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Marlin, TX — The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has formally initiated the process to transition governance of the Marlin Independent School District from the state-appointed Board of Managers back to its locally elected Board of Trustees. This significant move marks the beginning of a return to local control, starting with the reintegration of two elected trustees, Billy Johnson and Rosalyn Dimerson, into the district's governance as part of the current Board of Managers. This strategic blend of the Board of Managers with elected Trustees signifies a pivotal shift towards restoring full local governance, creating a new five-member governing board.

In a letter to Marlin ISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced the selection of Johnson and Dimerson as the initial trustees to make this transition. Their addition to the Board of Managers underscores the collaborative efforts between the state and local entities to enhance the district's governance and academic performance.

“This transition signifies an important milestone for Marlin ISD,” Commissioner Morath said. “Through diligent oversight and the collaboration between the Board of Managers and Superintendent Henson, MISD has made substantial improvements in both academics and governance. I am confident the governing body of Marlin ISD will continue to propel the district forward and allow for a successful resumption of duties for the elected trustees.”

Further developments include Commissioner Morath's appointment of Marsha Ridlehuber to fill the vacancy on the Board of Managers left by Billy Johnson, who had vacated his seat following his election as a trustee. Ridlehuber, a seasoned educator with extensive experience in district administration at Marlin ISD and previous service on the MISD Board of Managers, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role.

"As we embrace this pivotal transition in governance, our focus remains steadfast on sustaining the academic excellence and operational integrity that have defined Marlin ISD's recent achievements,” Henson said. “The integration of our elected trustees with the Board of Managers symbolizes not only a return to local governance but also the unity and collaborative spirit that propels us forward. We are grateful for the guidance of the Texas Education Agency and remain committed to building on our successes for the benefit of every student in our district.”

This governance transition marks a significant milestone following years of dedicated effort to overcome challenges, a journey that began with state intervention in January 2017, led by Commissioner Morath in response to Marlin ISD's history of academic underperformance. The subsequent extension of the Board of Managers' oversight and the adjusted transition timeline, necessitated by the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, set the stage for a transformative era under the leadership of Dr. Henson. Hired after the initiation of the Board of Managers process, Henson's visionary leadership has been instrumental in catalyzing the district's remarkable turnaround.

Under Henson's stewardship, Marlin ISD has experienced unprecedented progress, culminating in an Overall B (86) in the 2022 state accountability ratings and the restoration of its Accreditation status, the highest accountability gains in the state of Texas that year. These achievements underscore the district's resilience and the effectiveness of its leadership amidst the challenges of state oversight. Henson's approach, characterized by strategic initiatives and a focus on academic excellence, has not only addressed the issues that initially led to state intervention but also set a new standard for educational leadership and community engagement within the district.

The transition process is carefully structured and mandated by state statutes, with Commissioner Morath overseeing the phased reintegration of elected trustees. This process will continue until the Board of Managers' term expires on January 31, 2026, at which point the district's governance will be fully restored to the elected Board of Trustees

Marlin, TX — The Marlin ISD Board of Managers approved a Four-Day Week Calendar at their regular board meeting yesterday.

The district is utilizing a "Strong Start, Strong Finish" framework for the calendar, where students will attend school every Friday in the months of August, January, and May. Students will also attend school on the first Friday of each month.

Many school districts across the country are transitioning to the innovative calendar for its array of benefits including operational cost savings and improved academic performance. For rural school districts, districts can more readily recruit and retain high-quality teachers and offset longer commute times. Currently, Marlin ISD is the only school district in the region to offer a "Commuter Incentive," with up to $1,500 for eligible teachers who commute.

"The adoption of a Four-Day Week Calendar is a significant step towards providing students with a well-rounded educational experience, while also meeting the needs of teachers and staff," Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson said. "We are excited to see the positive impact this change will have on the community of Marlin."

The Board of Managers' decision is expected to have a far-reaching impact on students, staff, and the community. By adopting the approach, the district aims to continue to foster a culture of academic excellence, streamline operations, and enhance overall efficiency.

AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 27, 2023) – For the second year in a row, Marlin ISD was the smallest school district to earn recognition from the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) at their annual Star Awards Celebration, held February 22, 2023. Marlin was recognized for their outstanding work in education communications with 24 Star awards including Gold Star, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Best of Category awards.

Each year, TSPRA recognizes communicators in school districts, education foundations, education associations and organizations for their work in print and electronic media categories. There are 47 main categories covering various media such as newsletters, programs, posters, reports, writing, image/identity packages, photography, graphics, video, electronic presentations, campaigns, events and web sites.

This year, a record setting 1,692 entries were received. For the first 47 categories, the entries are divided into three divisions based on the number of students the district, foundation or organizations serves - under 15,000 students; 15,000 to  40,000 students; and over 40,000 students. Independent judges evaluate and score each entry based on its own merit. Bronze, Silver and Gold Stars are awarded based on set criteria. Finally, the judges review their highest scoring Gold Star winners and select a Best of Category for each division in each of the 47 categories.

The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. TSPRA, an award-winning chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), was chartered in 1962 and incorporated in 1977. With more than 1,150 members, TSPRA is comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. The membership also includes superintendents, administrators, principals, web/technology/ electronic media and graphic professionals, education foundation executive directors and their boards, association executive directors, school consultants, vendors and others who support public education in the state. TSPRA provides professional development, resources and networking opportunities for members and others in the education community.

Marlin, TX — Marlin Independent School District has been selected as one of two "Dr. Thomas Randle Demonstration Districts" by the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE).  As a demonstration district, Marlin ISD, recognized for their achievement of students in at-risk situations and demonstrated school improvement, will be attending the TABSE 38th Annual State Conference to spotlight their journey of school leadership and student performance. Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson will give a presentation on replicable strategies and themes of excellence at the Aspiring Superintendent Institute held during the conference.

"Every day, Marlin ISD staff members show up for our students, committed to the craft of educating children," Henson said. "It is an honor for their work to be recognized."

In addition to the district honor, Marlin Elementary School is one of four schools in the state selected by TABSE as a "Dr. Jay Cummings Demonstration School." Marlin ISD administrators will share best practices to school leadership teams at the conference.

The annual conference will be held at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe, Texas February 15-17. Marlin ISD will be recognized at the Founder's Luncheon on February 17.

The Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE) is the state's premiere non-profit organization devoted to furthering the academic success of Texas students – particularly children of African descent. The purpose of the demonstration schools initiative is to bring together exemplary K-12 districts and schools across the state that serve a diverse student population.

Marlin Elementary School has been selected to serve as a National Demonstration School at the 50th Annual NABSE Conference.  As a demonstration school, Marlin Elementary is one of a select group of exemplary majority-minority schools and will present instructional strategies, systems, and replicable practices at the conference.  

The conference will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, November 30-December 4, 2022.  Participating schools will be awarded with a National Demonstration School banner during the conference.

The National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) is the nation’s premiere non-profit organization devoted to furthering the academic success for the nation’s children – particularly children of African descent. The purpose of the National Demonstration Schools Collaborative is to bring together exemplary K-12 schools across the nation that serve a diverse student population.