ANNUAL REPORT
Dear Plano ISD Community:
Contents
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
10
12
14
18
22
23 24
Mission, Goals and Vision Statement
2014 Texas Honor Board
Community Facts
Class of 2014 Post-Secondary Readiness
National Merit Semifinalists
House Bill 5 Updates
School & Community Engagement
Bond Program Update
Financial Focus
Education Foundation
Student Achievements
Teachers of the Year
District and School Honors
Faculty & Staff Achievements
In November 2013, Plano ISD residents affirmed their expectations,
“Loud and Clear,” that education would remain a top priority in the
community by voting in favor of a Tax Ratification Election. This 2014
Annual Report features several of the district’s educational offerings
that voters chose to sustain, upholding excellence in education as a
cornerstone of the Plano ISD community.
Featured on these pages are many examples of how our 55,000 students
and 6,500 employees benefit from the community’s “loud and clear”
commitment to education. Class sizes have returned to ideal numbers,
with no waivers requested for this school year. We’ve hired more
teachers and staff to support student achievement. With the expansion
of the Academy Programs of Plano to the senior high school level and a
strong core curriculum with numerous pathways to success, Plano ISD has
garnered financial support from corporate sponsors who are advocating
for these and other programs, allowing the district to offer students more
academic choices than ever before.
This year marks a rather poignant milestone for me as I prepare to retire
in January 2015. It was a privilege to serve Plano ISD in the role of
superintendent for three years, and as the associate superintendent for
business services for eleven years previously. As I conclude my school
years, my grandkids are just beginning theirs, and I look forward to
having more time to share with them.
Working with the Plano ISD Board of Trustees has been a sincere
privilege and their unfailing support is key to our district’s success.
This year, they were named the Outstanding Board in the Region 10
Education Service Center area and ultimately one of only five boards
in the state to be recognized as a 2014 Honor Board by the Texas
Association of School Administrators. I am very proud of the welldeserved recognition of our hardworking trustees as an example of
productive, quality and sincere leadership.
I’m also very proud of the collective spirit and teamwork among our
board and senior staff. They are well-poised to take the district into the
future while remaining focused on sustaining the quality education that
distinguishes Plano ISD.
It has been the mainstay of my leadership to remain connected to and
supportive of teachers and to champion them in their roles. It is in this
way that I hope my term as superintendent will be remembered.
Our district’s success is directly linked to the commitment and dedication
of Plano ISD’s highly engaged parent and business communities. On
behalf of the Plano ISD Board of Trustees, our faculty and students, I
thank you for taking time to read this annual report and I encourage you
to continue demonstrating your “loud and clear” support for our school
district.
Sincerely,
On the Cover
Weatherford Elementary School second grade student
Gabrielle Luna shares a “Loud & Clear” message
about her future. See instructions on the back cover
to make her image and others throughout the book
come alive in video.
Plano ISD Superintendent of
Schools Richard Matkin met with
first and second grade students
to hear their perspectives on
school and their teachers.
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”
2014 Superintendent’s Cabinet
Richard Matkin, Superintendent of Schools
Steve Fortenberry, Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Kary Cooper, Assistant Superintendent for District Services
Karla Oliver, Assistant Superintendent for Government,
Community and Planning Initiatives
Dan Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent for Technology Services
Susan Modisette, Assistant Superintendent for Campus Services
Dr. Jim Wussow, Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services
Denise Gillespie, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
and Board of Trustees
Mission Statement
The mission of the Plano Independent School District is to provide
an excellent education for each student.
Vision Statement
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.
District Goals
•Ensure continued
improvement in student
learning
•Ensure efficient use
of financial
resources/budgeting
Richard Matkin
Superintendent of Schools
1
Principles and 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
Plano ISD Board of Trustees
Named 2014 Texas Honor Board
About Our Community
Nancy Humphrey
David Stolle
Michael Friedman
President
Vice President
Secretary
The Plano ISD Board of Trustees was selected as one of five
2014 Honor Boards awarded by the Texas Association
of School Administrators (TASA). The seven trustees
and Superintendent Richard Matkin were recognized
for capturing the award at the TASA/TASB annual state
convention held in Dallas in October 2014.
The current members of the Plano ISD Board of Trustees are
in their fourth year of working collectively as a team. Prior to
being selected as a state Honor Board, the Plano ISD board
was named the 2014 Outstanding Board in the Region 10
Education Service Center area, comprising 80 public school
districts, 31 charter schools and numerous private schools
within nine north Texas counties.
During their tenure together, the board oversaw the selection
of a new superintendent of schools, conducted a five-year
revision of the Plano ISD Strategic Plan and created a new
superintendent appraisal instrument.
Missy Bender
Marilyn Hinton
Carrolyn Moebius
Tammy Richards
Under this board’s leadership, Plano ISD opened three
student-choice academy programs for ninth and tenth grade
students for the 2013-14 school year, which grew to include
senior high school grades this year.
The Plano ISD Board of Trustees has led the district through
difficult financial issues and leadership changes. Among the trustees’ biggest accomplishments was passing a full Tax Ratification
Election (TRE). Plano ISD is the largest district in the state to pass a 13 cent TRE.
“The privilege of working with these dedicated trustees can now be shared with others as an example of productive, quality and
sincere leadership,” Superintendent of Schools Richard Matkin said. “I could not be more proud of these seven individuals and
teammates.”
Additionally, the Plano ISD Board oversaw
the formation of a Community and Student
Engagement Accountability System (CSEAS)
district committee and sub-committees. Thirty
school districts in Region 10 have adopted
the Plano ISD engagement model. The board
has also managed the development of an
instructional leadership model, implemented
a comprehensive security program and
served as presenters at NSBA, TASB and
TASA.
Plano ISD serves the residents of approximately 100 square miles in southwest Collin County. This area includes 66
square miles in the City of Plano, with the balance including northern portions of the cities of Dallas and Richardson
as well as parts of the cities of Allen, Carrollton, Garland, Lucas, Murphy, Parker and Wylie.
Plano at a Glance
Plano ISD at a Glance
Plano consists of an educated and diverse population, located 20
miles north of Dallas, Texas. 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., FritoLay, Dell Services, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. and many more.
Schools
Total Population
Grade Level 273,519
Median Age38.2
Educational Attainment of Citizenry (25 years and older)
20.5%
Graduate or professional degree Bachelor’s degree 35.7%
7.1%
Associate’s degree Income
Median household income
Per capita income
Median Owner Occupied Home Value$226,500
Top Employment Industries
Educational services, health care
and social assistance
18.4%
Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing
12.6%
9.6%
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation
and food services
9.1%
Other services, except public administration
5.2%
Information3.7%
Wholesale trade
3.6%
Construction3.5%
Transportation, warehousing and utilities
2.6%
Public administration
2.2%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting and mining
1.2%
1
1
Total Other Programs
2
54,813
6,526
Source: Fall Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS). Submissions
with full-time equivalent employees as of the last Friday in October, 2014.
Source: 2013 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates
2
Other Programs
Plano Family Literacy
Head Start
Total Number of Employees *2013 inflation-adjusted dollars
2014 Plano ISD “Team of Eight” School Board and Superintendent
72
Staff
3,825
Teachers
Librarians
71
Education Aides
559
Interpreters17
Other Professionals (Instructional)159
72
School Principals
Assistant Principals
92
Instructional Officers 8
Athletic Directors
3
Counselors146
School Nurses
71
Educational Diagnosticians,
Psychologists & Social Workers
54
6
Superintendent & Assistant Superintendents
Non-Campus Professionals 224
Auxiliary Staff
1,219
Manufacturing9.5%
The Texas Association of School
Administrators created the School Board
Awards Program in 1971 to recognize
school boards whose dedication and ethical
service have made a positive impact on the
school children of Texas.
Total Number of Schools Total Number of Students
18.8%
Retail trade
3
44
13
6
3
1
2
Student Enrollment
Elementary (PreK-5) (includes Plano Family Literacy
and Head Start) 25,763
Middle (6-8) 12,621
High (9-10) 8,495
Senior High (11-12) 7,934
$80,448
$41,868 *
Professional, scientific, management, administrative
and waste management services
# of Campuses
Preschools Elementary Schools (K-5) Middle Schools (6-8) High Schools (9-10) Senior High Schools (11-12) Academy High School (9-11) Special Programs Centers (K-8 & 9-12) Notes: Full-time instructional employees of the district are employed for 189 contract
days. Campus administrators and student services employees are primarily employed
for 220 days. Central administrative and non-campus professional staff are employed
for 246 days. Auxiliary staff are employed on an hourly basis with daily hours
worked ranging from 4 hours to 8 hours.
