TO: Northwest ISD Students, Parents/Caregivers, and Staff

FROM: Ryder Warren, Superintendent

SUBJECT: Superintendent Update


We made it – we have reached the end of our first semester. Before you and your family rush into the holiday season and new year, I have a special video message I’d like to share, along with a few things for you to be aware of – superintendent search, new demographic projections, return of school dances, and a special request.

Please know how much I personally appreciate all of the efforts we’ve seen this first semester from our students, our teachers and staff, and our families. We all know we are living through some very unusual times right now, but the support we have seen for our children and our schools has been unwavering, and we truly appreciate that. So – for whatever your personal belief system allows – please have a wonderful Christmas Break, Holiday Break, or Semester Break! And please stay safe and well.

As you probably know, I am retiring at the end of this school year. The Northwest ISD Board of Trustees would appreciate your input in developing the profile of the district’s next leader. Please complete the superintendent search survey and/or plan to participate in an in-person or virtual community meeting.
                               
Community Superintendent Search Meeting
 
January 6, 5:30 p.m.
Northwest ISD Administration Building, 2001 Texan Drive, Justin
PDC Rooms

January 7, 9 a.m.

As I shared during Facebook Live on Wednesday, the NISD School Board received the new enrollment projections during the most recent board meeting. We all know and see how Northwest ISD is growing, and the district tracks our rapid growth quarterly. However, this new forecast projects our enrollment growth over the next five years to DOUBLE what was previously expected – 10,000 more students instead of 5,000. The NISD School Board and leadership team have already begun making adjustments, but you will see these efforts continue as we analyze our budget, staffing, and facility plans – especially as we work to relieve current growth hotspots, such as Haslet Elementary.

If you have been following the number of COVID cases in the district, you know our numbers have decreased drastically. As such, I am pleased to announce that we are removing protocol restrictions to allow proms and school dances this spring – something I know our senior students and families will be excited to hear. I greatly appreciate everyone working together to keep each other safe and encourage you to keep up the good work. We will continue monitoring our COVID numbers and will make you aware of any adjustments to our plans.

Despite the continued challenges of COVID and the resulting academic gaps, our students and staff are achieving great things! I could not be more proud of everyone’s efforts, and I’d like to share a few of these successes with you in a special end-of-year message and season’s greetings video below. (Special kudos to our talented holiday card winners!)