Superintendent

Dr. DesMontes Stewart

Dear GISD Family,

Thank you for the important role you are playing in the success of your student for the 2025–2026 school year. Expectations have been set, routines are in place, and now it’s time to focus on the heart of our mission—academic growth.

I encourage you to stay connected to your child’s school throughout the year. Each campus will send a weekly newsletter highlighting upcoming activities, celebrating students and staff, and sharing important updates. Your connectedness matters—it makes a real difference in student success.

Here’s why your involvement is so critical:

· Academic Achievement: Research shows that the more actively parents are involved in their children’s education, the greater the positive impact on academic performance.

· Behavior and Attitude: Parental involvement also leads to better classroom behavior, improved self-esteem, and higher motivation in students.

· School Attendance: Consistent attendance is essential. Missing just 10% of the school year—about 16 days—can negatively impact academic achievement. Poor attendance in the early years can affect reading proficiency by the end of third grade, and by sixth grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator for dropping out. Please help us ensure that your child is at school every day, ready to learn.

Parental involvement benefits everyone—students, teachers, and families. Reading with your child at home, even as they grow older, significantly strengthens reading skills. Your engagement also lifts teacher morale, fosters a greater understanding of classroom challenges, and deepens the home-school connection.

We welcome all who want to get involved to join our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).  The PAC serves as a vital link between families and our schools, offering input on academic plans, programs, and resources to help us reach our shared goal—providing every child with the best education possible.

I look forward to working alongside you as we continue to provide a purposeful, engaging, and successful educational experience for every student in Gainesville ISD.

DesMontes Stewart, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
dstewart@gainesvilleisd.org
940-665-4362