3
Class of 2014 Post-Secondary Readiness & Learning Experiences
2014 SAT Average Scores by Subject
Plano ISD students’ scores on college entrance exams far exceeded state and national averages in 2014. The
PL A NO I SD
Critical Reading
STATE
incomparable performance of Plano ISD students on these exams gives them a competitive edge for college
admission
N AT IO N
Math
and success. In addition to exceptional college entrance exam scores, a significant number of Plano ISD students
Writing
are challenging themselves by taking Advanced Placement courses, participating in the International Baccalaureate
400 450
550indicate
600
program and earning college credit through Collin College dual enrollment.
These 500
statistics
a strong
dedication of Plano ISD teachers and counselors to get more students enrolled in honors and advanced courses.
2014 ACT Average Composite Scores
2014 SAT Average Scores by Subject
PL A N O ISD
Critical Reading
STATE
NAT IO N
Math
600
20
5
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Results
• In 2014, Plano ISD had 131 full diploma candidates in the IB program.
• 105 IB diplomas were awarded in 2014.
• IB students took 733 IB exams.
Dual Enrollment through Collin College
Since fall, 2005 Plano ISD has offered a dual enrollment program through Collin College.
health and science courses.
0
Plano ISD Advanced Academics Programs
To help students invest in their future, Plano ISD is proud to provide students with a wide array
• 2,665 Plano ISD seniors
(70%
of class)
took the
SAT.
2014 ACT
Average
Composite
Scores
• The SAT critical reading
30 score of 556 compares to 470 at the state level and 492 for the nation’s students.
• The SAT math average score was 595 for Plano ISD students and 491 and 501, respectively, for students in Texas and
the nation.
Collin College in the following courses: US History, Government, Economics, English IV and
NATION
550
at prestigious universities around the world.
students enrolled in the Plano ISD Health Sciences Academy, earned college credit through
STATE
500
understanding. Many students earning the IB diploma are awarded advanced college credit
25
PLANO ISD
450
to meet the needs of highly motivated secondary students and to promote international
Fall 2014 enrollment was 930 students. Students at the three senior high schools, including
10
400
The IB World School at Plano East Senior High School is a rigorous course of study designed
30
15
Writing
International Baccalaureate Program
25
of advanced academic courses, programs and competitions that appeal to varied interests,
experiences and educational goals. Students learn and grow through meaningful educational
challenge. Participating in one or more advanced academic opportunities allows students to
explore existing talents while uncovering new interests. Advanced academic opportunities
begin in the elementary years and increase in frequency at the secondary level in Plano ISD.
Plano ISD Assessment & Accountability
• SAT writing average20
scores were 542 for Plano ISD students and 455 and 478 across the state and nation, respectively.
Plano ISD believes that assessment provides the information necessary to improve student
• 2,586 (66%) of Plano
15 ISD juniors participated in the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).
performance and that assessment data should be analyzed for the purpose of setting priorities
PLANO ISD
American College Test 10
(ACT) Results
goals. Plano ISD also believes that assessment data should be reported to students, parents,
• The ACT English average score of Plano ISD students (25.2) far exceeded the average scores of students across Texas (19.8) and the nation (20.3).0
NATION
• 2,020 (53%) Plano ISD seniors took the ACT exam.
STATE
5
for instructional decision-making, allocating system resources and setting accountability
the community and the mandated state and federal education authorities for the purpose of
building partnerships in education.
• Plano ISD students scored an average 26.7 on the math exam. Statewide and nationally, students’ average scores on the • Reading scores averaged 25.7 for Plano ISD students and 21.1 and 21.3, respectively, for students in Texas and the nation.
• The science reasoning average score of Plano ISD students was 25.3. Statewide and nationally, students averaged 21 and 20.8, respectively.
• The percent of ACT-tested students ready for college-level coursework as compared to ACT-tested students across Texas and the nation are as follows.
• English composition: PISD-87%, TX-60%, US-64%
• Biology: PISD-70%, TX-36%, US-37%
• Algebra: PISD-81%, TX-47%, US-44%
• All Four Subjects: PISD-61%, TX-26%, US-26%
• Social Science: PISD-72%, TX-42%, US-43%
Advanced Placement Program
For many of these students, 2014 was the first time to take an AP test. Plano ISD’s AP program is one of the largest in the nation.
• 47% (3,590) of Plano ISD senior high school students took AP tests for college credit in 2014, and 31% (2,488) of high school students took AP tests for college credit.
• 12,538 exams were administered to students in Plano ISD high schools and senior high schools in 2014, an increase from 12,105 exams administered the previous year.
• 79% of AP test scores at the high schools and senior high schools were 3, 4 or 5, as compared to 47% at the state level and 57% at the national level.
• 155 middle school students in Plano ISD who took the AP Spanish exam had an impressive 90% passing rate.
MAP (Measures of Academic
Progress) tests provide an accurate
prediction of a student’s STAAR
(State of Texas Assessment of
Academic Readiness) performance
at satisfactory and advanced
levels. STAAR provides an
accurate prediction of a student’s
preparedness and likelihood for
success in the next grade level or
course. STAAR measures whether
a student is on track for college
and career readiness.
Longitudinal data systems enable
Plano ISD educators to identify
students in need of academic
intervention at an early stage,
when problems are still solvable,
giving teachers and students more
time to strengthen these skills
before graduation.
Scale scores and performance
levels convey information about
how a student performed in the
current year. Progress measures
provide additional information
by communicating how much
the student has improved from
the prior year to the current
year. When used together, this
information provides a more
complete picture of the student’s
achievement.
Through the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, Plano ISD has opened the door for many students to take AP and honors courses.
Post-secondary readiness
assessments measure the
preparedness of students for
rigorous work required for a
career or college education. The
goal is for students to have an
opportunity to choose a path and,
if necessary, make career changes
even after graduating from senior
high school.
The MAP focused data analysis
provides a structured process for
analyzing and discussing student
growth in the general learning
domains of reading, mathematics
and science. Each student’s
performance on the nationally
normed MAP test is compared to
the growth demonstrated by Plano
ISD students in prior years who
shared the same starting point on
the growth scale.
same exam were 21.4 and 20.9, respectively.
Post-Secondary Readiness
Indicators Help Measure
Student Progress
View a highlights
video of Plano ISD’s
2014 graduation
ceremonies.
(See related story, page 6.)
4
5
2014 National Merit Semifinalists
Eighty seniors achieved Semifinalist standing in the 2014 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 $35 million.
Plano Senior High School
Laila F. Abbas
Ahsun Asad
Andrew M. Bramlett
Eshan A. Dabak
Pavan Duddupudi
Nathan D. Dula
Roy Falik
Matthew J. Geise
Helen He
Kevin S. Ho
Angela L. Huang
Arvind Jayakumar
Maya M. Josiam
Matthew R. Judy
Thomas C. Kerwin
Rishabh S. Kothari
Catherine Lee
Juwon Lee
Eric C. Li
Samuel Huang
Plano East Senior
High School
Sahiti Cherukuri
Ethan Dsilva
Asma Fares
Rakshan Govindarajan
Elizabeth J. Haynes
Trevor J. Hornung
Samuel Huang
Hannah E. Jones
Nisarg S. Joshi
Jonathan C. Kim
Safa Mohammed
Priyanka P. Narvekar
Evan D. Smith
Varun V. Srinivasan
Michael N. Trinh
Sanchana Vasikaran
Shruthi Velidi
Katherine Xiu
Ximei Li
Thomas R. Lu
Weijun Ma
Thomas MIzell
Sanjana Nayak
Dhara M. Patel
Sriram Ravula
Samantha G. Robbins
Evelyn Shen
Ashwini Suresh
Neil Vyas
Jessica J. Wu
Katherine S. Xiu
Angela W. Zhang
Alex M. Zou
Plano West Senior High
School
Stephen E. Banko
Robert Buxton
Jeffrey J. Chang
Ronbo Fan
Isaac D. Getto
Malcolm D. Gilvar
Tyler E. Halpern
Grace B. Han
Dylan D. Hunn
Sidharth Kapur
Vivek Kuppurajan
Eric J. Lee
Texas House Bill 5 Results in New Graduation Requirements and
Community & Student Engagement Accountability System (CSEAS)
The Texas Legislature’s passage of House Bill 5 in 2013 resulted in new graduation requirements and a new
Community and Student Engagement Accountability System (CSEAS) for rating schools and districts.
New Graduation Requirements
The graduation plan in place in Plano ISD for the past several years has been called a “four by four” plan. Four years
were required in the core subjects of math, science, English and social studies. “With our new graduation requirements,
we didn’t lose the four by four plan,” noted Dr. Jim Wussow, assistant superintendent for academic services. “Rather,
we changed the course choices available for students so they can be based on their interests and future career goals.
This graduation plan helps students to focus
earlier and engages families and learners to
make informed choices.”
