Board Notes: July 30, 2024

Denton ISD Trustees name Dr. Susannah Holbert O’Bara Superintendent

The Denton Independent School District Board of School Trustees named Dr. Susannah Holbert O'Bara the district’s Superintendent of Schools, following the 21-day waiting period required by Texas law. Dr. O’Bara replaces Dr. Jamie Wilson, who was named Superintendent – Emeritus on June 18, allowing for a smooth leadership transition until his retirement in January 2025.
 
With this action, Dr. O'Bara is the first female superintendent in the district's 142-year history, a position she has earned after three decades of serving the students of Denton ISD.

“As a lifelong resident having spent all of my years of formative education – from kindergarten through college in Denton – I genuinely feel like the story of my life parallels the story of our district,” said Dr. O’Bara. “My love for this community and our people drives me to excel and learn new things every day – something I wish for each of our children.” 

Presentations and Recognitions

Ryan High’s Madison Gordon wins State Journalism Contest
Madison Gordon, a Class of 2024 graduate from Ryan High School, won the UIL Class 5A state championship in Journalism – News Writing. In addition, Madison’s entry also won the “Tops in Texas” award, where the UIL selects the best entry from each of the first-place winners from all six conferences.

The UIL sponsors five journalism contests - news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, headline writing and copy editing. News writing teaches students to read critically, digest and prioritize information quickly and to write clearly, accurately and succinctly. Emphasis is placed on mechanical and stylistic precision, lead writing, use of direct and indirect quotes and news judgment.

Students compete at the district level, and the top three advance to regionals. From regionals, the top three advance to the state competition.

The Ryan High School journalism teacher is Sarah Schreiner. The principal of Ryan High School is Vernon Reeves. 

Discussion of Staffing Plan
Jason Rainey, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, provided Trustees with an update on Denton ISD’s 2024-2025 staffing plan. For 2024-2025 at the elementary level, the projected student to teacher ratios are as follows:

PK-2nd grade – 22:1
3rd-4th grade – 24:1
5th grade – 25:1 

Projected class sizes for regular education classes utilize predictions based on data provided from current enrollment, early enrollment and demographer projections based on growth and new home builds. 

For secondary staffing, the following formula is utilized: 

Factor(1.33) x Projected Student Enrollment ➗Ratio (25)

Factor: 8-period day schedule / six sections taught by each teach
Ratio: 25 students per section

Campus full-time employee allocations are based on student courses, and year to year adjustments are made for program participation.