHREY
VICE PRESIDENT
ISD at large. Following the
MARILYN HINTON
SECRETARY
MISSY BENDER
CARROLYN MOEBIUS
DAVID STOLLE
election, the board elects a
president, vice-president and
secretary to serve for
one-year terms.
MICHAEL FRIEDMAN
RICHARD MATKIN
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
STEVE FORTENBERRY
ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT FOR BUSINESS AND FACILITIES SERVICES
DR. CATHY GALLOWAY
ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT FOR DISTRICT SERVICES
JIM HIRSCH
ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT FOR ACADEMIC AND TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
PATTY MEYER
ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT FOR CAMPUS SERVICES
KARLA OLIVER
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR GOVERNMENT, COMMUNITY AND PLANNING INITIATIVES
DENISE GILLESPIE
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE SUPERINTENDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
3
Plano at a Glance
Plano ISD at a Glance
Population 261,900 Median Age 38
Schools
Grade Level
Early Childhood Schools (PreK)
Plano consists of an educated and diverse
population located 20 miles north of Dallas, TX.
Plano is home to a number of global companies and
serves as corporate or regional headquarters for
major employers like Bank of America Home
Loans, HP Enterprise Services, Capital One
Finance, JCPenney Corporation, Inc., Frito-Lay,
Dell Services, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., and
many more.
Higher Education
Collin College, SMU-in-Plano, University of North Texas,
University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Woman’s University,
University of Dallas
Educational Attainment of Citizenry
(25 years and older)
Graduate or professional degree
Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s degree
Some college, no degree
High school graduate
(includes equivalency)
20%
35%
6%
18%
14.3%
Income
Median household income
Per capita income
$
$
83,239
41,463
Median Home Price
$
212,500
Top Employment Industries
Professional, scientific, management,
administrative and waste management
Educational services, healthcare
and social assistance
Finance and insurance, real estate
and rental and leasing
Retail trade
Manufacturing
Arts, entertainment, recreation,
accommodation and food services
Information
Construction
Other services
except public administration
Wholesale trade
Transportation, warehousing
and utilities
Public administration
Agriculture, forestry,
fishing and hunting and mining
18.6%
16.9%
13.0%
11.9%
9.4%
8.7%
5.0%
4.3%
4.6%
3.4%
2.3%
1.0%
0.8%
Plano ISD serves the residents of
approximately 100 square miles in southwest
Collin County. This area includes 66 square miles
in Plano, with the balance including northern
portions of the cities of Dallas and Richardson
and parts of the cities of Allen, Carrollton,
Garland, Lucas, Murphy, Parker and Wylie.
# of Campuses
3
Elementary Schools (K-5)
44
Middle Schools (6-8)
13
High Schools (9-10)
6
Senior High Schools (11-12)
3
Special Programs Centers (K-8 & 9-12)
2
TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOOLS
71
Student Enrollment
Elementary Schools (PreK-5)
26,748
Middle Schools (6-8)
12,627
High Schools (9-10)
8,264
Senior High Schools (11-12)
7,350
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS
Staff
Teachers
Librarians
Education aides
Interpreters
Other instructional paraprofessionals
School principals
Assistant principals
Counselors
School Nurses
Educational diagnosticians, psychologists
& social workers
Superintendent, associates & assistants
Non-campus professionals
Auxiliary
TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
54,989
4,011
73
622
9
174
71
92
152
73
55
7
223
1,342
6,904
Professional Profile
Higher education degrees
teachers 34%; all professional employees 41%
Average years teaching experience
12 years, 9 years in Plano ISD
Plano ISD hired 835 new employees for 2012-13,
including 416 teachers.
Competitive Starting Salaries for Beginning Teachers
Bachelor’s degree $46,700; Master’s degree $48,700
Sources: Plano Economic
Development Board 2012
Community Profile and
U.S. Census Bureau
4
Plano ISD students‛ scores on college
entrance exams far exceeded state and
national averages in 2012. The incomparable
performance of Plano ISD students on these
exams gives them a competitive edge for college
admission and college success. In addition to
exceptional college entrance exam scores, a
significant number of students are challenging
themselves by taking Advanced Placement courses
and participating in the International
Baccalaureate program and Collin College dual
enrollment. These statistics indicate a strong
dedication of Plano ISD teachers and counselors
to work diligently to get more students enrolled
and involved in honors and advanced courses.
2012 SAT Scores
PLANO ISD
Critical Reading
S TAT E
N AT I O N
Math
Writing
Advanced Placement Program
Through the Advanced Placement program, Plano ISD has opened the door for many students
to take AP and honors courses. For many of these students, 2012 was the first time to take an
AP test. Plano ISD’s AP program is one of the largest in the nation.
• 5,780 students took AP tests for college credit in 2012.
• 11,508 exams were administered to students in high schools and senior high schools.
• 79% of AP test scores at the high schools and senior high schools were 3, 4 or 5.
International Baccalaureate Program
The International Baccalaureate program is a rigorous course of study designed to meet the needs
of highly motivated secondary students and to promote international understanding. Many
students earning the IB diploma are awarded advanced college credit at prestigious universities
around the world.
• In 2012, Plano ISD had 98 full diploma candidates in the IB program.
• 77 IB diplomas were awarded in 2012.
• IB students took 665 IB exams.
500
550
600
2012 ACT Composite Scores
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
NAT IO N
American College Test (ACT) Results
• 1,786 Plano ISD students took the ACT exam in 2012 as compared to
1,676 the prior year. The composite score of 25.6 earned by Plano ISD students far exceeded
that of students across the state (20.8) and nation (21.1).
• The ACT English score of Plano ISD students (24.7) exceeded scores of students across
Texas (19.6) and the nation (20.5).
• Plano ISD students scored an average 26.6 on the math exam. Statewide and nationally,
students’ average scores on the same exam were 21.4 and 21.1, respectively.
• The science reasoning average score of Plano ISD students was 25.1. Statewide and
nationally, students averaged 20.8 and 20.9, respectively.
• Reading scores averaged 25.4 for Plano ISD students and 20.8 and 21.3, respectively, for
students in Texas and the nation.
450
S TAT E
400
PL A N O I S D
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Results
• 2,670 Plano ISD seniors took the SAT in 2011-12 as compared to 2,622
students in 2010-11.
• The SAT critical reading score of 547 compares to 470 at the state
level and 491 for the nation’s students.
• The SAT math average score was 586 for Plano ISD students and 496
and 505, respectively, for students in Texas and the nation.
• SAT writing average scores were 532 for Plano ISD students and 456
and 481 across the state and nation, respectively.
5
Dual Enrollment through Collin College
Since fall, 2005, Plano ISD has offered a dual enrollment program through Collin College. The number of
students enrolled has grown from 27 to 769. This is a strong indication of the success of the program and
Plano ISD students’ post-secondary readiness. Students earned college credit through Collin College in
the following courses: US History, Government, Economics and English IV.
Plano ISD Advanced Academics Programs
To help students invest in their future, Plano ISD is proud to provide students with a wide array of
advanced academic courses, programs and competitions that appeal to varied interests, experiences and
educational goals. Students learn and grow through meaningful educational challenges. Participating in
one or more advanced academic opportunities allows students to explore existing talents while
uncovering new talents. Advanced academic opportunities begin in the elementary years and increase in
frequency at the secondary level in Plano ISD.
Plano ISD Assessment & Accountability
Plano ISD believes that assessment provides the information necessary to improve student performance
and that assessment data should be analyzed for the purpose of setting priorities for instructional
decision-making, allocating system resources and setting accountability goals. Plano ISD also believes that
assessment data should be reported to students, parents, the community and the mandated state and
federal education authorities for the purpose of building partnerships in education.
Scenes from Plano ISD‛s three 2012 graduation ceremonies
6
2012
NATIONAL
MERIT
Ninety-six seniors achieved Semifinalist standing in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program based on their
performance on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test. These academically gifted students were among 16,000 of
their peers nationwide who represent less than one percent of high school seniors. Those who advanced to Finalist
standing competed for National Merit Scholarships worth more than $36 million.