Jeffrey Chang
Mickey G. Li
Connor A. Madden
Justin Nguyen
Taylor E. Ray
Andrew J. Schaeffer
Robert A. Schmidt
Andrew Shan
Sarah G. Shao
Chris Sun
Alison L. Tsai
Michael L. Wang
Samuel Z. Wang
Matthew D. Webb
Osmond Z. Wen
Arnold Wey
Phillip Yan
Edward Yu
Watch each valedictorian’s graduation speech.
How these choices translate into course
pathways is driven by Plano ISD’s
course offerings. To qualify for “Top 10%
Recommendation” for universities, students
must complete an endorsement and other
requirements. Areas of specialization are
outlined in the endorsement requirements.
“Fortunately, in Plano ISD, students have
access to a robust curriculum with many
course offerings, so they can obtain more
than one endorsement, if they choose.” said
Dr. Wussow.
Community & Student Engagement
Accountability System (CSEAS)
House Bill 5 resulted in a major shift in
the way districts and schools are rated.
“Accountability systems for the last 20 years
have been based upon state standardized
Community and parental involvement rated exemplary in Plano ISD’s 2014 Community and Student
tests,” noted Dr. Paul Dabbs, assistant
Engagement Accountability System (CSEAS) report. Guest speakers, such as Plano Firefighter Jason Tubbs,
director for research and campus data
pictured with Head Start student Ilai Balderas during the district-wide 2014 College and Career Week,
support. “HB5 changed accountability
frequently share their career experiences to enrich student learning.
rating systems for schools and districts by
measuring several program areas that have meaning and relevance to our community.”
The requirements of HB5 state that each school district evaluate the district’s performance and the performance of
each campus and assign the district and each campus a performance rating of exemplary, recognized, acceptable or
unacceptable for both overall performance and each individual evaluation factor.
Evaluation Factor Areas
2014 Plano ISD Performance Index Report
All Plano ISD Schools ‘Met Standard’ on
STAAR Tests
Met Standard (on all 4 index standards)
100
75
50
25
0
89
46
45
INDEX 1:
INDEX 2:
INDEX 3:
Student
Achievement
(Target Score=55)
Student
Progress
(Target Score=16)
Closing
Performance Gaps
(Target Score=28)
77
INDEX 4:
Post-secondary
Readiness
(Target Score=57)
6
The Texas Education Agency’s 2014 state
accountability ratings represent the second year
for a new, index-based approach to academic
accountability. The ratings apply one of two
labels to districts and campuses: “Met Standard”
or “Improvement Required.” For two consecutive
years, Plano ISD and all 66 of its rated schools
“Met Standard” in all applicable indices: student
achievement, student progress, closing performance
gaps and post-secondary readiness. District and
campus scores were well above state targets, with
several schools earning distinction.
•
•
•
•
•
Fine Arts
Wellness and Physical Education
Community and Parental Involvement
21st Century Workforce Development Program
Second Language Acquisition Program
•
•
•
•
Digital Learning Environment
Dropout Prevention Strategies
Educational Programs for Gifted and Talented Students
Record of District and Campus Compliance with Statutory Reporting and Policy Requirements
Plano ISD met the HB5 requirements by forming a CSEAS district committee including sub-committee chairs for each
factor area. Sub-committees comprised school and district staff members, school principals and PTA leaders. Each
factor sub-committee studied existing research measures, identified community and student engagement processes then
developed self-diagnostic indicators to be implemented through Plano ISD’s CSEAS accountability system document.
During the 2014 spring semester, schools rated themselves from an emerging level (1 on the scale) to a high level
of practice (5) in each of the factor areas, with the expected level of practice being a 3. All Plano ISD schools rated
“exemplary” using the new CSEAS system. The district committee will continue to evaluate the CSEAS document and
bring recommendations to the superintendent and board of trustees.
7
School and Community Engagement
Plano ISD Key Communicators
Plano ISD develops community partnerships to promote collective responsibility, involvement and support of public
The Plano ISD Key Communicator program is one of many
valuable aspects of the school district’s ongoing, two-way
communications efforts with parents, students and other
citizens in the district. Each school selects three parents
to serve as Key Communicators who attend meetings
throughout the year and hear from the superintendent and
other key staff. They also facilitate balanced and factual
communication between the district and schools.
education to ensure student success. A few collaborative efforts are spotlighted here.
Toyota Announces Gift of $1 Million, Joining
Growing List of Corporate Citizens Investing in the
Academy Programs of Plano
With a pledge to donate $1 million, Toyota joined the
growing list of sponsors of the Academy Programs of Plano.
The corporation hosted a community-wide celebration in
October, 2014, to celebrate the transition of their North
America headquarters to Plano. During the past few years,
more than $8 million has been donated to the Academy
Programs of Plano, which include the Plano ISD Health
Sciences Academy, IB World School at Plano East Senior
High School and the Plano ISD Academy High School.
Campus Protection Patrol Program in
Second Year of Implementation
Pictured at the Plano ISD Council of PTAs’ Reflections district contest awards
ceremony are some of the many winners with 2013-14 Council President
Rhonda Snyder (left) and 2014-15 Council President Amy Nelson (right).
School PTAs and District PTA Council Represent
28,000-Member Strong Association
Toyota Vice President of External Affairs and Communications Mike Goss,
Superintendent of Schools Richard Matkin and Plano ISD Academy High School
students are pictured at Toyota’s 2014 “Hello Texas” community celebration.
MLK Tribute Showcases
Student Talent and
Diversity Leadership
The Plano ISD Council of PTAs, comprising 70 local units
with more than 22,000 members, links local, area, state
and national PTAs with school administration and the
general public. The council strengthens local PTAs, develops
leadership potential, promotes membership and serves
the community and its children. For its excellent service,
the district council captured the Texas PTA Gold 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.
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee
Emceed by 2013-14 Teachers
of the Year Rami Mahmoud
and Erin Swain, Plano ISD’s
Martin Luther King, Jr., tribute
was attended by hundreds
of students, educators and
community leaders in January,
2014. This annual event
celebrates the life and legacy of
Dr. King and the diversity in our
community. Held at Williams High
School, the MLK Tribute showcased
students through musical
entertainment, essay readings and
theatrical performances. Awards
were presented to MLK art contest
winners and for diversity leadership.
Plano ISD Superintendent of Schools Richard Matkin
seeks advice on an ongoing basis from many school and
community groups, including students. The elite team
of twelve senior high school students who comprise the
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee meet monthly
with the superintendent and his cabinet to share issues of
importance to students and the school district.
(Standing) Superintendent of Schools Richard Matkin, Ernesto Manzano, Sam
Bonser, Jason Head, Hudson Kuykendall, Daniel Madden, Ethan Wright,
Assistant Superintendents Dr. Kary Cooper and Susan Modisette; (Seated) Kali
Staples, Alicia D’Souza, Haley Plenger, Isabelle McCutcheon, Chloe Kersh,
and Alex Hatcher
The Campus Protection Patrol Program, in its second year of
implementation, is a collaborative safety measure teaming the
Plano ISD safety and security department, local police departments
and other safety agencies. This security measure is in keeping with
Plano ISD’s benchmarks for organizational transformation and more
balanced and reinvigorated state and local partnerships.
Rasor Elementary PTA Supports First-Annual Plano
Cardboard Challenge
The Rasor Elementary School PTA hosted the first-ever districtwide Plano Cardboard Challenge in conjunction with the
Global Cardboard Challenge, an international event that
celebrates child creativity and the role communities can play
in fostering it. Annually, kids of all ages are invited to build
anything they can as they work in teams using cardboard,
recycled materials and their imaginations.
More than 300 family members
participated in the first Plano
Cardboard Challenge, a team effort
among Plano ISD administrators,
Daffron and Rasor Elementary School
teachers and the Rasor PTA.
(2014 MLK Tribute participants included
(Left) Erin Swain, 2013 Plano ISD
Elementary Teacher of the Year; (Center)
Plano Children’s Chorale, (Right) Stage
and film actress Irma P. Hall, guest speaker.
8
9
Facility and Technology Bond Initiatives
PromisedFulfilled
Plano ISD Facilities and Technology Bond Task Forces have considered major bond initiatives that resulted in
bond elections every four years from 1996 to 2008. Plano ISD voters have passed these bond elections with
an overwhelming majority in favor of revitalized schools in neighborhoods while implementing and utilizing the
latest technology. Schedules for most of these initiatives are contingent upon bond sales. Construction planning
is continuing; however, the interest rate and timing of improvements in the market will determine actual bond
expenditures. Detailed bond project quarterly reports can be viewed on the district website at www.pisd.edu.
