Mesquite ISD special education report: DL1 rating, rising graduation and new coordinator named

Mesquite ISD’s special education department reported measurable gains and outlined priorities for building inclusive services at the district’s Dec. 1 board meeting.

Matt Morris, Executive Director of Special Education, told trustees MISD serves 7,551 students in special education (as of Oct. 31) and has improved from a TEA determination level of DL2 (needs assistance) to DL1 (meets requirements). Morris said the district increased the number of “performance level zero” ratings from seven to 13 and highlighted gains in several academic and disciplinary measures.

Morris reported a 94 percent College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) attainment rate in 2025 for students receiving special education services, exceeding the district’s overall rate of 89 percent. He credited targeted transition services, expanded work‑based learning (including a $10,000 Texas A&M work-based learning grant), purchased data tools (Panorama and Rethink) and contracted board-certified behavior analysts for supporting those outcomes.

The board also approved an administrative term contract to hire Dr. Veronica Tristan as the district’s special education coordinator. Administration said Tristan brings more than 17 years of public-education experience, including roles in Spring Branch ISD, Magnolia ISD and Aldine ISD, and holds a doctorate in professional leadership.

Morris and trustees said priority actions will focus on strengthening instructional quality, expanding access to general-education settings and reimagining staffing to meet campus needs. Morris invited questions and noted the department will continue monitoring disproportionality areas previously identified and adjust strategies as data evolve.

What’s next: administration plans ongoing monitoring and staff development; the board accepted the report and approved the coordinator contract.