Plano East Senior High School
Adeyemi Adewuyi
Benjamin C. Beck
Rachel A. Brasier
Natalie H. Chee
Amy C. Chyao
Sean T. Cummings
Hiroshi Ishii-Adajar
Jaclyn A. Marcatili
Brittany A. Moore
Michele S. Myong
Bijal B. Patel
Tori G. Proctor
Ashna R. Pudupakkam
Allyson M. Rosenthal
Zulian Tjuatja
Meghana Vuyyuru
Sarah A. Weidner
Taylor A. Willis
Kyle Yuan
Hanpei Zhang
Iris Zhuang
Plano Senior High School
Taylor Alatorre
Brandon S. Barber
Kayla H. Bu
Abigail E. Buffington
Lindsey A. Carver
Caroline Chen
Patricia Chen
Stephanie A. Chu
Rachel A. Clark
Benjamin T. Cook
Jinge Du
Kelsey E. Erwin
Daniel J. Gomez
Diva Gulati
Adwa E. Habtu
Emily R. Higgs
Khwaja A. Kamran
Lindsey Kehlmann
Milan Kodali
Darien Lee
Naseoul Lee
Yu-Chun A. Lin
Joel E. Liou
Lawrence J. Liu
David Ma
Samantha R. Meyer
Min J. Moon
Prashant K. Narayan
Shantha K. Nithiananda
Isabel S. Ong
Sagar D. Parikh
Ashwin M. Ramakrishnan
Shalini N. Ranmuthu
Akshob R. Rao
Manideep Ravi
2012 Valedictorians Amy Chyao, Plano East; Darien Lee, Plano; and Andrew Li, Plano West
Karthik Ravikumar
Steven G. Reese
Samarth Srinivasan
Ali S. Tejani
Zachary M. Van Duyne
Jarom I. Weatherford
Stephanie C. Wright
David Wu
Angela Xin
Kaili Yang
Joseph L. Yeh
Jessie K. Zhou
Plano West Senior High School
Kelsey T. Ball
Brittany T. Barber
Rebecca A. Chang
Su Min Cho
Helen T. Chu
Kaline E. Gabriel
Stephanie M. Gullo
Caitlin E. Gutschenritter
Sharwin C. Khot
Lea K. Konczal
Chen J. Lee
Mark Lee
Michelle P. Lee
Andrew Li
Stephany C. Liu
Monica Lu
William G. McMillan
Rachel L. Miller
Brandon P. Mond
Jieun Moon
Christina T. Nguyen
Emily J. Niewiarowski
Jae Eun Park
Archit A. Sahay
Jennifer K. Sakowski
Sarah S. Shaikh
Christian N. Wyse
Ezra B. Yu
7
Annually, Plano ISD undergoes careful financial scrutiny from an
independent auditing firm, Weaver & Tidwell, LLP. The company
delivered “an unqualified opinion” of Plano ISD’s financial services
and records for fiscal year ending 2012.
For 29 consecutive years, Plano ISD has earned a “Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” by the
Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada.
Plano ISD has earned, for nine consecutive years, the highest rating
of “Superior Achievement” through the Texas Education Agency’s
Schools FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) program.
The Local Government Assistance and Economic Development
Comptroller of Public Accounts presented Plano ISD with a
“Leadership Circle Award” gold seal, a mark of success indicating
implementation of financial transparency.
BUDGET BY FUNCTION 2011-12
2011-12 Financial Data
Assessed Values
Percentages
Residential
Commercial/Industrial
Rural
Personal
Exempt
TOTAL
$20,517,769,000
$12,645,545,000
$615,144,000
$3,536,560,000
($3,635,864,000
$33,679,154,000
61%
37%
2%
11%
-11%
100%
General Fund
Revenue:
Local Funds
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Resources
TOTAL REVENUE
$359,088,917
$87,367,402
$2,258,286
$2,297,782
$451,012,387
80%
19%
Less than 1%
Less than 1%
100%
General Fund Appropriations
Salary and Benefits
Other Expenses
Other Uses
TOTAL OPERATING COSTS
$332,751,783
$61,393,668
$1,317,805
$395,463,256
84.2%
15.5%
0.3%
100%
Flow-Thru Costs
Recapture Payments*
TIF Flow-Thru
TOTAL OPERATING FUND
APPROPRIATIONS
Cost Per Pupil
INSTRUCTION
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT
CO/EXTRA CURRICULAR
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
OTHER COSTS
68.9%
11.6%
1.8%
2.0%
14.9%
0.8%
BUDGET BY OBJECT 2011-12
$39,583,643
$2,594,485
$437,641,384
$7,863
2011-12 Area Tax Rates
Allen
Wylie
McKinney
Rockwall
Mesquite
Lewisville
$
$
$
$
$
$
1.6700
1.6400
1.5400
1.4700
1.4200
1.4530
Frisco
Carrollton/FB
Richardson
Plano
Garland
$
$
$
$
$
1.4600
1.3306
1.3400
1.3734
1.2533
SALARY & BENEFITS
CONTRACTED SERVICES/UTILITIES
SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
OTHER OPERATING
CAPITAL OUTLAY
OTHER COSTS
82.4%
10.2%
3.6%
1.0%
0.0%
2.8%
8
Plano
PlanoISD
ISDFacilities
Facilitiesand
andTechnology
TechnologyBond
BondTask
TaskForces
Forceshave
have
considered
consideredmajor
majorbond
bondinitiatives
initiativesthat
thatresulted
resultedininbond
bond
elections
electionsevery
everyfour
fouryears
yearsfrom
from1996
1996to
to2008.
2008.Plano
PlanoISD
ISD
voters
votershave
havepassed
passedthese
thesebond
bondelections
electionswith
withan
anoverwhelming
overwhelming
majority
majorityininfavor
favorof
ofrevitalized
revitalizedschools
schoolsininneighborhoods
neighborhoodswhile
while
implementing
implementingand
andutilizing
utilizingthe
thelatest
latesttechnology.
technology.Schedules
Schedulesfor
for
most
mostof
ofthese
theseinitiatives
initiativesare
arecontingent
contingentupon
uponbond
bondsales.
sales.
Construction
Constructionplanning
planningisiscontinuing;
continuing;however,
however,the
theinterest
interestrate
rate
and
andtiming
timingof
ofimprovements
improvementsininthe
themarket
marketwill
willdetermine
determineactual
actual
bond
bondexpenditures.
expenditures.Detailed
Detailedbond
bondproject
projectquarterly
quarterlyreports
reports
can
canbe
beviewed
viewedon
onthe
thedistrict
districtwebsite
websiteat
atwww.pisd.edu.
www.pisd.edu.