PromisedFulfilled
New Schools/Facilities
Schell Elementary School
Employee Child Care Center
Land Acquisition - Future School Sites
Isaacs Early Childhood Center
Barron Elementary School Conversion
New Elementary School
Otto Middle School
McMillen High School
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Timing to be Determined
Completed
Completed
Major School Renovations
Mendenhall Elementary School
Jackson Elementary School
Weatherford Elementary School
Memorial Elementary School
Brinker Elementary School Daffron Elementary School
Hedgcoxe Elementary School
Bethany Elementary School
Mitchell Elementary School
Rasor Elementary School
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Substantially Complete
Substantially Complete
Phased Construction – Scheduled Completion Fall 2015
Phased Construction – Scheduled Completion Fall 2015
Completed
Completed
Additions and Modifications
Plano East Senior High School - Science, Kitchen/Dining
Vines High School - Fine Arts and Science
Plano West Senior High School - Kitchen/Dining
Haggard Middle School - Fine Arts
Plano Senior High School - Fine Arts
Forman Elementary School - Classroom Addition
Guinn Center - Classrooms, Kitchen & Serving Line
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Capital Improvements - Instructional
Science Classroom Needs
Completed
Career Education
Completed
LibrariesOngoing
Fine Arts
Ongoing
PE Lockers
Ongoing
Capital Improvements - Physical
Bird Center Parking Project
Safety and Security
Food & Nutritional Services
Transportation - Buses
Energy Efficient Lighting
Completed
Ongoing
Ongoing
Completed
Ongoing
10
Water Conservation/Irrigation Upgrades
Athletic Capital Improvements
Districtwide Capital Projects
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Systems and Compliance
Districtwide Facility Upgrades/Replacements for
Security Systems, Roofs, Flooring, HVAC,
Energy Management, Fire Alarms, Fire Lane Parking
Ongoing
Curriculum and Technology
Replacement Program
Ongoing
Digital Visual Presenters
Completed
PC Operating & Productivity Systems Upgrades
Ongoing
Digital Cameras
Completed
Web Based Enterprise Applications
Ongoing
Art (K-5)
Completed
Completed
Career & Tecnology Education (6-12)
Elementary (K-5)
Completed
Foreign Language (6-12)
Completed
In Progress
Health & PE (K-12)
Learning Media Services (K-12)
Completed
Mathematics (6-12)
Completed
Science (6-12)
Completed
Special Education (K-12)
Ongoing
Completed
Speech (9-12)
Theatre Arts (6-12)
Completed
CommunicationsCompleted
Food & Nutritional Services
Completed
Wireless Infrastructure Upgrade
Completed
In Progress
Transportation
Additional Projects Funded With 2008 Bond Program
Plano ISD Academy High School
Hunt Elementary School Classroom Addition (In Progress)
Plano East Senior High School: IB World School
at Plano East
Williams High School Renovations
Williams High School: Plano ISD Health Sciences
Academy
Saigling Elementary School Renovations
Clark High School Addition
Plano West Senior High School Expansion
Transportation Building Renovation
Security Vestibules (In Progress)
Doug Guynes, construction manager, is among the
school district employees featured in Plano ISD’s
2014 “Summer Renovations” video.
Beverly Elementary School student Ryan demonstrated his
technology proficiency for Principal Liz Kirby.
11
The Plano ISD Academy High School
building redesign captured a 2014 Caudill
Award for demonstrating excellence in
school architectural planning, design and
adaptive reuse.
Superior Financial Results
Plano ISD remains highly focused on all financial matters, including the best ways to maintain and upgrade facilities,
technology and employee benefits and to finance our schools. The school board and district administrators endeavor
to make Plano ISD’s compensation and benefits plan competitive with surrounding districts while maintaining efficient
use of funds. Trustees adopted the 2014-2015 employee compensation plan, which included a salary increase
of 3.5% and other financial benefits for the district’s
Plano ISD Employee Pay Raise History
more than 6,500 employees. Plano ISD also invests
Surrounding
Area Average
in employees by ensuring the district provides great
opportunities for educators to grow and
Plano
2010-11 2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
1.8
0.0
2.0
3.0
2.8
2.5
0.0
3.0
1.0
3.5
develop professionally.
General Fund Revenue:
Local Funds
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Resources
TOTAL REVENUE
General Fund Expenditures
Salary and Benefits
Other Expenses
Other Uses
TOTAL OPERATING COSTS
Flow-Thru Costs
Recapture Payments
TIF Flow-Thru
TOTAL OPERATING FUND
EXPENDITURES
Cost Per Pupil
For the 11th consecutive year, Plano ISD has earned a
“Superior Achievement” rating through the Schools FIRST
(Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas). The district was
graded on several financial accountability indicators.
Linda Madon, executive director for financial services,
explained that the Schools FIRST report is based on a set of
several uniform indicators against which all school districts
in the state are measured. “The primary goal of the system
is to improve how school districts manage their financial
resources,” she said. The Schools FIRST report is based on
the district’s annual audit report for the fiscal year that ended
June 30, 2013.
2014 Financial Success
• 31 consecutive years for a “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” by the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada
2013-14 Financial Data
Residential
Commercial/Industrial
Rural
Personal
Exempt
TOTAL
School Finance Lawsuit Update
PISD Earns 11th Consecutive Superior Financial
Rating through State’s Schools FIRST Program
Assessed Values
Percentages
$21,372,046,000
$14,580,038,000
$655,944,000
$4,087,705,000
($4,719,339,000)
$35,976,394,000
59%
41%
2%
11%
-13%
100%
$420,626,695
$39,537,140
$4,978,648
$3,137,288
$468,279,771
90%
8%
1%
Less than 1%
100%
$345,033,790
$60,798,893
$9,545,298
$415,377,981
83.1%
14.6%
2.3%
100.0%
• Adopted one of the lowest area tax rates
$453,268,865
$8,268
12
EXPENDITURES
BYjudgment
FUNCTION
State District Judge John Dietz issued a final
on
2013-14system
August 28, 2014 declaring the state’s school finance
unconstitutional on several premises. All the school district
plaintiff groups succeeded on their claims. Judge Dietz
held that the Calhoun County ISD plaintiffs had proven
that the current school finance system has evolved into an
unconstitutional statewide property tax and fails to sufficiently
fund Texas schools at the level required to provide a
constitutionally adequate education.
• Balanced budget
INSTRUCTION
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT
CO/EXTRA CURRICULAR
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
OTHER COSTS
EXPENDITURES
BY FUNCTION
Students enrolled in the Plano ISD Health
Sciences Academy are featured in a
video about the program’s expansion.
68.6%
12.3%
1.6%
2.3%
14.4%
0.8%
EXPENDITURES
BY OBJECT
2013-14
2013-14
2013-14 Area Tax Rates
Allen
$1.6700
Mesquite
$ 1.4100
Wylie
$1.6400
Plano
$1.4530
McKinney
$ 1.6700
Richardson $1.3400
Rockwall $ 1.4600
Carrollton/FB $1.3235
Frisco
$1.4600
Garland
$1.2533
Lewisville
$ 1.4770
$36,015,750
$1,875,134
In November, 2011 the Plano ISD Board of Trustees
unanimously voted to join with other Texas public school
districts in a lawsuit against the State of Texas. The school
board passed a resolution retaining the services of Haynes
and Boone, LLP, in its efforts to challenge the state school
finance system. The district asserts that the current system and
level of funding impair the education available to students
within the district, as well as the ability of the district to
provide adequate education to students.
INSTRUCTION
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT
CO/EXTRA CURRICULAR
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
OTHER COSTS
EXPENDITURES
BY OBJECT
13
2013-14
68.6%
12.3%
1.6%
2.3%
14.4%
0.8%
SALARY & BENEFITS
CONTRACTED SERVICES/UTILITIES
SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
OTHER OPERATING
CAPITAL OUTLAY
OTHER COSTS
76.1%
17.1%
2.8%
1.6%
0.2%
2.1%
Plano ISD Education Foundation
Contributions to the Plano ISD
Education Foundation
In 2013-2014, the Plano ISD Education Foundation raised nearly $2.5 million in private donations supporting quality
3% 3%
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 $2.4 million 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
Programs Supported by
the Plano ISD Education
Foundation
8% 8%
Foundations
5th Grade Camp
11% 11%
25% 25%
Corporations
58% 58%
67% 67%
families in students’ learning. The foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a board of business
District Science Fair
8% 8%
Individuals
and community leaders.
2013-14 Major Donors
10% 10%
Plano Family Literacy
AVID
STEM
Educator Grants
Teacher of the Year
5% 5%
4% 4% Academy Programs of Plano
1% 1%
Also Sponsored by the Foundation in 2013-14
Foundation Funds $100,000 in Grants to
Educators
•
•
•
•
•
•
In November, 2013, Plano ISD Education Foundation
board members, program sponsors, district staff and parent
leaders personally delivered $100,000 in monetary awards
– a record amount – to fund 85 innovative instructional
programs. Plano ISD teachers received surprise visits by
district and community leaders, and the announcement of
their winning grants in their classrooms was shared across
the school district. Since the Foundation’s inception, more
than $895,000 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, Huawei, Alliance Data,
Plano ISD Council of PTAs, Frost Bank and Central Market.
