December 12, 2024 Lancaster ISD/Lancaster,TX --Lancaster Independent School District (LISD), in partnership with the Inland Port Area Chamber of Commerce, hosted its annual State of the District event, featuring a year of district highlights and student success.
The event featured Lancaster High School Student Council President, Kameron Jackson and the emcee and the LHS Culinary Arts department. Jackson led the district presentation, shared his experience as an LHS Early College student, and expressed appreciation for his campus principal and former teachers.
The program also included the LHS JROTC, the Lancaster High student soloist, Angelina Saavadrea, and a showcase of student STEM projects from students across the district elementary and secondary campuses. Additionally, Lancaster ISD highlighted its innovative initiatives, including addressing capital outlay enhancement, recent state championship accomplishment, and the recent academic achievement at the GWC 6th Grade STEM Learning Center campus.
Dr. Perera's keynote address emphasized LISD's commitment to educational excellence and praised her leadership team and district educators for their hard work and dedication to student success. She boasted about the three-year accomplishment of maintaining a 100% graduation rate and stressed that the reason for the success is because of the intentional hard work of her staff and the students of Lancaster ISD.
"There is no special sauce, there is a daily grind with strategic and intentional effort to ensure student success. The people you see put the work in to ensure that it is done. Everyone has a part,” Perera shared during her speech as she addressed the audience.
She then went on to encourage the attendees to not only support Lancaster ISD, but public schools throughout the state and nation.
“Through wonderful community partnership, we are able to ensure these needs are met and more. So, when the topic of discussion turns to questioning the positive impact of public schools, and the debate on school vouchers is front and center. I’m not going to debate this nor spend time trying to convince people of the importance of investing in public education. I am going to rely on our community members and supporters to be vocal about the importance of not allowing those against public education to have a louder voice than you all in our community, city, metroplex, and state,” she said. “As supporters of public education, your voice is powerful. I urge you to speak up and demand that the state fully funds our schools because our students deserve better.”
The event also celebrated Lancaster ISD's outstanding educators, including Kaitlin Washington, Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Brittany Johnson, Secondary Teacher of the Year, and Ms. Knijinski Mathonican, a Pleasant Run Elementary Staff member and parent of Lancaster ISD.
Lancaster Independent School District (LISD), in partnership with the Inland Port Area Chamber of Commerce, recently hosted its annual State of the District event, celebrating a year of district highlights and student achievements.
The event featured Lancaster High School Student Council President Kameron Jackson as the emcee. Jackson led the district presentation, shared his experiences as an LHS Early College student, and expressed heartfelt appreciation for his campus principal and former teachers. The program also showcased contributions from the Lancaster High School Culinary Arts department, the LHS JROTC, and student soloist Angelina Saavedra, along with an impressive display of STEM projects created by students from elementary and secondary campuses districtwide.
Lancaster ISD highlighted several innovative initiatives during the event, including updates on capital outlay enhancements, the district’s recent state championship achievements, and notable academic success at the GWC 6th Grade STEM Learning Center campus.
In her keynote address, Dr. Perera emphasized LISD's commitment to educational excellence. She praised her leadership team and district educators for their dedication to student success and celebrated the district's remarkable three-year record of maintaining a 100% graduation rate.
“There is no special sauce; there is a daily grind with strategic and intentional effort to ensure student success. The people you see put the work in to ensure that it is done. Everyone has a part,” Dr. Perera remarked as she addressed the audience.
Dr. Perera also urged attendees to actively support Lancaster ISD and public schools across the state and nation.
“Through wonderful community partnerships, we are able to meet the needs of our students and more. So, when the topic of discussion turns to questioning the positive impact of public schools, and the debate on school vouchers is front and center, I’m not going to debate this nor spend time trying to convince people of the importance of investing in public education. I am going to rely on our community members and supporters to be vocal about the importance of not allowing those against public education to have a louder voice than you all in our community, city, metroplex, and state,” she said. “As supporters of public education, your voice is powerful. I urge you to speak up and demand that the state fully funds our schools because our students deserve better.”
Lancaster ISD’s staff members of the year, Ta-tanisha Stevenon, Principal of the Year, Kaitlin Washington, Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Brittany Johnson, Secondary Teacher of the Year, were each highlighted and given the chance to share their personal thoughts as district staff members of the year and their passion for education. Additionally, the program highlighted Ms. Knijinski Mathonican, a staff member at Pleasant Run Elementary and a parent of Lancaster ISD students. Ms. Mathonican shared her personal journey, explaining how her initial challenges in the district evolved into a positive experience where her children are valued and where she is now proud to work.
The State of the District event underscored the collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence that defines Lancaster ISD. With the support of its community, educators, and students, the district continues to pave the way for a brighter future for all its stakeholders.