PROMISED
PROMISED
FULFILLED
FULFILLED
Pre-Funded
Pre-FundedProjects
Projects
Schell
SchellElementary
ElementarySchool
School
Employee
EmployeeChild
ChildCare
CareCenter
Center
Land
LandAcquisitions
Acquisitions
$27,850,000
$27,850,000
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedsummer
summer2007
2007
Building
Buildingpurchased
purchasedand
andopened
openedfall
fall2008
2008
Mapleshade
Mapleshadesite
sitepurchased
purchasedfall
fall2012
2012
Capital
CapitalImprovements
Improvements(Instructional)
(Instructional)
Isaacs
IsaacsEarly
EarlyChildhood
ChildhoodSchool
School(ECS)
(ECS)
Barron
BarronElementary
ElementarySchool
SchoolConversion
Conversion(from
(fromECS)
ECS)
New
NewElementary
ElementarySchool
School
Otto
OttoMiddle
MiddleSchool
School
McMillen
McMillenHigh
HighSchool
School
$140,855,112
$140,855,112
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2009
2009
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2009
2009
Planning
Planningand
andconstruction
constructionTBD
TBD
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedsummer
summer2010
2010
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedsummer
summer2011
2011
Renovations
Renovations(Elementary
(ElementarySchools)
Schools)
Bethany
Bethany
Brinker
Brinker
Daffron
Daffron
Hedgcoxe
Hedgcoxe
Jackson
Jackson
Memorial
Memorial
Mendenhall
Mendenhall
Mitchell
Mitchell
Rasor
Rasor
Weatherford
Weatherford
$121,166,629
$121,166,629
Planning
Planningto
tostart
startininfifth
fifthphase
phase
Planning
Planningongoing,
ongoing,construction
constructionto
tocomplete
completefall
fall2014
2014
Planning
Planningongoing,
ongoing,construction
constructionto
tocomplete
completefall
fall2014
2014
Planning
Planningto
tostart
startininfifth
fifthphase
phase
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2011
2011
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2012
2012
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2011
2011
Construction
Constructionto
tocomplete
completefall
fall2013
2013
Construction
Constructionto
tocomplete
completefall
fall2013
2013
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2012
2012
Additions/Modifications
Additions/Modifications
Plano
PlanoEast
EastSenior
SeniorHigh
HighSchool
SchoolScience/Kitchen
Science/Kitchen&&Dining
Dining
Vines
VinesHigh
HighSchool
SchoolFine
FineArts
Arts&&Science
ScienceAddition
Addition
Plano
PlanoWest
WestSenior
SeniorHigh
HighSchool
SchoolKitchen
Kitchen&&Dining,
Dining,
Campus
CampusCapacity
CapacityExpansion
Expansion
$62,182,369
$62,182,369
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2010
2010
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2010
2010
Haggard
HaggardMiddle
MiddleSchool
SchoolFine
FineArts
ArtsAddition
Addition
Plano
PlanoSenior
SeniorHigh
HighSchool
SchoolFine
FineArts
ArtsAddition
Addition
Forman
FormanElementary
ElementarySchool
SchoolAddition
Addition––Classrooms
Classrooms
Guinn
GuinnCenter
CenterAddition
Addition––Classrooms/Kitchen/Serving
Classrooms/Kitchen/ServingLine
Line
Planning
Planning&&construction
constructionongoing,
ongoing,
Construction
Constructionto
tocomplete
completeby
by2014
2014
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2011
2011
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2011
2011
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2010
2010
Construction
Constructioncompleted
completedfall
fall2010
2010
Additional
AdditionalCapital
CapitalProjects
Projects
Bird
BirdEducation
EducationCenter
CenterParking
ParkingProject
Project
Energy
EnergyEfficient
EfficientLighting
Lighting
Water
WaterConservation
ConservationIrrigation
IrrigationUpgrades
Upgrades
Athletic
AthleticCapital
CapitalImprovements
Improvements
District-Wide
District-WideCapital
CapitalProjects
Projects
$9,860,000
$9,860,000
Completed
Completed
48
48sites
sitescompleted
completed(as
(asplanned)
planned)
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
9
PROMISED
Systems and Compliance
(Capital Improvements – 47 Sites)
District-Wide Facility Upgrades/Replacements for
Security Systems, Roofs, Flooring, HVAC, Energy
Management, Fire Alarms, Fire Lane Parking
Curriculum and Technology
(Capital Improvements – District-wide)
Replacement Program
Classroom Technology Initiatives
Digital Visual Presenters (K-12)
PC Operating and Productivity Systems Upgrade (K-12)
Digital Cameras (K-12)
Web-Based Enterprise Applications
Curriculum Specific
Art (K-5)
Career and Technology Education (6-12)
Elementary (K-5)
Foreign Language (6-12)
Health and Physical Education (K-12)
Learning Media Services (K-12)
Mathematics (6-12)
Science (6-12)
Special Education (K-12)
Speech (9-12)
Theatre Arts (6-12)
Central/Auxiliary Services Initiatives
Communications
Food and Nutritional Services
Technology – Upgrade Wireless Infrastructure
Transportation
Total Bond Program
FULFILLED
$36,154,394
Ongoing
$66,090,996
Ongoing
Completed
Ongoing
Completed
Ongoing
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
In progress
In progress
Completed
Completed
Ongoing
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
In progress
$490,000,000
Former Memorial Elementary
School student Captain Ikedinachi
Akagha served as a co-keynote
speaker at the school‛s rededication
ceremony. Student Council members
gave guests tours of the new
facility.
The newly rebuilt
Memorial Elementary
School opened in 2012.
10
S CHOOL
&
C O MMUN IT Y
Annual MLK Tribute Event
Showcases Student Talent &
Celebrates Community Diversity
Hundreds of students, educators and
community leaders attended Plano ISD’s
Martin Luther King, Jr., tribute event in
January, 2012, to celebrate the work of Dr.
King and the diversity in our community.
Held at Plano West Senior High School,
the MLK Tribute program showcased
students through musical entertainment,
essay readings and theatrical
performances. Awards were presented
to MLK art contest winners and for
diversity leadership.
Students shared their award-winning essays with guests at the 2012 MLK Tribute,
“Designing Our Future: Building the Dream.”
School PTAs and District PTA Council Awarded by State for Leadership
“Making every child’s potential a reality” is the vision of the Plano ISD Council of PTAs. Our Council, with 69 local-unit PTAs and
more than 28,000 members, is the key link in the line of communication between the local, area, state and national PTAs as well as
with the school administration and the general public. Councils provide opportunities for conferences, leadership training and
coordination of efforts, plus information, support, inspiration and instruction for council members. The council serves to
strengthen local PTAs, support new PTAs, develop leadership potential, promote PTA membership and serve the community and
its children. For its excellent service during the 2011-12 school year, the district council captured a Texas PTA award for
“Outstanding PTA Council,” and several school PTAs were awarded by the state PTA for their websites and newsletters, parent
education, legislative action, arts education and environmental education.
Plano ISD Leaders in the Community
Superintendent of Schools Richard Matkin, members of his leadership team and Plano ISD’s 2012 Teachers of the Year represent
Plano ISD schools at many community events and help the district stay connected to our important community partners. Events in
2012 included the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas 9th Annual
Key Leaders Lunch and the Plano Chamber of Commerce’s
“Best of Plano” awards event. “Powered by Community” was
the theme for the YMCA Key Leaders Lunch, which included
a conversation with Nolan Ryan, Texas Rangers CEO, and
remarks by YMCA leaders. “Best of Plano,” hosted by the
Plano Chamber of Commerce, honored the city’s top business
and community leaders, including Plano ISD’s Teachers of the
Year Ronnie Cantu and Greg Arp.
Pictured at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas‛ 9th
Annual Key Leaders Luncheon on September 25 are
Patrick Ramsier, YMCA board of directors; Richard
Matkin, superintendent of schools; Karla Oliver,
YMCA board of directors and Plano ISD assistant
superintendent for government, community and
planning initiatives; and Jayson Killough, vice
president of operations, Plano Family YMCA.
Pictured with students are Superintendent
Richard Matkin (center); Patty Meyer,
associate superintendent for campus services
(standing, third from left), and Dr. Cathy
Galloway, associate superintendent for
district services (standing, second from
right). Students are pictured (l-r) as follows:
Plano West Senior High School Matthew
Abernathy and Braden Keeter, (seated) Cassi
Pollock and Marissa Turk; Plano Senior High
School Jourdan Escobar and Matt Hintz,
(seated) Avery Atterstrom and Taylor
Chambers; Plano East Senior High School
Connor Cunningham and Justin Johnson,
(seated) Britni McElvy and Marissa Albers.
Superintendent & Student Advisory Committee Share Issues of Importance
Superintendent Richard Matkin meets monthly with student representatives from the district’s three senior high schools to share
issues of importance to the students and school district. During monthly meetings, the juniors and seniors share their concerns
and celebrations with Mr. Matkin and his leadership team who share with the young leaders emerging district initiatives and gain
their input and perspectives on issues such as technology, curriculum, school finance and communications, to name a few.