STEM education improvement initiatives.
Student scholarships for economically disadvantaged students to attend fifth grade camp.
Plano ISD’s annual teacher of the year gala and teacher recruitment open house.
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.
Central Market Thrill of the Grill 5K Continues to Break Records, Supports Plano
ISD Education Foundation
The sixth Annual Central Market Thrill of the Grill 5k, benefitting the Plano ISD Education
Foundation, was a sizzling success with a record 2,000 runners, who included 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 in 2012 and 2013. Boggess
Elementary School won the award in 2014.
Linda Higbee, Christie Elementary School instructional specialist, and
students reacted with delight to the arrival of the 2013 Park Place Lexus
Grant Patrol.
Employees ‘Touch the Heart of a Child’ with Generous Gift to Foundation
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 February,
2014, with 2,624 employees contributing a total of $112,455. More than half of contributing
schools and departments met or exceeded their goals for the campaign.
Southwest Airlines First Gold Level Sponsor of
Academy Programs of Plano
At the May, 2014 meeting of the Plano ISD Board of
Trustees, Southwest Airlines was recognized as the Academy
Programs of Plano’s first “Gold Corporate Partner” whose
generous $610,000 financial contribution will help to
support innovative learning opportunities at Plano ISD
Academy High School. Mike Van de Ven, executive vicepresident and chief operating officer for Southwest Airlines
and a Plano ISD Education Foundation director, addressed
the school board. “At Southwest Airlines, we are deeply
involved in the communities where we live and serve,” said
Mr. Van de Ven. “Plano ISD is a pillar of excellence because
there’s so much pride of ownership in the schools. Plano
ISD has great leadership in its superintendent, its school
board and the Plano ISD Education Foundation who all care
deeply about funding our schools.” Members of the Plano
ISD Education Foundation board of directors attending the
meeting were Rebecca Egelston Caso, president; Harvey
Fishero, president-elect and development chair; David Doyle,
treasurer; and Angela Miner.
Plano ISD Education Foundation President Named Plano Citizen of the Year
Pictured at the May, 2014 meeting of the Plano ISD Board of Trustees are
representatives of Southwest Airlines, the Plano ISD Board of Trustees and the
Plano ISD Education Foundation.
14
Rebecca Egelston Caso, 2013-14 president of the Plano
ISD Education Foundation, was named Plano Citizen of
the Year for her volunteer work and personal contributions
to the city. Her passion for service stems from many
things, she said, but foremost she enjoys the opportunity
to mentor and train other women to become leaders. She
enjoys spreading vision and inspiring others to grow. “I’m
fortunate that I have connected myself with organizations
that feed the passion that I have. I’m also lucky that I
work with people who continue to challenge and inspire
me,” she said. Ms. Caso, an attorney, has served in a
volunteer leadership capacity for the Plano ISD Education
Foundation, Children’s Medical Center, Junior League of
Collin County, Leadership Plano-Class 24, Collin County
Council on Family Violence, Journey of Hope Grief
Support Center Advisory Board, Collin County Medical
Reserve Corps, Plano Symphony Orchestra Advisory
Council, CASA of Collin County Board and Advisory
Board and Plano Children’s Theatre.
Valedictorian
$50,000 +
Alliance Data
Baylor Regional Medical Center at
Plano & The Heart Hospital Baylor
Plano - Joint Ownership with
Physicians
Capital One Bank
Cisco Systems
Communities Foundation of Texas
DCS Global Systems
Employees of Plano ISD
Methodist Richardson Medical Center
Plano Rotary Club
Southwest Airlines
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital
of Plano
United Way of Metropolitan Dallas
Salutatorian
$20,000 +
Bank of America
Gay, McCall, Isaacks, Gordon,
& Roberts, P.C.
Huawei Technologies
Metroplex Technology Business Council
Park Place Lexus Plano
Plano ISD Alumni Association
Texas Instruments Foundation
The Barbara Bush Foundation for
Family Literacy
Distinguished Achievement
$10,000 +
ATMOS Energy
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Ebby Halliday Realtors
Encana Oil & Gas
Flextronics Foundation
Fossil, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Heffernan
InTouch Credit Union
Junior League of Collin County
Kathy & Greg Nelson
M&A Technology
With Honors
$5,000 +
2013-14 Plano ISD Education Foundation
President Rebecca Egelston Caso and 2014-15
President Harvey Fishero are pictured at the
2014 Foundation Executive Board Retreat held
at Gleneagles Country Club.
15
Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Joplin, P.C.
AdvoCare
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors
Betty and James Muns Foundation
Sara & Mitch Bramlett
Frost Bank
GCA Service Group
Medical Center of Plano
Plano Wildcat Quarterback Club
SHW Group, LLP
The Shops at Willow Bend
Transamerican Life and Protection
Verizon
ViewPoint Bank
Wells Fargo
Ski Plano 2014 Celebrates Another Successful
Fundraising Year
2013-14
Foundation
Board of Directors
The Plano ISD Education Foundation is pleased to report
that its fundraising gala, Ski Plano 2014, broke records for
revenue and attendance. The Ski Plano Lodge once again
overtook Southfork Ranch in Parker for the sold-out event.
Nearly $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 700 guests wore their
favorite ski sweaters and jeans, danced the night away
to two live bands and browsed the slopes of astonishing
auction items.
2014-15 Senior
Class Presidents
Samer Amous, Evann
Ogburn and Parker
Ragle starred in video
promotions for the
Plano ISD Alumni
Association’s three
2014 tailgate parties.
Scenes from Ski Plano 2014: (Clockwise from left) Guests enjoyed live music
by the Mars Hill Band; Broadway star and Plano ISD graduate Hunter Ryan
Herdlicka served as honorary emcee; Student Tommy Fabyan addressed the
event’s 700 guests about his success in the AVID program, which is funded
in part by gifts donated through the Plano ISD Education Foundation.
Plano ISD Alumni Association Hosts First Golf Tournament & Tailgate Parties
For the fifth consecutive year, the Plano ISD Education
Foundation has worked to bring together alumni in
support of Plano ISD. This year the alumni association
held tailgate events for all three senior high schools.
The foundation uses social media to reach alumni and
provide a forum for interaction. “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.
Nancy Humphrey, school board president; TI Innovations in STEM Teaching Award winners Dusty Vincer, Heather Simpson and Deanna Shea; Superintendent
Richard Matkin; and Dr. Jim Wussow, assistant superintendent for academic services, are pictured at the Texas Instruments Foundation’s reception.
Plano ISD Educators Capture 2014 Texas Instruments Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching Awards
Plano ISD science teachers Deanna Shea, Heather Simpson and Dusty Vincer were among 14 area educators honored by the
Texas Instruments Foundation at a September, 2014 reception held in Dallas for the TI Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching
Award winners. The awards honor local secondary math and science teachers who consistently demonstrate quality instruction
and build student achievement in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Each honoree receives
$10,000, of which $5,000 is directly awarded to the teacher. The other $5,000 is to be used at his or her discretion for
professional development or instructional technology.
Deanna Shea teaches ninth grade honors biology and science research and design at Shepton High School. Heather is an
eighth grade science teacher at Robinson Middle School. Dusty is an International Baccalaureate biology and science teacher
and Academic Decathlon team coach at Plano East Senior High School. An additional three Plano ISD teachers were named
finalists and received $500 monetary gifts. They are STEM teachers Cynthia Gallatin, Plano Senior High School; Chris Mutke,
Schimelpfenig Middle School; and Gregg Weger, Rice Middle School.
16
New this year was the alumni association’s first
golf tournament held at Gleneagles Country Club.
The $25,000 tournament proceeds directly benefit
students and teachers through the Plano ISD Education
Foundation. Among the many players who enjoyed the
tournament were County Commissioner Duncan Webb,
Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, City Council Member
André Davidson and her husband Warren, former Plano
ISD Superintendent Dr. Doug Otto and Plano ISD School
Trustees David Stolle, Vice President, and Missy Bender.
Roy Lamkin, board trustee for Baylor
Regional Medical Center at Plano, the
tournament’s presenting sponsor, helped
present awards.
Jean Callison Honored among Top Women of Collin County
Jean Callison, a long-standing advocate of Plano ISD and the Plano ISD Education
Foundation, was named among the Top 10 Women of Collin County. The Plano ISD
Education Foundation’s honoree for the recognition, she was among the women honored at
a reception held in September, 2014 at Neiman Marcus, Plano. With an incredible passion
for the Plano ISD Education Foundation’s mission of “helping all students in Plano public
schools achieve their full potential by providing financial support to educators and academic
programs,” Jean is a dedicated volunteer and gifted leader.
