TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District is set to introduce several significant changes as the 2024-2025 school year approaches.
Among the most notable developments is the opening of Sampson-Howard Elementary, a brand-new facility that has been eagerly anticipated by the community.
Dr. Bobby Ott, Superintendent of Temple ISD, highlighted the milestone, saying, "We have not had a brand-new school in the district, or at least an added one to the district, in about 30 years."
In addition to the new school, Temple ISD has been focused on implementing comprehensive safety measures across all campuses. Over the summer, district officials and staff engaged in extensive training and planning to bolster campus security. Dr. Ott emphasized, "We've spent the entire summer working on plans and in training in terms of the folks that are going to be manned at each campus to make sure that our campuses are secure and safe."
As students return to school, they may notice increased security presence, including police and security officers stationed in drop-off lines and security vestibules. These measures are part of a broader initiative to ensure a secure learning environment for all students.
Another significant change coming to Temple ISD is the approach to cell phone use in the classroom. In response to feedback from parents and the success of similar initiatives in other districts, Temple ISD will implement cell phone lockers in every classroom.
Dr. Ott explained the rationale behind this decision, saying, "So we're not going to go with pouches. We're actually doing cell phone lockers, and we've already purchased those, and those are going in every single classroom."
The lockers will allow students to have their phones during non-instructional times, such as lunch and unstructured periods, but require them to be put away during class time. This policy aims to minimize distractions and enhance focus during lessons.
Technology will also play a role in the district's educational approach this year, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Despite initial concerns and varied reactions online, Dr. Ott clarified that AI will not replace teachers but rather support them. "We're training our teachers on how to use AI to help with lesson preparation, grading, and lesson design. We're trying to figure out how to use AI in a way that makes sense, not to replace the teacher, but to multiply the teacher," he said.
The incorporation of AI tools is intended to streamline administrative tasks and provide additional resources for educators, ultimately enhancing the learning experience for students.
One question that has been frequently asked by the community is whether Temple ISD plans to open a new high school soon. Dr. Ott addressed this question directly, stating that there are no immediate plans for a new high school.
For more detailed information on this topic and other district updates, the full interview with Dr. Ott, along with discussions with superintendents from neighboring districts, can be accessed through the 6 + app.