The Connection

The Anna ISD Board of Trustees voted at the regularly scheduled board meeting on September 19, 2024, to hire Rod Townsend as the district’s interim superintendent.

He joined AISD on September 24 and will serve until the Anna ISD School Board names a permanent superintendent. Townsend’s appointment comes after former superintendent Michael Comeaux announced his retirement. Comeaux served as AISD superintendent from 2018-2024.

“I am pleased to announce Rod Townsend as our interim superintendent,” said Board President Rhonda Lewis. “Mr. Townsend has a wealth of knowledge and experience which will smooth our transition as we search for the next superintendent of Anna ISD.”

Rod Townsend has an extensive background in education leadership, with roles spanning over three decades. In recent years, he has served as interim superintendent in several Texas school districts, including Stamford ISD, Paradise ISD, Weatherford ISD, Spring Hill ISD, and Peaster ISD. Townsend’s long-term leadership includes positions as superintendent in Decatur ISD (2010–2017) and Hico ISD (1999–2010), where he improved school performance, secured significant funding through grants and bonds, and implemented impactful academic programs. He also has experience in consulting for superintendent searches and guiding schools through complex challenges like COVID-19 and state funding cuts.

I’m excited to join Anna ISD and serve alongside its dedicated faculty and staff,” said Townsend. “As interim superintendent, my focus is ensuring a smooth transition while supporting the incredible work being done in our schools. My philosophy is centered on serving our principals, teachers, and students to the best of my ability. I’m grateful to the board for their trust and the opportunity to be part of this thriving community.”

We want to honor the hard work, dedication, and leadership of school principals. Principals play a vital role in shaping the school community, supporting teachers, and creating a positive learning environment for students. Celebrating Principal’s Month is a chance for staff, students, and the community to show appreciation for the principal's tireless efforts in making a lasting impact on education and student success.

Stacey Bryant, a dedicated 6th-grade math teacher at Clemons Creek Middle School, is a passionate educator and leader in the math department. This year, she's focused on raising the rigor in her classrooms to ensure her students succeed. Ms. Bryant's commitment extends beyond her classes—she demonstrates lessons in PLCs, supports her colleagues, and fosters a positive, collaborative environment. Known for her kindness and expertise, Stacey continues to inspire both her students and fellow teachers.

October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to come together as a community to foster kindness, inclusion, and respect in our schools. Bullying can have a significant impact on a child's well-being, and it's essential for both parents and educators to be proactive in preventing and addressing it.

While conflict with peers is a natural part of life, it is important to recognize when students need help with resolution skills and if conflict has escalated to something more serious. Bullying is deliberate, repeated behavior where an individual or group exerts power over another to cause harm, whether it's physical, verbal, social, or online.

As a parent, it’s crucial to get involved if your child is being bullied, sees someone else being bullied, or even engages in bullying behavior.

• Encourage open communication with your child.
• Promote empathy and understanding, and model positive behavior in your daily interactions.
• Talk to your child about
  • the importance of treating others with kindness and respect
  • being an upstander: interrupting or speaking up to the bully
  • seeking help from a trusted adult when necessary
• If you believe someone may be involved in a bullying situation, report the information to school staff promptly so that appropriate actions can be taken to address the situation. If you believe that the occasion, The online reporting form can be found at: https://www.annaisd.org/departments/student-services/bullying-prevention

Together, we can create a safer, more inclusive school environment where every student feels valued and supported.

The Texas Education Agency has alerted us that several school districts have received social media posts and emails suggesting potential threats of violence. I want to reassure you that Anna ISD has not been named in any of these threats. However, we are taking this situation very seriously and staying vigilant.

The TEA is working closely with the Texas Department of Public Safety and law enforcement agencies to investigate these threats thoroughly. Our Anna ISD Police Department and local law enforcement are also monitoring the situation closely.

AISD uses the IWatchTexas app https://iwatchtx.org/index.html to report any threats or concerns. We strongly encourage students and parents to utilize this tool when necessary.

For more information on safety and security, you can visit AISD's website https://www.annaisd.org/departments/safety-security/aisd-police-department .

Additionally, you can always contact the AISD Police Department directly at this email: safetyandsecurity@annaisd.org

We ask that anyone with pertinent information regarding potential threats or safety concerns please report the information to the AISD Police Department immediately.

Thank you for your understanding, support, and partnership in keeping our school district and community safe.

• Register to be a volunteer at your child's school. Volunteer Application.
• Join your school PTA or Booster club. AISD is grateful for the support of these parent leaders.
  

In the know: In addition to this eNewsletter, which typically comes twice a month, there are other ways to keep up with all the great things happening in Anna ISD:

• Ensure your information is current with your school, so you receive text message alerts, phone calls, and emails.
• Visit our website annaisd.org
• Follow AISD and your campus on social media. Facebook Twitter Instagram
• Download our mobile app

October ....................National Principal's Month

October 17 ...............Board Meeting