With academic achievement as its primary objective, Tyler ISD takes strong measures to ensure a positive, safe and orderly learning environment, to instill self-discipline, and to enforce standards of excellence throughout the system. The beginning of the 2005-2006 school year went exceptionally well. 17,000 students attended school the first day, compared with 16,463 students last year. Of course, historically, enrollment counts increase as the week progresses. Bus loads were a little low since parents tend to take their children to school the first few days.

Even though the Texas legislature has not come up with a school finance plan, the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees went ahead and approved salary increases for teachers and a budget to continue school operations. Revenue from higher property values have allowed us to budget for the new fiscal year at the present tax rate for day-to-day operations. This district is also proposing a smaller increase in the tax rate to retire some of the debt from bond-related facility upgrades.

On the first day of school, Tyler ISD started classes a little later for middle and high school students. Parents were notified with a letter sent last May, but measures were taken to make sure parents were reminded about the change. The new schedule will provide consistent start and end times for all schools. This school year, elementary schools will start at 8AM and dismiss at 3PM, middle schools will start at 8:40 AM and dismiss at 3:40 PM and our high schools will begin at 8:55 AM and end at 3:55 PM. We know that some families may need to drop their children off earlier than the new start times. We want to assure our parents and guardians that each campus has an individual plan created for their school that designates a supervised area for those students arriving early. This plan was given to students to take home in their First Day Packet. As school progresses the time before school—from 8AM to 8:40 AM—will be used for student tutorials and academic planning.

On the first day of school, our staff was on campus to welcome students and directed them to a designated and supervised area if they arrived early. Of course we encourage our parents to bring their children to school as close to bell time as possible if they are driving them to school. After the first day of school, parents were told if they have questions or concerns about these before- school procedures, they should call their child’s campus.

Safety is a priority in Tyler ISD and we know parents entrust us with their most precious gifts. We proudly accept this responsibility.

Tyler ISD encompasses 193 square miles, maintains a total of 35 campus and auxiliary facilities, and serves an enrollment of approximately 17,500 students. The district is made up of two high schools, six middle schools, sixteen elementary schools, two alternative schools, and one special education campus. The District's on-site management policy enables administrators and teachers at each campus to implement programs responsive to the particular needs of its individual student body.