News & Media
Crandall Independent School District proudly announces that Superintendent Dr. Anjanette Murry has successfully completed the prestigious Holdsworth Superintendent Leadership Program. This intensive 18-month program, designed for superintendents within their first five years or leading a large district, equips educational leaders with advanced skills essential for long-term success.
The program supports superintendents navigating the complexities of modern educational leadership. Participants engage in a tailored curriculum addressing critical areas such as vision-driven strategy, effective communication, external stakeholder engagement, and executive team development. These focus areas enable leaders to strengthen district operations and drive student success.
As part of the program, Dr. Murry participated in immersive learning sessions at the Campus on Lake Austin, where she explored leadership strategies and solutions tailored to the superintendent role. Additionally, she received one-on-one executive coaching from experienced Superintendents-in-Residence Dr. Art Cavazos and Dr. Thomas Randle, both of whom have distinguished records in Texas public education.
Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Murry shared, "The Holdsworth Superintendent Leadership Program has been an exciting journey. It has provided me with invaluable tools, insights, and new ideas to navigate our current our current public education reality while building a culture of excellence in Crandall ISD."
Her completion of the program underscores Crandall ISD's commitment to forward-thinking leadership and its dedication to student-centered excellence. The Crandall ISD community congratulates Dr. Murry on this significant professional achievement and looks forward to continued progress under her leadership.
Crandall High School's Academic UIL program is thriving like never before, with the 2023-2024 school year marking the largest number of students participating in the program's history. This growth reflects the school's rising culture of academic excellence, driven by dedicated students, passionate coaches, and supportive staff.
The Speech & Debate team recently represented Crandall High School at the highly competitive Ennis UIL Christmas Invitational, where they faced 31 schools.
The team delivered exceptional performances, earning top placements across several categories:
Poetry Interpretation:
- 1st - Arianna Jeter
- 6th - Jaden Paul
Prose Interpretation:
- 2nd - Haylee Huff
- 5th - Brianna Sowels
LD Debate:
- 3rd - Bailey Quillen
CX Debate:
- 3rd - Rachel Abraham & Valleria Gomez-Vela
CX Debate Speaking:
- 1st - Shelton Gibbs
- 6th - Rachel Abraham
Persuasive Speaking:
- 3rd - Rosalia Ramirez
We are proud of these results from our Crandall High School students, which show that CHS is focusing on the strengths of the individuals and the program. Mr. Juarez, the prose and poetry coach, and Ms. Bullard, the Debate and Speaking Coach, have played essential roles in helping our students achieve their goals.
This year's growing participation in Academic UIL events reflects our district's commitment to academic growth and its encouragement of students to push themselves.
Congratulations to all students and coaches on their hard work and accomplishments. Your success is a testament to Crandall High School's growing culture of excellence.
- Community
- Families
Crandall, TX – Crandall ISD is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in its growth with the development of a 5-year strategic plan set to begin next month. As the district continues to expand, district leaders recognize the importance of ensuring that every student, family, and community member is represented in the vision for the future.
"Our current mission statement and vision are strong, but they were created before many of our students and families joined us during this period of massive growth," said Dr. Murry, superintendent of Crandall ISD. "It's important to me that we create a plan that reflects all of our students and families, which is why I am asking for your help."
To make this vision a reality, Crandall ISD is forming a Strategic Planning Committee and is inviting 50 members from across the community to participate. The committee will meet for two full days, January 23-24, to accomplish three key objectives:
- Develop a new mission statement
- Create strategic objectives for the district
- Develop strategies to achieve these objectives
This collaborative process will allow Crandall ISD to honor its rich history while embracing the opportunities of the future. The goal is to create a vision that unites the community and inspires all to work toward shared values and aspirations over the next five years.
Dr. Murry emphasized the significance of community involvement, encouraging everyone—whether a parent, business owner, or community member—to contribute to the planning process.
"Our new strategic plan will be shaped by the voices of those who care most about our district and its future," he said. "Together, we'll build a vision that reflects who we are and where we want to go."
As one student shared, "If you want to help shape MY future, please sign up to be part of the strategic planning team."
Community members, business owners, and parents interested in participating can sign up at www.crandall-isd.net/plan.
Contact Amanda Roberts: aroberts@crandall-isd.net or (972)427-6000 x60044 for questions.
- Community
- Families
- Staff
- Students
The Thanksgiving season brought out the best in our Crandall ISD students and staff.
Our six elementary schools - Wilson, Martin, Noble-Reed, Walker, Dietz, Opal Smith - along with Crandall Middle School, raised donations to provide families with Thanksgiving meals.
The Walker Elementary PTO promoted and sponsored their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive/Contest. The school collected food over a three-week period, during which time students and parents are reminded frequently about the food drive. Classes that brought in the most food won a reward - like a pizza party, for example. This year, the Walker PTO, along with students and families, provided boxes of food and either a ham or a turkey to 25 CISD families.
Dietz Elementary collected over 1,000 food items and raised a little over $300 in “turkey bucks” to purchase turkeys, feeding 13 families for Thanksgiving. Students were nominated by staff members, and families were contacted by the school. On the day of food pickup, the food was delivered to their car.
Martin Elementary collected enough food for 17 boxes, which went to several different families from their school. The PTO collected the food over the span of about 2 weeks and put all the boxes together. Any extra food items went to Jason's Hope food pantry.
Noble-Reed Elementary's Dance Team sponsored the drive and collected 472 items.
Opal Smith Elementary's PTO group the charge and collected and distributed items.
Wilson Elementary collected nearly 1,700 food items during its annual food drive, which allowed them to help 16 families.
Crandall Middle School helped eight families by providing ingredients and a recipe for a Thanksgiving meal in a bag.
We’re proud of the generous spirit exemplified by our students and staff.
- Community
- Families
- Staff
- Students
During Monday night's Board of Trustees meeting, Crandall ISD Chief of Police Tim Payovich swore in two new officers, Jeremy Clark and Christopher Cox, expanding the Crandall ISD Police Department to 12 officers. This milestone highlights the department's growth, having tripled in size over the past few years.
Officers Clark and Cox bring a wealth of law enforcement experience to the district. Their addition strengthens Crandall ISD's ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students and staff.
Texas law now requires all schools to have armed security on campus, but districts determine how many officers to station at each school. Crandall ISD has taken a proactive approach by staffing 12 officers and two additional armed guardians, totaling 14 armed security personnel for our nine campuses — well above the state requirement.
"Safety will always be our top priority," said Chief Payovich. "Our department's growth reflects Crandall ISD's dedication to protecting our students and staff while fostering a secure environment where learning can thrive."
Crandall ISD continues to prioritize security through strategic investments and by welcoming experienced professionals committed to serving and protecting Pirate Nation.
Learn more about the Crandall ISD Police Department here.