“Significant to my role as superintendent of schools is gaining community input from a variety of leaders, including our student
leaders,” noted Mr. Matkin. “The Student Advisory Committee affords an opportunity for me to hear what is important to our
students, to share information with them about new and innovative district programming and to seek their advice regarding
programs that directly affect them.”
Harrington 4th Grade Students
Participate in Demos Facilitated by UTD
Engineering Organization
Harrington Elementary School fourth grade
students participated in several
demonstrations to excite their curiosity
about STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math) education, during a
visit from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Engineering students and faculty advisor of
the university’s R.I.S.E. (Reaching and
Inspiring Student Engineers) organization
led the activities.
Students react to seeing Dr. Walter Voit and R.I.S.E. President Colin Moore make
Oobleck “dance” using vibrations.
Key Communicators Program
Encourages Dialogue Between District
and Parents
The Plano ISD Key Communicators program is one of many valuable aspects of the school district’s ongoing, two-way
communications effort with parents, students and other citizens in the district. The communications department coordinates the Key
Communicator program with a planning committee lead by parent volunteer and national PTA board member Sharon Goldblatt.
Each school selects three parents to serve as Key Communicators during each school year. Key Communicators attend meetings
throughout the school year at which time the superintendent and other key staff share information and interact with the group. They
also facilitate balanced and factual communication between the district and schools.
12
Plano ISD is excited to bring new options to students in the 2013 – 2014 school
year with the addition of the Academy Programs of Plano. The program will
launch with the opening of three specialized academies to provide students with
more choices in not just what they learn, but how they learn. The
three very distinct programs offered at the Plano ISD Health
Sciences Academy, the IB World School at Plano East Senior High
School and the Plano ISD Academy High School will give
the district the opportunity to serve an even greater variety of student
interests and needs. These programs are offered to all Plano ISD students
with transportation being provided by the district.
Plano ISD Health Sciences Academy
The Plano ISD Health Sciences Academy is an exciting choice for students
interested in pursuing careers and further education in healthcare.
Opportunities include college credit, technical certificates, hands-on
experience and mentorship from healthcare professionals. The academy
offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for the demands
of a four-year university or pre-med program and gives them the tools
needed to enter the workforce after graduation.
“By getting their foot in
the door and starting with
college classes at the high school
level, they have the opportunity to get
firsthand experience to prepare for the
amount of rigor that‛s to be expected in a
healthcare field.”
Through a partnership with Collin College, the academy will provide students
with the potential to earn more than 50 hours of college credit and technical
certificates in five specialized areas. “This early exposure to the rigor of being a
college student will allow our students to be prepared for what may lie ahead for them
after high school,” said Plano ISD Superintendent Richard Matkin.
— SHERRY SCHUMANN, Vice
President/Provost of the Central
Park Campus of Collin
College
According to Dr. Brenda Kihl, vice president/provost of the Preston Ridge Campus of Collin College, who has been instrumental in
the curriculum development for the academy, “Students in the Health Sciences Academy will start taking dual credit courses in the
tenth grade. They will apply to Collin College, be admitted and then register for classes which will be great experience.”
Collin College President Dr. Cary Israel feels this academy couldn’t have come at a better time, saying, “There’s a critical shortage of
healthcare workers in our community, in our state and in our nation…so this is an opportune time to create an academy like this.”
According to local healthcare leaders, there is a shortage in all healthcare specialties, with the need increasing over time as our
community’s workforce reaches the age of retirement. Giving future healthcare professionals a head start is a step in the right
direction. “Going forward, we are
going to need folks who have had
exposure to what healthcare is at
an early age and have started
thinking about how we can do
healthcare differently,” said Mike
Evans, CEO of Texas Health
Presbyterian Hospital Plano.
The Health Sciences Academy will
give students a solid foundation
to become successful healthcare
professionals by not only
providing them with a wide
breadth of health sciences
courses, but also teaching them
the skills needed to communicate
effectively, work efficiently and
think critically in a medical
environment.
Collin College President Dr. Cary Israel and Plano ISD Superintendent Richard Matkin
13
Aleta Stampley, Texas Instruments (TI) K-12 education & community relations director; Lisa
Brady Gill, TI executive director of North American Marketing; Trisha Cunningham, TI chief
citizenship officer; Renee Godi, Plano ISD Academy High School principal; Jaime Beringer, TI
customer marketing manager and Mitch Bramlett, Plano ISD Education Foundation president
Plano ISD Academy High School
The project/problem-based learning community of Plano ISD Academy High School will foster a professional environment, inspire
creativity and empower students to collaborate and compete in a rapidly changing world. With an emphasis on science, technology,
engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), student learning will focus on real-world experiences and problems with an
interdisciplinary curriculum as they collaborate with others both inside and outside of school. The academy will be housed in a
repurposed office building located at 1701 Alma Drive in Plano.
“It’s crucial that we provide opportunities for students to be able to thrive,” said Plano ISD
Academy High School Principal Renee
Godi. “We believe by offering these specialized programs students are
“We have 10 times more
going to be able to connect to what they’re learning.”
jobs available in the science,
The academy will use corporate partnerships to create mutually
technology, engineering and math fields
enriching learning relationships and help prepare students for the
than other career fields. In the next 10
global workforce. “Corporations can be involved on many levels
years, STEAM jobs will grow 17% faster
including internships, onsite student mentoring, involvement in lecture
than other jobs.”
series and submission of project ideas and problem cases for the
— LISA BRADY GILL, Executive Director
of North American Marketing, Texas
Instruments
curriculum,” said Plano ISD Education Foundation President Mitch
Bramlett. “At the same time, our students are going to be seeing what
corporate life is really like.”
Texas Instruments (TI) has signed on as the founding corporate partner with a
five-year, $5 million commitment. Both TI and the TI Foundation have had a strong,
collaborative partnership with Plano ISD for many years. “TI and PISD have very
similar visions about the role of technology. It’s important for students to use
technology if they are going to be the innovators of tomorrow,” said Lisa Brady Gill, TI’s executive director of North
American Marketing.
Students will have access to TI’s latest developmental products and benefit from having TI staff onsite. “We’ll sit with students on
their projects, help to facilitate those projects, help to grade and coach them through these projects and actually be a part of their
capstone presentations. We are extremely excited about that,” said Aleta Stampley, K-12 education & community relations director, TI.
“It’s going to take innovation for us to continue to help students succeed,” said TI Chief Citizenship Officer Trisha Cunningham.
“Science and math skills are very important for our next generation of engineers and innovators. Critical thinking and collaboration
are skills you can get from a problem-based learning environment. These are the things what will help move us forward as a country
and help our students be successful.”
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IB World School at Plano East Senior High School
The IB World School at
Plano East Senior High will
build on the existing
International Baccalaureate
(IB) program foundation to
create a fulfilling four-year
experience for those
motivated students
interested in learning and
understanding the world
from different perspectives.
This school-within-a-school
program for ninth through
twelfth grades will
strengthen the experience
of Plano ISD students who
choose to participate in the
IB Diploma program.
“IB Students are able to
put themselves in the shoes of
people from other cultures and other
points of view—and make good, critical
decisions.”
— THERESA BIGGS, Plano ISD
Coordinator of Gifted Education
Plano ISD coordinator of gifted education Theresa Biggs and IB graduate
Derrick Chen
The IB program is a rigorous and comprehensive course of study
designed to meet the needs of highly motivated secondary students
and prepare them for life after high school. Theresa Biggs, Plano ISD
coordinator of gifted education and former IB coordinator, has seen
firsthand the profound impact the IB program has had on hundreds of
students and is always delighted to learn where her students land after
graduation. “I see students all the time. I run into them and they’re district
attorneys, they’re physicians, they’re working all over the world,” she said.
Former IB student Rika Mallepally, a medical student at Emory University,
credits the Plano East IB program for preparing her for the difficulties faced as a
new college student. “If you encounter things that are hard, you know how to triumph over it because it’s not the first time you’ve
seen something scholastically difficult,” said Ms. Mallepally, who earned 72 hours of college credit from Plano East’s IB program
allowing her to start her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University as a junior. IB graduate Derrick Chen also earned college
credit, saying, “It definitely put me a step ahead of most students.”
