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Arlington ISD reports early progress on districtwide Leader in Me rollout
Summary
District officials reported first-year implementation at 12 campuses of the Leader in Me social‑emotional and leadership program, saying schools are on track in year one of a two‑year grant and invited the public to a Discovery Day showcasing the work.
The Arlington Independent School District on Feb. 6 told its Board of Trustees that 12 campuses are in the first year of a two‑year Leader in Me implementation and that those campuses have met their initial year‑one objectives.
The report to the board described Leader in Me as a whole‑school approach that teaches leadership and life skills. District staff said the program aligns with district priorities for academic growth, positive school culture and a safe, productive learning environment, and that campus lighthouse teams—trained staff teams that lead implementation—are central to the work.
Doctor Buell, who led the district presentation, said the Leader in Me “is a whole school transformation process that teaches the 20 first century leadership skills and life skills to our students and creates that culture of student empowerment.” The district named Blanton, Thornton, Ellis, Peach, Sherrod, Spear, Larson, Goodman and Pope elementaries, Workman and Carter junior highs, and Sam Houston High School as participating campuses.
Campus leaders and principals described local implementation. Elena Lopez, principal at Carter Junior High, said her campus completed two full days of lighthouse team training and trained the full staff on the program’s “7 Habits,” reporting early improvements in student behavior and staff engagement as the campus prepares to move into a new building. Juan Villarreal, principal at Sam Houston High School, said staff and students piloted lessons that paired English I and English II students and that the school plans to add student leadership opportunities and a summer leadership institute.
District officials said support includes a district capacity team, one‑on‑one coaching from Leader in Me liaisons, a campus action‑plan dashboard, and training scheduled for new teachers and administrators. The program launch is funded through a two‑year grant; staff said year one is complete and most campuses will begin phase two in August.
Doctor Buell invited trustees and community members to a Leader in Me Discovery Day the district will host, saying the event will showcase campuses and bring educators from other states to observe Arlington schools.
District staff said they will administer a measurable results assessment this spring to track implementation outcomes and will continue regular coaching and monitoring of campus action plans.
Board members asked how lighthouse teams are selected; district staff said principals and at least one other trained leader identify and recruit team members on each campus, with selection varying by school.
The district presentation was informational; no board action was required. The district will return with assessment results and continued updates on implementation.
