PAISD impressive

I, along with other PAISD trustees, attended Friday’s Texas Association of School Boards Winter Governance in Corpus Christi, and let me give you something to talk about!

Our high school teacher/presenter Melanie Mayer, teachers Tiara Followell and Rebecca Peterson and high school principal Sharon McKinney did a fabulous job in their presentation, ”Something to talk about: Teacher Vertical Teams that Work.”

Their presentation was well executed, engaging, funny and extremely informative. They shared with other trustees and school administrators from around Texas a teaching “tool” -- for lack of a better word -- that our school implemented under the direction of our superintendent, Dr. Sharon Doughty, about three years ago.

Throughout the conference, I overheard people talking about their presentation. I had trustees from different districts come up to me and tell me what a great presentation our staff put together, and I witnessed our staff being acknowledged directly by attendees. They were like a famous rock band -- schools wanted them to “go on tour” to their districts! It was very exciting!

Also, discussing her Port Aransas High School experience was senior Hannah Ferguson Johns. She did a superlative job answering questions from the orator. The student panel of four responded to questions such as their opinion of “Virtual Learning” and “Most InfluentiaI Person in Your Life.” Would it surprise you to know that Ms. Ferguson Johns’ most influential person was a teacher (Tiara Followell)? Probably not. As a matter of fact, 50 percent of the panel had “teacher” as their most influential person. Need I say more about that?

We have such a wonderful school district. We are a district that is proactive -- not reactive. Port Aransas ISD was admirably represented at the TASB Winter Governance. Great job, Hannah Ferguson Johns, Melanie Mayer, Tiara Followell, Rebecca Peterson, Sharon McKinney and Dr. Sharon Doughty.

Community -- you should be proud!

Michele Lorette

PAISD Trustee