Four grade levels of IB students housed at one campus allows for enhanced curriculum alignment to better prepare ninth and
tenth grade students for their eleventh and twelfth grade IB Diploma journey. Another advantage of having all IB students on a
single campus is that it provides the opportunity for eleventh and twelfth grade IB students to mentor the ninth and tenth graders.
To qualify for the IB Diploma, students must take examinations in six subject areas, participate in the Creativity, Action and Service
(CAS) program and write an extended essay. The CAS requirement is a fundamental part of the program that promotes the
importance of life outside the world of scholarship. IB graduate, Jack Ternan, lawyer and recent candidate for Texas State Senate,
credits this comprehensive program and its unique components like CAS for helping him build a strong personal and academic
foundation. “Many aspects of the International Baccalaureate program had a large effect on my life including CAS. It had us going
out into the community, serving and being creative. It taught me how to interact outside the classroom as well, and I think that was
important.”
In 2011-2012, the Plano ISD Education Foundation raised over $1,000,000 in private
donations supporting quality education in Plano schools, made possible through an annual
“Ski Plano” gala, Plano ISD employee donations, a parent and community annual fund drive
and gifts from corporations, foundations and individuals.
As a result, nearly $800,000 was gifted to Plano ISD for priority programs that: enhance
student learning; ensure all students are college ready; recruit, retain and recognize the
very best teachers; and support the role of parents and families in students‛ learning. The
foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a board of 32 business and
community leaders.
Students of Kathy Tripp
at Gulledge Elementary
School celebrated her
winning grant.
Also Sponsored by the
Foundation in 2011-12
• STEM education improvement
initiatives.
Foundation Funds Record $100,000 in Grants to Educators
In November, 2011, Plano ISD Education Foundation board
members, program sponsors, district staff and parent leaders
personally delivered nearly $100,000 in monetary awards, a record
amount, to fund 81 innovative instructional programs. Plano ISD
teachers received surprise visits by district and community leaders
and the announcement of their winning grants in their classrooms
across the school district. Since the Foundation’s inception, more
than $695,000 has been awarded to Plano ISD teachers through the
Grants to Educators program. Funding for the grants program was
generously donated by these sponsors: Park Place Lexus, Plano ISD
Council of PTAs, Huawei, the Andrea-Mennen Foundation, the
Flextronics Foundation, Alliance Data and the Murphy Chamber of
Commerce.
• Student scholarships for
economically disadvantaged
students to attend fifth grade
camp.
• Plano ISD’s annual teacher of
the year gala, new teacher
dinner and employee
convocation.
• Emergency grants to Plano ISD
employees experiencing
short-term crisis.
• Funding for Plano ISD pilot
programs that hold promise of
bridging student achievement
gaps and ensuring all students
are college ready.
• Funding for family services and
literacy programs.
Ann Pomykal (center) of the Texas Instruments
Foundation was thanked for her foundation‛s
salutatorian sponsorship at the annual Education
Foundation Donor Recognition event by Plano ISD
Superintendent of Schools Richard Matkin and the
Plano ISD Education Foundation Board of
Directors‛ Dennis Oliver, treasurer, and Rebecca
Egelston Caso, secretary.
LO RES
Central Market Thrill of the Grill 5K Breaks Records, Supports
Plano ISD Education Foundation
4th Annual Central Market Thrill of the Grill 5k, benefitting the
Plano ISD Education Foundation was a sizzling success with a
record 2,000 runners including school groups and community
members. The walker- and pet-friendly race featured a new 5k
route, bandanas for pets, hot breakfast and live music at the
post-race party and awards ceremony. Haun Elementary School
took home the top participation award.
Employees ‘Touch the Heart of a Child’
Plano ISD employees once again gave generously “from the heart”
during the annual employee giving campaign to benefit students
and teachers through the Plano ISD Education Foundation.
One-hundred percent of schools and departments participated in
the campaign in 2012, with 3,013 employees contributing a total of
$111,396 to the effort. More than half of contributing schools and
departments met or exceeded their goals for the campaign.
Ski Plano 2012 Celebrates Another Successful
Fundraising Year
The Plano ISD Education Foundation is pleased to report that its
fundraising gala, “Ski Plano 2012,” broke records for revenue and
A participant crosses the finish line at the 4th Annual Central
attendance. The Ski Plano Lodge once again overtook Southfork
Market Thrill of the Grill 5k.
Ranch in Parker for the sold out event. Over $200,000 was raised
in event proceeds and will benefit the programs of the Foundation
for the 55,000 students of Plano ISD. More than 800 guests wore their favorite ski sweaters and jeans, danced the night away to
two live bands and browsed the slopes of astonishing auction items. Honorary emcee for the event was Tony Award winner,
Broadway actor and proud Plano Senior High School graduate John Benjamin Hickey.
Ski Plano Emcee John Benjamin Hickey (second from left) is pictured with family
and friends at Ski Plano 2012, where hundreds of school district supporters
enjoyed dinner, dancing and bidding on live and silent auction items.
17
Texas Instruments
Foundation Innovations in
STEM Teaching Award
winners Julie Baker, Plano
East Senior High School,
and Jennifer Walker, Rice
Middle School, are
pictured with
Superintendent of
Schools Richard Matkin at
the Texas Instruments
awards ceremony.
Plano ISD Educators Capture 2012 Texas Instruments Foundation Innovations
in STEM Teaching Awards
Julie Baker, Plano East Senior High School Advanced Placement Biology teacher,
and Jennifer Walker, Rice Middle School seventh grade math teacher, captured the
2012 Texas Instruments Foundation Innovations in STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math) Teaching Awards. Julie and Jennifer were among six Plano
ISD teachers honored for superior teaching by the TI Foundation and the Plano ISD
Education Foundation. Each of the two selected 2012 winners will receive $10,000
in awards, including a $5,000 cash award and $5,000 for classroom technology and
professional development opportunities. Supporting the improvement of STEM
education, the Texas Instruments Foundation offered the Plano ISD Education
Foundation and school district the opportunity to recognize outstanding teachers
of secondary STEM courses, making a $100,000 donation over the past five years in
creation of the TI Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching Awards.
Plano ISD Education Foundation Brings Support to School District Through
Alumni Association
For the third consecutive year, the Plano ISD Education Foundation has worked to
bring together alumni in support of Plano ISD. The foundation uses social media to
reach alumni and provide a forum for interaction. The launch of a Plano ISD Alumni
Facebook page offers an interactive opportunity for Plano ISD alums to
communicate with each other and encourages them to stay engaged with the
school district. The fan site includes regular volunteer opportunities in the district,
reunion updates, sporting event updates, alumni spotlights and more. “Plano ISD
has more than 100 years of graduates who know first hand the value of a Plano ISD
education. It seemed logical to engage alumni as they have potential to be the
district’s biggest cheerleaders and supporters,” said Marshall Jackson, who
co-chairs the alumni committee with Beth Webb. “College and university boosters
make a huge impact on their campuses. They can also help lay an important
educational foundation at the K-12 level.”
Alumni committee
co-chair Marshall
Jackson (center)
is pictured with
Plano ISD‛s Tom
and Linda
Kimbrough at an
alumni tailgating
event.
