TISD and CISD Superintendents address Cleveland Chamber
The 2021-22 Teachers of the Year were honored by the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce during the September Luncheon. Cleveland ISD winners are Southside Elementary - Jacob Miller, Northside Elementary - Anastasia Yung, Eastside Elementary - Rebekah S
Cleveland ISD Superintendent Stephen McCanless
Tarkington ISD Superintendent Dr. Elna Davis
CLEVELAND – It was a tale of two districts at last week’s Greater Cleveland of Commerce luncheon as attendees heard from Cleveland and Tarkington ISDs.
The event’s special guest speakers were TISD Superintendent Dr. Elna Davis and CISD Superintendent Stephen McCanless, who spoke about the great things happening in each community.
Both school leaders were excited to announce that they had recently received B grades from the Texas Education Agency and touted A financial ratings.
Davis started her portion of the program with a motivational video that showcased the effect a teacher can have on a single student just by taking a little interest. The video was met with some emotional responses by some in attendance.
Davis spoke on the number of students to start the year on the prairie, with 1,897, which is up by nearly 90 students from last school year.
She was excited to point out the district’s 98.8% attendance rate, which exceeds regional and state averages.
Davis was complimentary of all staff and said they are working hard to improve.
“ We’re dissatisfied of where we are but proud of what we’ve accomplished,” she said.
She wrapped up by speaking on how the community can get involved in TISD programs and schools.
“ Be present always,” she exclaimed.
Next up was Mc-Canless, who was announced, “ The Big Red C is Here!”
The CISD superintendent was excited to talk about the wonderful things happening in Cleveland and how they were ready to tackle all of the growth.
Cleveland began the year with 11,329 students in the fastest- growing district in all of Texas.
He also pointed to the nearly 1,300 students the district lost to a new charter school in the area and how they still exceeded last year’s enrollment figures.
McCanless was excited to bring in new students, even citing Psalm 127, stating the children were a gift from God.
He briefly discussed the upcoming bond and what they hoped to achieve in developing infrastructure, assuring residents that Cleveland’s heritage would be part of anything they do. “ We’re not going to forget what old Cleveland was,” he stated.
McCanless also lauded all of the successes of student programs and the career technical education programs at the high school.
While CISD continues to grow, McCanless is excited for what’s to come.
“ Even though we are busting at the seams, I wouldn’t give up one kid,” said McCanless.
The Chamber also honored the 2021- 22 Teachers of the Year in both districts.