I am excited that another school year is about to begin. BISD staff have been busy getting buildings ready, writing curriculum, training for technology implementation, and yes, even taking some much needed vacation time.

As we prepare for the start of school on Monday, Aug. 24, I want to take a quick look back at the 2014–15 school year. Some of the exciting academic accomplishments are:

•  BISD test scores exceeded the state average on STAAR in all subject areas for which results are available.
• Third-grade students exceeded the state average on the STAAR reading test by five percentage points.
• Fifth-grade students exceeded the state average on the STAAR science test by seven percentage points.
• BISD students scored three percentage points above the state average on the Algebra I EOC exam.
• Haltom High School was selected as an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) National Demonstration School.
• BISD’s Board of Trustees approved the sale/financing of bonds, saving taxpayers millions.
• The Haltom and Richland middle school bands placed in the Top 10 at the Texas Music Educator Association’s CC Middle School Honor Band competition.
• The Birdville Education Foundation awarded 53 Innovative Teacher Grants totaling $118,456.

These are just a few of the great things happening across BISD. In the months ahead, there will be additional celebrations I hope you will share with your friends and family.

Once again, I look forward to having students and staff back for the 2015–16 school year. Remember to slow down as you drive through school zones.