2011 – 2012
Foundation Board of Directors
Lisa Raskin, President
Mitch Bramlett, President-Elect
Rebecca Egelston Caso, Secretary
Dennis W. Oliver, Treasurer
Sally Bane
Jamie Beringer
Keith D. Braley
Chris Brunner
Jean Callison
Windon Chau
Mary Jo Dean
Samir Deshpande
David Doyle
Harvey Fishero
Robert Fitzgerald
Diane Gerstner
Marshall V. Johnson, DDS, MS, PA
Robin Joseph-Williams
Cathy Larson
Don McClure
Jim McGee
Charles E. Miller
Joa Muns
Octavio Ortiz
Kelly Palmer
Kathy Schell
Kandi Sigona
Ralph Stow
Michael Urtso
Mary Von Ahnen
Kyle Walters
Carlos Sastoque, Executive Director
Richard Matkin,
Superintendent of Schools
Missy Bender,
Representative, Plano ISD Board
of Trustees
Angela Miner,
Representative, PTA Council
Board of Honor
The Late Jim Boswell
Rutledge Haggard
Rebecca Morris
Joan Slater
John Wroten
18
Hundreds of Plano ISD students captured awards and honors during the 2011-12 school year. Many of
our top achieving students‛ accomplishments are featured in the next few pages of this report.
Plano East 2012 Valedictorian Captures Nation's Top High School Award
Once in a while, a student comes along who merits the nation’s most
prestigious award for high school seniors, the U.S. Presidential Scholars
award. In 2012, that student was Amy Chyao, valedictorian of Plano East
Senior High School. Amy was among 140 of her high school peers to be
named U.S. Presidential Scholars honored at an awards ceremony in
Washington, D.C. Amy’s selection was based on her academic success,
artistic excellence and evidence of community service, leadership and
demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
Students Garner Awards at International Science & Engineering Fair
Eleven Plano ISD students competed in the International Science and
Engineering Fair (ISEF) along with 1,500 of their peers representing 68
nations. Five students captured category awards, and six students earned
special awards. The students qualified to attend the international fair
following their success at the Beal Bank Dallas Regional Science and
Plano East Valedictorian Amy Chyao is pictured at the
Engineering Fair and the ExxonMobil Science and Engineering Fair. “Plano
U.S. Presidential Scholars awards program held on June
ISD was well represented by a group of students who can give us hope for
16, 2012, in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Secretary of
the future,” reported Linda Flack, former secondary science coordinator.
Education Arne Duncan and Dr. Kenneth Balkus Jr.,
University of Texas at Dallas professor.
“Not only are these students great thinkers but they are wonderful young
adults who we should all be proud of. All students attending the fair are
top students in their countries and states and have made remarkable accomplishments qualifying them to attend the
international fair.”
Category Awards
• Kevin Nguyen and Punya Chittajallu, Plano East Senior High School, Team Chemistry Project: 2nd place $1,500 Award
• Rohan Thakur, Plano East Senior High School, Earth and Space Science: 2nd Place $1,500 Award
• Lisa Michaels, Shepton High School, Medicine and Health: 2nd Place $1,500 Award
• Aneesh Mohanty, Clark High School, Medicine and Health: 4th Place $500 Award
Special Awards
• Kevin Nguyen and Punya Chittajallu, Plano East Senior High School, Sigma Xi 3rd Place $1,500 Award; American
Chemical Society 1st place $4,000
• Renee Beach and Aileen Huang, Plano Senior High School, 2nd Place Air Force Research Laboratory $2,000 Award
• Lisa Michaels, Shepton High School, Air Force Research Laboratory 2nd Place $2,000 Award
• Rohan Thakur, Plano East Senior High School, $15,000 per year to the Florida Institute of Technology
Students Excel in Science Research at All Levels
Annually, Plano ISD students excel in science competitions at the regional, state and international level. Following are the
results of further major competitions.
• Forty-three Plano ISD students were recognized for their innovation and scientific prowess at the 2012 ExxonMobil Texas
Science and Engineering Fair. Rohan Thakur, a junior at Plano East Senior High School, earned one of the top four awards
in the fair’s senior division. Plano ISD students won more fair awards than students from any other school district.
• Plano ISD students captured all of the grand prize and runner-up grand prize awards in the senior division at the 2012
Beal Bank Dallas Science & Engineering Fair held in Dallas.
• Schimelpfenig Middle School student I-Chun Lin’s science research project earned her third place honors and $5,000
in the premier competition Broadcom MASTERS™, a program of the Society for Science & the Public (SSP) in which
sixth, seventh and eighth grade students demonstrate their mastery of Math, Applied Science, Technology and
Engineering as Rising Stars through science fair competition.
19
• Plano ISD students swept all three grand prize awards
once again in 2012 at the Regional Elementary Science
Fair. Some 133 Plano ISD students competed with 109
projects amongst 6,415 total students from Plano, Allen,
Mesquite, McKinney, Garland, Richardson and
Carrollton-Farmers Branch. Plano students captured
59 top awards, including grand prize, 1st-3rd place and
honorable mention awards.
Rice Middle School Student Advances for Third Time to
National Spelling Bee
Chetan Reddy, Rice Middle School student, captured his
ISEF participants: Shayan Mohanty, Sagar Parikh, Aneesh Mohanty,
third consecutive championship in the March, 2012, Dallas
Punya Chittajallu, Kevin Nguyen, Rohan Thakur, Lisa Michaels,
Morning News Regional Spelling Bee. After several grueling
Elisabeth Ashmore, Renee Beach, Rachel Hodge and Aileen Huang
rounds against 23 fellow contenders, Chetan won the bee by
spelling effendi. Chetan and
his final competitor spelled their way through 13 rounds before Chetan won the title. As
winner, Chetan competed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in June, 2012, in
Washington, D.C.
Additional Academic & Extracurricular Awards
JROTC Triennial Inspection ~ Plano ISD’s three JROTC (Junior Reserve Office Training
Corps) units, represented by student cadets from our three senior high schools and six
high schools, retained the coveted designation as a Gold
Star “Honor Unit with Distinction,” following their triennial
Cadet Formal Inspection held in November and December,
2011. Each JROTC battalion must be perfect, earning 576
points or 96% or higher, to earn and retain a gold star
during the inspection.
Plano Senior High School
JROTC cadets Alexandra
Hunt, McKay Paxman and
Jack Stokes are shown at a
September 11, 2011, memorial
ceremony at their school.
Chetan Reddy is pictured
Career & Technical Education ~ More than 300 Plano ISD
at the 2012 Plano ISD
Employee Convocation.
Career and Technical Education students advanced to
state level competitions in 2012 in events related to
culinary arts, computer science, engineering, livestock shows, distributive education,
business education, health occupations and more. Plano East Senior High School
Culinary Arts students competed in the 2nd annual Iron Chef North Texas event at The
Art Institute of Dallas. Following the culinary showdown, the team placed third.
Writing Excellence ~ Christina Qiu, Plano Senior High School, was among 274 high school
juniors to capture a 2012 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Achievement
Award in Writing. Recipients were selected from among 1,107 students nominated in their
junior year by their teachers from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin
Islands, Canada and American schools abroad.
The Plano Senior High Planoettes brought home their fourth
consecutive national champion trophy following the American
Dance/Drill Team‛s National Championship competition in
March, 2012.
Mock trial teams from Schimelpfenig Middle School won first
and second places at the Collin County Bar Association‛s Mock
Trial Competition. Teammates from Hendrick Middle School
won third place. Teams from several Plano ISD middle schools
competed.
20
Speech/Debate ~ Plano West Senior High School’s Speech and Debate Team Captain Zachary Stone was ranked 6th in the
nation in extemporaneous speaking. He was a first place award winner at several local speech and debate tournaments. As a
result of his success, Zachary was invited to the extemporaneous speaking round robin at the Southern Belle Forum held in
January in Montgomery, Alabama. Only 16 students in the nation received this honor.
WorldQuest ~ Plano Senior High School won the 10th Annual National Academic WorldQuest competition, an international
affairs trivia contest held by the World Affairs Councils of America, in Washington D.C. where they competed with nearly 200
students representing 28 states.
Student Council ~ For the second consecutive year, Hedgcoxe Elementary School Student Council captured the “Honor
Council Excellence Award” sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Athletic Achievements
Fine Arts Awards
Plano ISD students captured numerous fine arts awards in 2011-12, including the
following:
• Seventy-six Plano ISD students hailing from all high school campuses earned
coveted positions in 2012 Texas All State Music groups, including band, choir
and orchestra.