Rebecca Egelston Caso, President
Harvey Fishero, President Elect
Jaime Beringer, Secretary
David Doyle, Treasurer
Chris Bragg
Mitch Bramlett
Jean Callison
Melissa Chung
Rodney Davenport
Mary Jo Dean
Marshall Jackson
Babita Jain
Marshall V. Johnson, DDS, MS
Robin Joseph-Williams
Cathy Larson
Don McClure
Jim McGee
Amy Medford
Angela Miner
Joa Muns
Dennis Oliver
Kelly Palmer
Raj Rao
Lisa Raskin
Jan Rugg
Kathy Schell
Kandi Sigona
Sheri Steele
Rob Sumner
Michael Urtso
Mike Van de Ven
Beth Webb
Carlos Sastoque,
Executive Director
Karla Oliver,
Assistant Superintendent for Government, Community and Planning Initiatives
Richard Matkin,
Superintendent of Schools
Missy Bender,
Plano ISD Board of Trustees Representative
Rhonda Snyder,
PTA Council Representative
Board of Honor
The Late Jim Boswell
Sharon Goldblatt
Rutledge Haggard
Rebecca Morris
Joan Slater
John Wroten
17
Student Achievements
WorldQuest National Champions
Hundreds of Plano ISD students captured awards during the 2013-14 school year. The next few pages include
For the second consecutive year, a team from Plano West
Senior High School captured the Academic WorldQuest
national championship. The annual event is hosted by the
National World Affairs Council in Washington, D.C. The
team competition tested high school students’ knowledge
of international affairs, current events and foreign policy
issues. Plano West bested 45 other regional champion teams
from 25 states across the United States to bring home the
national trophy. This year’s categories focused on the six top
national security issues for the president in 2014, voted on
and chosen by the leaders of world affairs councils across
the country. These six issues are cybersecurity, U.S. energy
policy, global economic realignment, the Middle East, global
environmental issues and U.S. education. Also included was
the UN Millennium Goal 1, geography, global health and
current events.
several of the significant honors earned by top achieving students.
Intel Science Talent Search Finalist
Lisa Michaels, Plano West Senior High School, was selected
among 40 finalists for Intel Science Talent Search 2014 for
her research entitled: Pan-Neuronal Over-Expression of the
GCLc Gene to Mitigate Redox Stress and Mitochondrial
ETC Complex Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease. Student
Rachana Vemireddy, Plano East Senior High School, was
named a semifinalist in the competition. The Intel Science
Talent Search (Intel STS) is the nation’s most prestigious
pre-college science competition. Intel STS alumni have made
extraordinary contributions to science and hold more than
100 of the world’s most coveted science and math honors,
including the Nobel Prize and the National Medal of
Science.
Alex Spiride, Plano East Senior High School student, was invited to exhibit at
the 2014 White House Science Fair.
Plano ISD Student Invited to Exhibit at White
House Science Fair
International science fair competitors: Swapnav Deka and Alicia D’Souza,
Plano East Senior High School; Ria Chhabra, Jessica Hong and Ahneesh
Mohanty, Plano Senior High School; Caroline Gao, Mokshin Suri and Anoop
Vemulapalli, Plano West Senior High School; Avni Nandu and
Stephanie Vu, Clark High School; Wenjia (Dara) Li, Jasper High School;
Michael Saber Farid, McMillen High School; and Nirali Thakor,
Shepton High School.
I-SWEEEP Olympiad
Eighteen Plano ISD students
were invited to attend the
2014 I-SWEEEP (International
Sustainable World Energy
Engineering Environment
Project Olympiad)
competition. Students from
66 countries and 44 states
participated in the event.
Among the many awards
captured by Plano ISD
students were gold level
awards won by Elisabeth
Ashmore, Plano East Senior
High School (engineering);
Anoop Vemulapalli, Plano
West Senior High School
(energy); and Vishal and
Nisha Rajesh, Jasper High
School (environment).
Intel International Science & Engineering Fair
Thirteen Plano ISD students, representing 10 projects,
attended the 2014 Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair in Los Angeles, CA. The annual event is the
world’s largest international pre-college science competition,
providing an annual forum for more than 1,700 high school
students from over 70 countries, regions and territories to
showcase their independent research and compete for more
than $5 million in awards. Cash awards earned by Plano
ISD students totaled more than $35,000. A list of awards
follows:
• Ria Chhabra – Plano Senior High School, 1st place in biochemistry
• Jessica Hong – Plano Senior High School and Alicia Danielle D’Souza, Plano East Senior High School, 2nd place in chemistry
• Ahneesh Mohanty – Plano Senior High School, 2nd place in Elisabeth Ashmore was selected as
the one student to be featured in a
video shown at I-SWEEEP. Her project
involved a computer-brain interface
for persons who are quadriplegic.
Siemens Competition in Math, Science &
Technology
medicine and health
• Swapnav Deka –
Seven Plano ISD students captured semifinalist standing
in the prestigious Siemens Competition in Math, Science
& Technology. The premiere science research competition
for high school students seeks to promote excellence by
encouraging students to undertake individual or team
research projects. Congratulations students:
• Alicia D’Souza – Plano East Senior High School
• Jessica Hong – Plano Senior High School
• Wenjia (Dara) Li – Plano West Senior High School
• Sachit Menon – Jasper High School
• Linda Phung – Plano East Senior High School
• Sairaj Sajjath – Plano West Senior High School
• Anoop Vemulapalli – Plano West Senior High School
Plano East Senior High School, 2nd place in microbiology, Consortium for Ocean Leadership award, China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) 1st place award
• Wenjia (Dara) Li – Jasper High School, and Anoop Vemulapalli, Plano West Senior High School, 3rd place in plant sciences, Arizona State University Scholarship, Ricoh Sustainable Development award
• Caroline Fang Gao –
• Mokshin Suri –
18
Plano West Senior High School, 4th place in energy and transportation
• Nirali Thakor –
Plano West Senior High School, 3rd place
in chemistry
Student Alex Spiride was among a select group of students
invited by President Barack Obama to exhibit his science
fair project at the 2014 White House Science Fair. A
competitive swimmer at Plano East Senior High School, Alex
studied the movement of squid to create an efficient, yet quiet
underwater engine. The 2013 Google Science Fair named
him a finalist for his discovery. The White House exhibitors
were invited to hear remarks from the president and interact
with other students, professional scientists, senior government
officials and private sector representatives.
WorldQuest teammates Qianqian Yang, Jeffrey Chang, Catherine Zhang and
Sidharth Kapur are pictured at nationals with teacher/sponsor John Scott.
Students Excel at Regional, State & National STEM
Competitions
Plano ISD students excelled at the following 2014 regional,
state and national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math) competitions.
Career & Technical Education
•ExxonMobil State Science & Engineering Fair – 4 first place grand prize awards
More than 190 Plano ISD Career and Technical Education
students advanced to state level competitions in 2014.
Congratulations to students, faculty and student organizations
for their successes:
• BPA (Business) – 58 students competed at area with 40 advancing to state.
• DECA (Marketing) – 32 students competed at area with 30 advancing to state.
• FCCLA (Food Sciences/Culinary) – 4 students competed at regionals.
• HOSA (Health Care) – 120 students competed at area with 61 advancing to state.
• SkillsUSA (Culinary) – 12 students competed at regionals with 8 advancing to state.
• SkillsUSA (Auto Tech) - 5 students competed at regionals with 5 advancing to state.
•Texas Junior Academy of Sciences – 2 first place grand prize awards; 13 first place awards advanced to
national fair
•Texas Middle School MATHCOUNTS – Advanced one student to nationals; 1st Place Team; Advanced three middle school teams to state
•BroadcomMASTERS – Seven middle school students
captured semifinalist standing in this national
STEM contest.
•Secondary Regional Science Fair – 83% of senior division awards; 62% of junior category awards; 3 of 4 grand prize awards; All runner-up grand prize awards; Advanced 11 students to international fair
•Elementary Regional Science Fair – 3 of 4 grand prize awards; Entered 130 of 400 projects
Shepton High School, Mu Alpha Theta award, Ashtavadhani Vidwan Ambati Subbaraya Chetty Foundation award
19
Academic & Extracurricular Awards
State VASE Art Competition
Plano ISD student artists captured eight “Gold Seal” state
medals at the 2014 State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE)
competition. At the state event, 70 percent of Plano ISD
students captured state medals. Nearly 27,000 students
across the state participated in regional VASE contests. From
that group, students advanced to state, where only 152
students received gold medals.
