<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2Mcbn6_1GnaMDdG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Mcbn6_1GnaMDdG00" width="322" height="400" ></figure>carla@themonitor.netMABANK‑When someone has a positive influence in a community, it can be hard to see them leave. Mabank Independent School District (ISD) Interim Superintendent, Dr. Russell Marshall’s retirement marks nearly two decades and two separate tenures as superintendent, he has guided the district through steady growth, built the facilities its students will learn in for generations, and earned the lasting trust of the community it serves. On Oct. 27, he announced that he will retire for the second time.He first retired in 2019 after serving 16 years as superintendent of Mabank schools, then returned to the district in 2023.Returning as interim superintendent, Marshall said that he set out to address the needs of the district and prepare it for its next leader. He saw three areas that needed attention: facilities, student performance and community support.“I was gone four years, and when I returned some things were obviously different. Change is good in a lot of ways, but there were things I saw that needed to be addressed,” Marshall said.According to Marshall significant student growth had campuses at or near capacity. Marshall rolled up his sleeves and made facilities a priority. After voters had rejected two previous bond proposals, he said he wanted to make sure the community had a clear, fact-based understanding of the district’s needs. “I wanted the people to know what they were voting on, and if they voted it down, we could live with it. But I really felt we needed to give them the option,” he said.A $116 million bond proposal went before Mabank ISD voters on May 24, 2024. The proposal included a new school for third and fourth grade students and a career and technology education building at the high school. It also called for improvements to the intermediate campus, major additions and renovations at the junior high, districtwide improvements and land purchases to accommodate future needs. The bond passed with over 70% approval.Since the passing of the bond, the career and technology education building is scheduled to open in January 2027, while the new third and fourth grade campus will be complete in the spring and open in the fall. Renovations to the intermediate campus are expected to be completed in the summer, and construction at the junior high is very complete.At the Oct. 26 board of trustees meeting, Mabank ISD Chief Financial Officer Scott Hyde reported that all projects were ahead of schedule and under budget.Marshall’s next major goal was improving student performance and test scores. Although he believed the district was in good shape academically, he wanted to see even greater results, said Marshall.According to Marshall, the district has improved academically every year since his return. Mabank ISD is the highest rated school district in Kaufman, Henderson and Van Zandt counties, Marshall said. His ultimate goal, however, is to see Mabank ISD earn an overall “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency.Upon Marshall’s returning, he felt that some of the pride people traditionally had in the district had diminished, commented Marshall. He believed the district needed to strengthen its connection with the community, saying, “I felt like we had lost touch, especially with the community. This community has always supported our schools,” he said. Marshall stated that he wanted to rebuild that connection and maintain an open, transparent relationship. He commented that he believes they responded positively to that approach and now has a greater trust in the district.When discussing the people who makes Mabank ISD successful, Marshall was quick to recognize the district’s employees and leadership team. “I believe you must hire great people. We hire people who are really good at what they do,” he added. Marshall pointed first to the classroom. “We have an unbelievable group of teachers and support staff on every campus. The principals in the district are all stellar. I cannot imagine a district that has stronger leadership at the campus level,” Marshall said.Marshall said the decision to step away ultimately came down to timing. “I know that I could stay another year or two and continue to love it, but I also know that the time is right. I believe it is right not only for me personally, but I think it is a perfect time for this school district. And that is why I am doing it now,” he remarked. Marshall explained that the decision is also about family and the opportunity to slow down, enjoy life and spend more time with those closest to him.The Interim Superintendent believes he is leaving the district in a strong position for its next chapter, with major facilities projects substantially complete, academic progress continues, community relationships are stronger, and an outstanding team of employees and campus leaders in place.Dr. Marshall’s second chapter at Mabank ISD is coming to an end, but his mark on the district will endure for generations: in the buildings students will learn in, the progress made in its classrooms, and in a community that takes pride in its schools.</div></body>

Block Source: themonitor.net

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

MABANK‑When someone has a positive influence in a community, it can be hard to see them leave. Mabank Independent School District (ISD) Interim Superintendent, Dr. Russell Marshall’s retirement marks nearly two decades and two separate tenures as superintendent, he has guided the district through steady growth, built the facilities its students will learn in for generations, and earned the lasting trust of the community it serves. On Oct. 27, he announced that he will retire for the second time.

Mabank ISD superintendent bids farewell

NewsBreak

MABANK‑When someone has a positive influence in a community, it can be hard to see them leave. Mabank Independent School District (ISD) Interim Superintend

Mabank ISD superintendent bids farewell

Comments