Congratulations to the Frisco ISD School Board, which is one of only five school boards from across the state recognized through H-E-B's Excellence in Education Awards program. The program, now in its 20th year, is designed to highlight the importance of strong leadership at the board level.

The School Board was selected as a finalist based on three key areas including: academic/student progress within the District, identification of community needs and specific actions taken based on those needs and new and creative methods for community engagement.

"This Board has demonstrated its commitment to the success of all students and making the best decisions possible in challenging circumstances," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mike Waldrip. "We are very thankful for their dedication to our district, students and staff and the countless hours they donate to this volunteer position."

Trustees are steadfast in their efforts to maintain and grow the academic achievement of students and number of opportunities available to them. This past year, the Board allocated federal coronavirus relief dollars to provide additional support for students’ academic, social-emotional and behavioral needs. The District continued to provide both in-person and virtual learning options in 2021 to meet the needs of families. 

In addition, the pandemic accelerated efforts already underway in FISD to increase students’ access to technology and expand online and hybrid learning options. The District recently completed implementation of its 1:1 student-to-device technology initiative and announced plans for FISD+, two new online learning options for high school students. 

“We have balanced staying future focused while working to solve real-time challenges brought on by the pandemic,” said Board President René Archambault. “Our goal was to take advantage of every single moment that our community of children were in our care, both online and in person, and to provide the excellence in education for which Frisco ISD is known.

“Quality student outcomes, and creating a physically and mentally healthy environment for teachers, staff and students has remained our top priority and is always the central focus going forward.” 

Board members have worked hard to not only make sure students are provided the resources they need, but to also make sure staff members are taken care of. 

In recognition of the needs of staff, Board members recently approved an extra day off in February in appreciation of the extra effort required during this school year. In addition, an employee health clinic will open later this year to help with health care costs that continue to rise.

Since the program’s inception, H-E-B has awarded more than $12 million in funding to benefit outstanding Texas public schools. This year, H-E-B will award a total of $82,500 to the finalists and school boards, who will go on to compete for even greater cash prizes at the statewide level. 

To determine overall statewide winners, a panel of judges visits each district, tours campuses and talks with administration, staff, parents, community members and the school board. During visits from H-E-B officials and the judging committee, the FISD School Board will be presented with a check for $5,000 for the District.

Winners will be announced at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony on April 30 at the Fairmont Hotel in Austin. If selected, one or more school board winners will receive up to a $25,000 grant to the school district.

The current Frisco ISD School Board includes President Rene Archambault, Vice President John Classe, Secretary Chad Rudy, Gopal Ponangi, Natalie Hebert, Dynette Davis and Debbie Gillespie. Frisco ISD congratulates trustees on this fantastic accomplishment and wishes them best of luck in April!