JROTC Battalions Retain ‘Honor Unit with
Distinction’ Designation
All three Plano ISD JROTC battalions (Plano, Plano East
and Plano West senior high schools and their high school
feeder schools) retained the “Honor Unit with Distinction”
designation in 2013-14. Junior Leadership & Academic Bowl
teams from all three battalions advanced in 2014 to Level II
of competition.
DMA Young Masters Exhibition
Dallas Area Regional History Day Competition
Twenty Plano ISD senior high school students’ art projects
were selected for the 20th annual Young Masters Exhibition
hosted in 2014 by the Dallas Museum of Art, O’Donnell
Foundation and AP Strategies. Student artists were presented
with awards at a reception and ceremony held at the
museum.
Several Plano ISD students placed at the 2014 Dallas Area
Regional History Day Competition. Students who won 1st
or 2nd place advanced to the state Texas History Day
Competition. First place winners at regional were teammates
Johanna Waters, Naveen Inim and Manisha Gupta, Plano
East Senior High School; and individuals Rahul Gupta, Plano
East; Jonathan Kim, Plano East; Mohit Gupta, Otto Middle
School; and Halle Miller, Murphy Middle School.
2014 girls’ doubles state gold medalists: Plano West Senior High School
teammates Tiffany Hollebeck and Alahna Reto with Coach Morgen Walker.
2013-14 Athletic
Achievements
UIL One-Act Play Competition
Collin County Spelling Bee Champion
Plano ISD fifth graders headed back in time to the 20th century, with the first
annual Decades Fair. Each class group selected a decade to study between
the 1910s and 2000s and presented their social studies findings to their
classmates in a variety of creative ways.
In keeping with Plano ISD’s spelling legacy, Neha Thomas,
sixth grade student at Rice Middle School, advanced to the
Regional Spelling Bee after capturing the championship at
the 2014 Collin County Spelling Bee.
With an incredible display of artistry, Plano Senior High
School’s production of “The Shadow Box,” under the
direction of Lance Morse, earned the cast and crew these
awards at the area contest: best actor, honorable-mention
all-star cast and outstanding technician. Plano Senior High
and Plano East Senior High School productions advanced
to the area competition from the district event.
Baseball – Plano advanced to regional finals
Basketball – (girls) Plano West advanced to
state; Plano advanced to regional quarterfinals;
(boys) Plano West advanced to regional
quarterfinals; Plano East advanced to area
The Otto Middle School Treble Choir, directed by Vanessa
Chavez, and the Robinson Middle School Mixed Choir,
directed Kimberley Ahrens and Alex Morgan, were invited to
perform at the National Conference for Choral Music at the
University of North Texas in Denton.
Fine Arts Awards
Sixty-seven All-State Musicians, Three Select
Groups Perform at State Convention
Sixty-seven Plano ISD band, choir and orchestra students
earned positions in 2014 all-state music ensembles
sponsored by the Texas Music Educators Association
(TMEA). These students joined other elite high school
musicians from around the state to rehearse with nationally
famous conductors and present performances for the TMEA
membership during their annual convention in San Antonio.
In addition to all-state musicians, three musical groups from
Plano ISD presented concerts at the TMEA clinic/convention.
Congratulations 2014 honor ensembles:
Cross Country – Plano West and Plano East
boys advanced athletes to state
Football – Plano and Plano West advanced to
playoffs
Golf – (girls) Plano West advanced a medalist to
state; (boys) Plano West advanced to state
National AP Studio Art Student Exhibit
Artwork by Samuel Hersh, Plano
Senior High School Class of 2014
was selected by The College Board
for inclusion in the AP Studio Art
Student Exhibit. Only 30 pieces
were chosen for the national
traveling exhibit from about 49,000
student portfolios.
• Jasper High School Full Orchestra, Directors Ryan Ross and Jackie Digby
• Robinson Middle School Full Orchestra, Directors Mary Havenstrite and Kimberly Hernandez
• Vines High School Women’s Choir, Director Christopher Ahrens
Soccer – (girls) Plano West advanced to state for
3rd consecutive year; (boys) Plano West advanced
to regional quarterfinals
Softball – Plano West advanced to the regional
final; Plano advanced to the regional quarterfinal
round
Swimming / Diving – (girls) Plano won a state
bronze medal in diving; (boys) Plano placed 4th
overall in team results, collecting two silver medals
and one bronze medal at state
Artwork by Samuel Hersh, Plano Senior
High School, in traveling exhibit
Track – (boys) Plano East won a bronze medal
at state in 100-meter dash and 6th place in
200-meter dash; (girls) Plano West won 7th in
100-meter dash
Texas State Capitol Art Exhibit
Artworks designed by five Plano ISD students were selected
by the Texas Art Education Association for exhibit at the
Texas state capitol building in Austin during 2014 National
Youth Art Month. Exhibiting artists included Christina Lu,
Rice Middle School; Taylor Morgan Nix, Plano West Senior
High School; Mary Casillas, Plano Senior High School;
Julia Nguyen, Schimelpfenig Middle School; and Samantha
Firmin, Boggess Elementary School.
Choral Music Group Invitations
Three choral ensembles received invitations to perform for
choral organizations at their 2014 regional and national
conferences. The Plano West Senior High School Chorale,
directed by Kathy Hackett and Sarah Council, was invited to
perform for the Southwestern Division of the American Choral
Directors Association conference in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Tennis – Plano West girls’ doubles won a state
gold medal; Plano West’s team advanced to state
Volleyball – Plano advanced to the regional
finals
Wrestling – All three senior high schools
advanced athletes to regionals; Plano ISD
advanced three girls to state; Plano East and Plano
West boys advanced to state
Plano ISD’s secondary schools are hosts to multi-award-winning theatrical casts
and crews. Take a behind-the-scenes view of the stage in “Theatre Techies”
spotlighting senior high school theater students, including Mattie Keeter, Plano
West Senior High School.
20
21
2014 Plano ISD Teachers of the Year
District and School Honors & Advocacy
Plano ISD’s 2014 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, Whitney Pitzer of Stinson Elementary School and
Bowman and Murphy Middle Schools Named ‘Texas Schools to Watch’
Karen Stanton of Clark High School, respectively, were announced by Superintendent of Schools Richard Matkin
at Plano ISD’s Teacher of the Year Gala in May, 2014 at Plano Centre. In addition to Whitney and Karen, eight
educators were named “Excellence in Teaching Award” winners, and all 72 nominees were recognized at the event,
which was attended by 1,300 educators, PTA and community leaders and gala sponsors.
Whitney Pitzer, Elementary Teacher of the Year
“Let’s figure - it - out!” …You might hear this mantra cheered out as you
turn the corner into Whitney Pitzer’s kindergarten classroom. “From the
first day of school, my students quickly learn that problem-solving skills
are recognized and valued in our class,” said Whitney, Plano ISD 2014
Elementary Teacher of the Year. “I empower every student to put on an
(invisible) cape and be ‘Super Problem Solvers.’” These heroes “figure
it out” when faced with any obstacle, large or small, says their teacher.
Through frequent discussions and “think-alouds,” Whitney’s students
practice identifying appropriate strategies for simple or complex
problems. As the year goes on, students might even be awarded the
coveted “Super Problem Solver Badge” for solving problems on their
own. “Learning to take risks and think analytically helps students
to feel equipped to handle life’s challenges with confidence and
perseverance,” said Whitney. “In an increasingly innovative and
STEM-driven society, I believe that even the youngest students can
reap long-term benefits from establishing a ‘Super Problem Solver’
mindset.”
Karen Stanton, Secondary Teacher of the Year
“I talk with my students about the 10,000 hours required to
create experts in any field. There is no shortcut to knowledge,
and I show my students that I still struggle to find the right words
in my writing when I write in front of them – and that I struggle
to be the right person when I tell them that I make mistakes
every day,” said Karen Stanton, Plano ISD 2014 Secondary
Teacher of the Year. “My students know that I will ask them to
re-do assignments until they demonstrate understanding, and I
will sit beside them and explain it as many times as it takes.”
Karen said, “Most young people are willing to work hard when
they see me working just as hard. It is essential that they see
me as a lifelong learner and a work in progress.” She says
that the rewards of teaching are innumerable. “I am rewarded
when my grown-up students return to tell me about their lives
and ask me for advice. And while all of these tangible rewards
are gratifying, the personal challenge of creating, improvising,
learning and trying to connect on a daily basis is what makes
me a better, more authentic person.”
22
Bowman and Murphy middle schools were among the campuses celebrated at the 2014
Schools to Watch national recognition program held in Washington, D.C. Attending
the celebration were faculty and staff from
Bowman and Murphy, who were named
in January among an elite group of eight
middle schools as “Texas Schools to Watch”
through an initiative of the National Forum
to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.
Both campuses were showcased at state
and national conventions this year for
their academic excellence, developmental
responsiveness and social equity.