• Cam Wenrich, Plano Senior High School Theatre student, captured a
prestigious “Dallas Column Award,” the Ben Brettell Youth Award for
outstanding young actor. Cam starred as Billy Flynn in his school’s
performance of “Chicago” during the 2011-12 season.
Art by Helena Shi of Jasper High School was
• Artworks by five Plano ISD students were selected by judges in the Texas
among five works selected for the Texas
Youth Art Month competition to be exhibited in the state capitol building.
Youth Art Month Exhibit.
The exhibit was on display at the Texas Capitol in Austin during the month
of March.
• Several Plano ISD student artists captured top “Gold Key” awards for their artwork entered in a regional contest
sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.
• Nineteen Plano ISD student artists’ works were selected for the 2012 Young Masters Exhibition at the Dallas Museum of Art.
The exhibit was on display during the spring. Jurors deliberated over 366 entries to determine the final 42 artworks for
the show.
• Fifty-nine Plano ISD students’ artwork was judged worthy of advancing to the state VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) at
the Region 10 North VASE competition. There were 1,460 entries in the regional contest. With only 89 entries advancing
to state, 59 of those were created by Plano ISD students.
Baseball Plano district champion, advanced to area; Plano East 3rd in
district, advanced to regional quarterfinals
Basketball (Girls) Plano West district champions, advanced to
regional quarterfinals; Plano East 3rd in district; Plano 4th in district;
(Boys) Plano West 2nd in district, advanced to area
Cross Country (Girls) Plano West advanced 1 athlete to regionals;
(Boys) Plano advanced 2 athletes to regionals, 1 athlete to state
Football Plano East tied for 3rd in district, advanced to bi-district
Golf (Girls) Plano West 2nd place in district, Megan Thothong tied for
15th place at state; (Boys) Plano East’s Joseph Abella district
champion, advanced to regional; Plano West 2nd place in district,
advanced to regional
Swimming Plano advanced 8 athletes to state; Plano East advanced 2
athletes to state
Tennis (Boys) Plano West’s Sanjay Goswami advanced to state
semifinal, Brian Bulger/Parker Cohen advanced to state quarterfinals
in doubles
Soccer (Girls) Plano West state champions for fifth time, Brooke
Ramsier named MVP. (Boys) Plano district champion, advanced to
regionals; Plano’s Tony Santibanez named Gatorade Texas Boys
Soccer Player of the Year
Softball Plano East & Plano district co-champions; Plano East state
semi-finalist
Track (Girls) Plano East’s Jennifer Madu state champion in long jump,
triple jump, 100M & 200M; girls team 4th at state; (Boys) Plano East
4th at state in 4x100 relay
Volleyball Plano East 4th district, advanced to bi-district
Wrestling Plano advanced 2 athletes to state; Plano East advanced
1 athlete to state
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Plano ISD is a recognized leader among school districts in Texas and the nation. A progressive and
academically recognized school district, Plano ISD focuses on student achievement and invests in its students
and employees.
• Plano ISD’s three senior high schools were named among America’s best
schools by Newsweek magazine in 2012.
• Twenty-three Plano ISD schools have captured the prestigious National
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence honor, awarded.
• Every year since the award has been presented (1992-2012), Plano ISD has
been selected for a “What Parents Want Award” by SchoolMatch® of
Columbus, OH, the nation’s largest school selection and consulting firm.
Only 16 percent of the nation’s 15,571 public school districts (2,437) have
been recognized for meeting the needs of families choosing schools.
• Armstrong Middle School was selected among 120 National AVID
Demonstration Schools as the result of a national site visit by the AVID
Center in 2012. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) seeks
to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness
and success in a global society. The program is offered in all Plano ISD
secondary schools and was expanded recently to include several
elementary schools.
Armstrong Middle School student Omar
Elsaadany and his peers, including Matthew
Guerrero and Jordan Burnham, participate in
student-led tutorials during AVID class.
• Two Plano ISD schools captured 2012 Promising Practice awards through the national Character Education Partnership
(CEP). The partnership awarded 297 Promising Practice awards to schools, districts and organizations from across the
United States as well as from Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong and Mexico. Thomas Elementary School’s Anti-Bullying Rally and
Campaign and Plano West Senior High School Theatre’s “Save a Life” play and campaign were awarded by CEP. Both
schools were honored at the 19th National Forum on Character Education in Washington, DC.
Plano West Theatre students are
pictured with Grant Goble, director,
and Linda Puster, counselor.
Thomas Elementary School Counselor
Katrina Hunt and students are
pictured on “Black Out Bullying” day.
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Plano ISD 2012 Employee Convocation
PROFESSIONAL PRIDE
AND RESEARCH-BASED
DEVELOPMENT
In addition to the six days built into the calendar for
district and campus professional learning, the district
conducts learning activities for staff after school, before
school and throughout the school year. Nationally
recognized experts with critical messages, such as Eric
Jensen and Marcia Tate, on brain-based instruction and
Patrick Briggs on connecting and motivating students from
all backgrounds, challenge staff to integrate current
research into their practice.
Cultural Competency – Staff members from each Plano
ISD campus and department are trained on cultural
competency in a “train-the-trainer” format to allow them
to help train their peers. The training is part of a multi-year
school board initiative designed to enhance cultural
competence among employees and improve relationships
with students, parents, the community and colleagues.
Mentor Program – All teachers new to the district are
paired with a mentor teacher from their campus to assist
and coach them as they transition into a new district, a
new campus and/or a new profession, depending upon
each individual’s circumstance.
ESL Certification – All elementary teachers are in the
process of completing the requirement for state English as
a Second Language (ESL) supplemental certification to
enhance their instructional skills regarding students with a
first language other than English.
Gifted and Talented Training – The district continues to
provide a multi-day training experience for teachers that
complements existing curriculum training and focuses on
current research regarding the nature and needs of gifted
and high achieving students.
Plano ISD is committed to
on-going professional
learning for all employees.
A variety of district
initiatives and resources
target identified student
learning needs so our
district can continually
strive for excellence with
every student.
Summer Opportunities for Learning – An optional
multi-day ‘summer camp’ for elementary teachers hosts a
multitude of sessions on specific instructional strategies
and/or content areas from which teachers choose. The
summer of 2012 saw roughly 1,500 seats filled over a three
day period as teachers rushed to take advantage of this
popular opportunity.
Curriculum Design Projects – The Curriculum
Development Institute offers secondary teachers an
opportunity to perfect their instructional design skills.
This experience, in addition to wide-spread on-going
summer sessions in which district curriculum lessons are
revised and adapted to new state standards, helps
teachers to be better prepared to match content
standards to student needs.
Team Leader Academy – Approximately 100 team leaders,
department chairs and future leaders representing each
campus and all grade levels in Plano ISD gather for five
days in the summer to focus on honing their leadership
skills, exploring and developing instructional and
leadership strengths and becoming more thoughtful and
transparent communicators.
Professional Learning Communities – Through
intentionally orchestrated small teams of individuals
focused on a specific topic, skill or subject area, each
related to student achievement, teachers and campus
administrators collaborate to investigate, research and
develop action plans to address local student needs.
PD 360° – For use in any district or campus learning
experience as well as for individual employee use, the
district provides a library of professionally developed
videos focusing on the work of internationally acclaimed
experts and educators in classrooms across the nation.
Among the many topics of these videos to support district
efforts are brain-based instruction, classroom
management, instructional skills and working with students
from diverse backgrounds.
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2012 Plano ISD Teachers of the Year
Ronnie Cantu, Forman Elementary School fifth grade
teacher, and Gregory Arp, Plano Senior High School
performing arts director, captured the 2012 Plano ISD
Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year titles,
respectively, at Plano ISD’s annual Teacher of the Year
Gala. Highlighting the gala evening were recognitions of
71 experienced and 50 beginning Teacher of the Year
nominees and announcements of 10 experienced
teachers and two first-year teachers who captured
“Excellence in Teaching” awards.
