Dallas ISD Board of Trustees Dan Micciche, District 3

Building a legacy of student success

With the new school year in full swing, I want to welcome back all our students, families and educators. Each new year adds to the legacy we are building in Dallas ISD and in each of our District 3 schools: a legacy of hard work, growth and belief in the boundless potential of our students. 

This year, Dallas ISD earned an overall B rating under the state accountability rating system. Our students also outpaced the state in academic growth on the 2024-2025 STAAR tests. 

All schools in District 3 either maintained or improved their ratings. Reinhardt Elementary School, Larry G. Smith Elementary School, George W. Truett Elementary School, Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary and Personalized Learning at Highland Meadows earned A ratings. Bryan Adams High School, Emmett J. Conrad High School, Robert T. Hill, W.H. Gaston Middle School, Sam Tasby Middle School, Victor H. Hexter Elementary School, Martha Turner Reilly Elementary School, Casa View Elementary School, Bayles Elementary School, Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School and Jill Stone Elementary School earned B ratings. There were no D or F schools in District 3. All our District 3 schools, students, staff and families are shining examples of how to lead with excellence, and I am excited to see their trajectory continue.

It is important to keep in mind that nearly 75 percent of our students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, making us one of the districts with the highest level of poverty in the country. We recognize that it requires additional resources, wraparound services and support to provide students with the same opportunities to succeed. Our results are proof of a powerful truth — when given those opportunities, Dallas ISD students thrive. 

We could not have these levels of achievement without great teachers in every classroom and, this year, Dallas ISD filled 99 percent of its teaching positions before the start of school. Even more inspiring, we received a record 10,000 teacher applications — the highest in district history. Additionally, teacher retention in Dallas ISD exceeds that of the state and region. This overwhelming response reflects the growing reputation of Dallas ISD as a place where great educators want to teach, inspire and create their own legacies.

I am proud of how far we have come, and I am excited about the legacy we will continue to build together — one student, one classroom and one school at a time.

Celebrating Attendance Awareness Month: To get these amazing results, students need to be in the classroom learning every day. September is Attendance Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of attending school regularly. Dallas ISD encourages every student to show up for themselves and their future. Check your school’s website to see how it is celebrating attendance this month!