Murphy Middle School Principal
Brant Perry with Laura Mullen, English
department head and Sylvia Lansing,
counseling department head.
Bowman Middle School staff (front) Gloria Martinez,
former principal (now Williams High School principal),
and Adrian Rodriguez, behavior specialist; (back)
Becky Jackson, eighth grade math team leader;
Julianne Aguilar, assistant principal; and
Crystal Roach, reading specialist.
Schools Win City of Plano Environmental Awards
Six Plano ISD schools captured 2014 Environmental
Community Awards from the city of Plano and were
recognized at a luncheon held in honor of nominees
and winners. The awards recognize outstanding
environmental initiatives and achievements by schools,
organizations, businesses and individuals. Wilson
Middle School’s Edible Education Garden was awarded
the Environmental Star of Excellence Community Award
for an Educational Institution. Plano East student Aayush
Goyal was recognized with the Environmental Star of
Excellence Community Award in the Individual Youth
category. Beverly Elementary, Boggess Elementary,
Murphy Middle School and Clark High School all won
Environmental School Awards.
Pictured at the City of Plano environmental awards luncheon are Nancy Humphrey, school
board president; Wilson Middle School’s Selenda Sager, principal, and Sharon Russell,
life skills teacher; and Richard Matkin, superintendent of schools.
Three Plano ISD Initiatives Added to TASB’s State Legislative Advocacy Platform
In preparation for the 2015 legislative session, the Plano ISD Board of Trustees formed a legislative sub-committee to develop
several priorities. Three of the committee’s initiatives were added to the Texas Association of School Boards’ legislative advocacy
platform to be considered at the state level. The 84th Texas Legislature will convene on January 13, 2015, in Austin.
Plano ISD Legislative Priorities
•Opposition of vouchers
•Instructional calendar
•Early childhood and pre-kindergarten education
•Terminating Chapter 21 contracts in the event that
an employee is convicted of a felony
•Funding Issues
o Including off-campus instruction in the calculation of weighted
average daily attendance
o Update the cost of education index
o Adjust the equalized wealth level for enrichment taxes above
the first 6 cents of enrichment tax effort
o Increase level 2 enrichment (golden pennies) from 6 pennies
to 8 pennies
o Continue state funding for state mandated increase in district’s
contributions to Teacher Retirement System
o Middle and high school counselor funding allotment to address
the need for increased counseling services from HB5
23
Legislative Advocacy Time Line
In December, 2014, trustees held a legislative
breakfast to share their priorities with legislators.
During a January, 2015, midwinter conference
of the school board and cabinet, district leaders
met to fine tune Plano ISD’s legislative priorities.
In March, 2015, staff and school board members
will participate in Collin County Days and Plano
Legislative Days in Austin at the state capitol
building when they will meet with legislators to
discuss Plano ISD’s legislative priorities. Stay tuned
to this topic through the district website: www.
pisd.edu/news/advocacy.
Faculty & Staff Achievements
More Faculty and Staff Honors & Leadership
Plano ISD employees captured numerous awards and honors and served in leadership positions within their
professional organizations during the 2013-14 school year. Some of their accomplishments are featured.
Superintendent’s Service Award
Winners Honored at Annual
Employee Banquet
Superintendent of Schools Richard Matkin, Superintendent’s Service Award winners Carmen Wilson,
Alicia Kamien, Amy Tang and (Jose Alvarez, accepting on behalf of colleague/winner Andres Garcia)
and School Board President Nancy Humphrey at the April 10 employee service awards banquet.
Winners of the 2014 Superintendent’s
Service Award were announced at the
49th Annual Plano ISD Service and
Retirement Banquet held at Southfork
Ranch. These outstanding employees
were selected from among 42 fellow
nominees for the award, which is
designed to honor support staff
members who go above and beyond
the call of duty as they perform their
job responsibilities. Also honored at the
banquet were 50 retiring employees
and hundreds of employees who earned
service pins for 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35
years of service to Plano schools.
Plano ISD Diversity Leadership Award Winners
CREST State Counseling Award Winners
Nominees and winners of Plano ISD Diversity Leadership
Awards were recognized at Plano ISD’s 2014 MLK Tribute
event. Winners were announced by Ali Gowani, chair
of Plano ISD’s Diversity Advisory Committee, and Autry
Daniel, Plano ISD human resources department. The award
recognizes groups and individuals whose actions honor the
work and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Employees
who captured community impact awards were Plano Senior
High School Choral Director Derrick Brookins and Plano ISD
Student and Family Services Department Coordinator James
Thomas, III.
Four schools earned 2014 CREST (Counselors Reinforcing
Excellence for Students in Texas) awards from the Texas
School Counseling Association. Congratulations to:
•Beaty Early Childhood School - Jan Hughes, counselor
•Haun Elementary School - Marjorie Edge, counselor
•Hightower Elementary School - Aubrey Nell, counselor
•Hendrick Middle School - Sally Villani, Victoria Hines and Denise Menard, counselors
CREST counseling award winners Victoria Hines, Aubrey Nell, Denise Menard, Marjorie Edge, Jan Hughes and Sally Villani
•Dr. Lisa Thibodeaux,
executive director for
secondary academic services, captured the Texas Association for the Improvement of Reading’s 2014 Jean Greenlaw Literacy Award for her long-time contributions to literacy in Texas and beyond.
•Science teachers Dusty
Vincer, Plano East Senior
High School, and Deanna Dr. Lisa Thibodeaux
Shea, Shepton High School, were named Tech Titans of the Future High School Level Finalists by the Metroplex Technology Business Council.
•Ben Porter, Beverly Elementary School music specialist, received the 2014 Teacher of the Year Award presented by the North Texas Metroplex Children’s Choirs.
•Bill Couzynse, Plano ISD facilities services manager, achieved the status of Texas School Business Official through the Texas Association of School Business Officials.
•Lynda Shuttlesworth (retired), student and family services department executive coordinator, served as past-president of the Texas School Counselors Association.
•DeLynn Brennan, Barksdale Elementary School counselor, served as human rights chair for the Texas School Counselors Association.
•Jana Hancock, Plano East Senior High School guidance director, held the position of treasurer for the Texas Association of College Admission Counselors.
•Bruce Richardson, Plano Senior High School guidance director, served as guidance and admission assembly representative for the College Board Southwestern Region.
•Teachers assisting the College Board included Douglas Darracott, Plano West: art test development committee, and Dr. Terry Eder, Plano, and Brandon Pedigo, Plano East: music theory exam readers.
•Gloria Martinez, Principal at Williams High School and formerly at Bowman Middle School, was honored by Collin County LULAC as the 2014 Educator of the Year at the annual Hispanic Awards Banquet.
•Guinn Special Programs Center Principal Sharon Bradley was honored by the Plano Community Forum as its 2014 Educator of the Year.
•Four Plano ISD computer science teachers were honored by the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) with Inspiration Awards based on nominations by university students. The senior high school honorees include Tracy Ishman and Robin Bailey, Plano West; Ann Horton, Plano East; and Cynthia Gallatin, Plano.
•Art teachers captured these awards: Tamra Alami, Haun Elementary School: Texas Art Education Association Teacher of the Year; Doug Daracott, Plano West Senior High School: Texas Art Education Association National Honor Society Sponsor of the Year; Plano Art Leaders: Texas Art Education Association Award of Excellence.
•Dr. Mary Long, McMillen High School teacher-librarian, is serving a two-year term on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s Library Community Engagement Advisory Committee, which helps the State Library identify and address community engagement issues facing libraries in Texas.
•Suzanne Drotman, human resources services director, serves as president of the North Central Texas School Personnel Association.
24
Señora Amy Lenord, Shepton High School teacher, won the
Texas Spanish Teacher of the Year Award sponsored by the
Texas Foreign Language Association.
25
Plano Independent School District
Communications Department
2700 W. 15th Street
Plano, TX 75075
Make this Book Come to Life
To complement this year’s theme, Plano ISD is using a mobile
app called Aurasma, allowing readers to uncover digital content
in printed materials. Through the auras created using this app,
the district is bringing the annual report to life.
We invite you to view our Aurasma videos with your mobile
device:
1. Download the free Aurasma app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2. Open Aurasma, swipe through the tutorial to the last page. (Do not login.)
3. TAP SKIP at the bottom of the screen.
4. TAP
at the bottom of the screen.
5. TAP
(the search icon at the bottom of the screen).
6. Enter pisdcommunications in the search bar.
7. TAP (Plano ISD apple logo).
8. TAP FOLLOW.
9. TAP [ ] at the bottom of the screen.
10. Try it out by pointing your mobile device’s camera at photographs marked with the Aurasma “A” throughout this annual report.
11. DOUBLE TAP to view full screen.
www.pisd.edu
Please direct questions about this annual report to askpisd@pisd.edu or call 469.752.8150.