Excellence in Elementary Teaching Award Winners
Teachers of the Year Gregory Arp and Ronnie Cantu are pictured at the
May, 2012, Plano ISD Teacher of the Year Gala with School Board
President Tammy Richards and Superintendent of Schools Richard
Matkin. Among the teachers many gifts were “Summer in a Lexus”
packages from Park Place Lexus Plano.
Carla Carter – Dooley Elementary School
Jeanne Hayes – Shepard Elementary School
Nicole McCasland – Huffman Elementary School
Shelli Stutzman – Jackson Elementary School
Excellence in Secondary Teaching Award Winners
Judith Alfaro – Bowman Middle School
Jill Engelking – McMillen High School
Jason Schreiner – Otto Middle School
Brian Seay – Clark High School
Excellence in Beginning Teaching Award Winners
Brittany Welch – Meadows Elementary School
Bianca Prado – Frankford Middle School
Forman Elementary School's Ronnie Cantu Named Region 10 Teacher of the Year
Ronnie Cantu and Gregory Arp were honored guests at the Region 10 Teacher of
the Year Luncheon held on August 14, 2012, at the Atrium in Garland. Ronnie was
Ronnie Cantu,
further honored at the event by being named 2012 Region 10 Elementary Teacher
2012 Region 10 Elementary Teacher
of the Year. “I am very grateful and honored to be amongst this distinguished
of the Year
group of teachers,” Ronnie told guests at the region 10 luncheon. He was quick to
thank his mother for motivating him to be a teacher, stating, “My mother taught
me how hard work pays off. She had three middle school aged boys when she went back to school to get her bachelor's
degree in education. So, she instilled that sense of motivation in me. I proudly dedicate this award to her.”
Ronnie also thanked his Principal Tramy Tran, who attended the luncheon with him. “Thank you so much for believing in me
and always giving me support. You have made me excel, and you do this for all of our teachers at Forman Elementary
School. I cannot wait to take this honor back to Forman to share with everyone there.”
Ronnie stated in his 2012 Teacher of the Year Program application. “Though I might not see the long term effects of my
impact on my students, I have been given the golden opportunity to mold them into the confident and compassionate
people they were meant to be. I have the chance to give them the tools to reach for their dreams – their stars.”
24
2012 Superintendent’s
Service Award Winners
Winners of the
Superintendent’s Service
Award were announced at
Plano ISD’s 47th Annual
Salute to Service retirement
and service award banquet
held in April 2012 at
Southfork Ranch. The service
award is designed to honor
support staff members who
go beyond the call of duty as
they perform their job
responsibilities. These four
winners were among nearly
2012 Superintendent‛s Service Award winners Russell Mast, Fatima Raad, Edie DeWoody
60 award nominees: Russell
and Kumei Lu are pictured at the annual employee service award banquet with
Mast, copy center foreman;
Superintendent Richard Matkin (center).
Fatima Raad, Plano Senior
High School teaching
assistant; Edie DeWoody, Boggess Elementary School Pasar after-school care co-site manager; and Kumei Lu, Renner
Middle School food and nutritional services employee.
Diversity Leadership Awards
Emiliano Marquez, Williams High School, was presented with a
diversity leadership award at the 2012 Plano ISD Martin Luther King
Tribute event. He is a role model for students and families in the
Williams High School community and throughout the district.
Emiliano promotes successful community partnerships and he
coordinates programming on the Williams High School campus that
will positively impact student achievement. He is an active
participant in many civic organizations such as the United Way’s
Destination Graduation program, Communities in Schools, LULAC
and the Concilio. Emiliano continues to shape the lives of children as
only he can do—with their best interest in mind and a warm, caring
heart. The diversity leadership award is coordinated annually by the
Diversity Advisory Committee to
honor students, staff and
community members whose
actions honor the work and
ideals of Dr. King.
Plano East Senior High School
Panthers Athletic Director and
Head Football Coach, Johnny Ringo
Emiliano Marquez, Williams High School, was
presented with a diversity leadership award by
Jun Melvin, Plano ISD director of benefits and
risk management.
Plano East Senior High Head
Coach Named State High School Coaches' Association President
Plano East Senior High School Panthers Athletic Director and Head Football Coach
Johnny Ringo began leading what he calls, “The greatest group of coaches in the
world,” when the Texas High School Coaches’ Association passed him the president’s
gavel in 2012. Johnny said, “When I was a young coach, many coaches went out of
their way to help me. This is one way that I can give back, to support high school
coaches and students across the state of Texas.”
25
500th Soccer Victory
Plano Senior High Boys Soccer Coach Bob Weir celebrated 500 wins on January 13, 2012, with a victory against
Richardson High School.
State Counseling Association President and President Elect
Plano West Senior High School Counselor Michael Kaprelian served as president of the Texas School Counselors’
Association in 2011-12. Michael’s focus is on serving school counselors across the state so that they can promote student
success. Lynda Shuttlesworth, executive coordinator of family education and guidance services, is serving as association
president during the 2012-13 school year.
State Counseling CREST Awards
Five Plano ISD schools’ counseling programs captured 2012 Texas School Counselor Association CREST (Counselors
Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas) awards. They were among 40 campuses representing 11 school districts in
Texas. Honored for their schools’ comprehensive guidance and counseling programs were counselors from Armstrong
Middle School, Barksdale Elementary School, Haun Elementary School, Isaacs Early Childhood School and Plano West
Senior High School.
Texas Foreign Language Teacher of the Year
Maritza Sloan, Plano West Senior High School Advanced Placement Spanish teacher, was named Texas Foreign Language
Teacher of the Year in October, 2011. She was also elected vice-president of the association and was appointed an AP
Spanish Language & Literature consultant by College Board last summer.
Health/P.E. Administrator of the Year
Melinda Smith, visionary leader of Plano ISD’s health and physical education programs, captured Administrator of the
Year accolades from TAHPERD (Texas Association for Health, P.E., Recreation & Dance). Ms. Smith has been active at the
local level on numerous committees and at the state level for TAHPERD and other organizations. Over the last few years,
she has become more active at the national level.
Dedicated Service to Plano Schools
Teachers Sharon Welch, Mary Jo Lewis and Rick Navarre each
dedicated 40 years of service to Plano schools as of the year
2012. They joined approximately 300 of their fellow faculty
and staff members from across the school district as honored
guests at Plano ISD’s annual employee banquet. The
employees honored were those who have dedicated 15, 20, 25,
30, 35 and 40 years of service to Plano schools.
Plano Principals’ Association Scholarship Winners
Each year, the Plano Principals’ Association (PPA) awards
scholarships to paraprofessional employees in the school
system so that they may further their education. The 2011-12
recipients were surprised at their schools by members of the
PPA Grant Patrol, Dr. Cheri Izbicki, Pearson Early Childhood
School, and Lorraine Shimizu, Christie Elementary School. The
winners were Lorena James, McCall Elementary School; Eva
Peale, Christie Elementary School; and Allison Lees, Pearson
Early Childhood School.
College Board Forum
Bruce Richardson, Plano Senior High School director of
guidance, is serving as chair of the Southwestern Regional
College Board Forum in 2012-13. This forum is an opportunity
to meet and learn from college admissions officers in the
southwest region of the country.
Plano ISD teacher members of Plano Arts Leaders received an
award of excellence at the state art educator‛s conference for
their Youth Art Month scrap book. The teachers are Rebecca
Schaefer, Matthew Grundler, Kathee Ross, Grace Woodall and
Renee Miller.
Jeopardy! Contestant
Catherine Whitten, Jasper High School Advanced Placement European History and Humanities teacher, won the first
round of Jeopardy! Teacher’s Challenge in February, 2012. She advanced to semi-finalist standing in the rigorous and
popular television show.
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PLANO, TX
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The Plano West Lady Wolves Soccer Team
captured their fifth state championship
trophy in 2012. Read about more academic and
extracurricular achievements in this 2012
Plano ISD Annual Report.