Dear Plano ISD Community:
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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
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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