Crandall ISD broke ground this week on a new Performing Arts Center (PAC) that will connect directly to Crandall High School and serve as a hub for the district’s growing fine arts programs.

Construction is set to begin immediately, with the facility expected to open its doors in December 2026. The PAC’s audience chamber will seat 820 people and provide students with a professional-level venue for concerts, theater productions, and more. DLR Group is the architect for the project, and Gallagher Construction will lead the build.

“It is such an exciting day to get to break ground on something we've waited a long, long time for,” said Superintendent Dr. AJ Murry.

CISD Board President Ryan Eskridge praised the scope and ambition of the project, saying, “To be putting up an 800-seat state-of-the-art performing arts center is really nothing short of a miracle.”

John Nutt, the district’s Director of Fine Arts, emphasized the impact of the center on students: “This building reflects a community, a school board, and a superintendent who believe in the power of the arts — not just for art’s sake — but for what the arts do for our students.”

The new PAC is expected to significantly enhance the district’s fine arts offerings, providing students in art, band, choir, dance, and theatre with a dedicated space to showcase their talents.

The project also includes a commissioned glass art installation for the PAC lobby by artist Carlyn Ray. The piece will incorporate student-made fused glass and include a STEAM experience for Crandall ISD students at the artist’s Dallas studio.

Follow the link for more photos from the groundbreaking event and renderings of the PAC: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjChqTX

As Crandall ISD begins the design process for its next elementary campus—Danny R. Baker Elementary, scheduled to open August 2028—district leaders are making sure the building is shaped by input from those who know schools best: students, teachers, administrators, and staff.

Earlier this month, Crandall ISD partnered with architecture firm WRA to host a collaborative design session focused on gathering feedback for the new elementary school. Since Baker Elementary will be based on the existing Opal Smith Elementary blueprint, the session brought together a cross-section of stakeholders to discuss what works well at Opal Smith—and what could be improved.

“We brought together a group of stakeholders to think about, talk about, imagine, and design what a new elementary school would look like,” said Superintendent Dr. A.J. Murry. “Hearing student voices is huge—because ultimately, the goal is to create a space that truly fits their needs.”

The session included classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, security officers, school nurses, cabinet members, maintenance and transportation staff, and students in grades 3–6. Together, they broke into smaller groups to focus on specific areas such as library spaces, collaboration zones, and traffic flow.

“What I liked most about today is the collaboration,” Dr. Murry added. “There’s an old saying that the smartest person in the room is the room itself. The smartest design is one that includes everyone’s voice—because together, we’re better.”

Students who participated were proud to be included in the process.

“It made me feel special that I was selected,” one student said.
“I could’ve gone for hours,” added another. “It felt good to have a voice in designing a new school.”

Staff members appreciated the opportunity to contribute, too.

“Today’s opportunity to speak in front of various panel members about the upcoming elementary school was fabulous,” said Michele Sewell, a teacher at Opal Smith. “I liked being able to have my voice heard.”

“Instead of making decisions without input, we heard from people at all levels about what works and what doesn’t,” said Wade McElroy, assistant principal at Opal Smith. “It’s a great way to help students in the new building be as successful as possible.”

Dr. Charlene Goss, Chief Academic Officer for Crandall ISD, said the process wasn’t just about functionality, but about forward-thinking design.

“We should maximize every space in a building not just for functionality, but for innovation,” Goss said. “That’s how we meet the needs of our teachers, students, and parents—because schools today are truly multipurpose spaces.”

Dr. Murry said the process reflects one of Crandall ISD’s guiding values.

“Collaboration is a huge core belief of Crandall ISD. It’s also a belief of WRA. So when the two of us can come together and partner in this work, it’s going to make us all better.”

 

Public Notice for Applying for the ESSA Federal Grant Funding for Independent School Districts

Crandall ISD is submitting an application for the following fund and general grants as follows:

Title I, Part A – Improving Basic Programs - Award Amount: $491,889
Title I, Part A - Intent and Purpose: Title I Part A, provides supplemental resources to LEA’s to help schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families, provide high-quality education that will enable all children to meet the challenging state academic standards.

CISD intended use of Funds: Salaries; Address Needs of Homeless Students; Professional/Contracted Services; At Risk Support; Curricular Resources; Professional Development; RLA Interventions; Student Social Emotional Programs to improve academic achievement; Supplemental Curricular Materials

Title II, Part A –Supporting Effective Instruction- Award Amount: $161,174
Title II, Part A - Intent and Purpose: The intent and purpose of the Title II, Part A, program is to provide resources to LEAs to do the following:

● Increase student achievement consistent with the challenging state academic standards

● Improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders

● Increase the number of teachers, principals and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools

● Provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective teachers, principals and other school leaders

● Support educators in their work to improve the overall quality of instruction and ensure equity of educational opportunity for all students.

CISD intended use of Funds: Salaries; Professional Development and growth

Title III, Part A — English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act: $133,558
Title III, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as reauthorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), aims to ensure that English learners (ELs) and immigrant students attain English proficiency and develop high levels of academic achievement in English. Title III will also assist all English learners meet the same challenging State academic standards that all children are expected to meet.

CISD intended use of Funds: Salaries; Professional/Contracted Services; Professional Development; Supplies and Materials for General Program Implementation; Parent Family Engagement; Resources to support student achievement with the implementation of LIEPs

Title IV, Student Support & Academic Enrichment - Part A Award Amount: $34,490
Title IV, Part A - Intent and Purpose: Title IV, Part A Subpart I, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants are designed to improve the academic achievement of all students by increasing the capacity of LEAs, schools, and communities to:

● Provide all students with access to a well-rounded education

● Improve school conditions for student learning (safe and healthy students)

● Improve the use of technology in order to enhance academic outcomes and digital literacy of students

CISD intended use of Funds: Contracted Services; School Character Education Programming, AP Training, Camp Invention-Advanced Academics; Supplies and Materials; Advanced Academic resources for well-rounded programming; Technology Resources: software, not infrastructure

For more information or comment, please contact the District ESSA contact prior to July 15th, 2025

District Contact: Dr. Charlene Goss
Email: cgoss@crandall-isd.net
Phone Number: 972-427-6000

Crandall Independent School District has once again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation, marking the district’s second consecutive year receiving this national recognition for its outstanding commitment to music education. In addition, Crandall High School celebrates its fifth year of being named among the nation’s top schools for music education.

This continued success comes under the direction of Crandall ISD Fine Arts Director John Nutt, whose leadership and advocacy have elevated music and arts education across the district.

Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation recognizes school districts that demonstrate exceptional achievement in providing music access and education to all students. The recognition highlights Crandall ISD’s continued dedication to building strong, inclusive music programs across all grade levels.

“This honor reflects the incredible dedication of our music educators and the strong support from our district, families, and community,” said Dr. Anjanette Murry, Superintendent of Schools. “Music education plays a vital role in helping students grow creatively, socially, and academically. We are proud to be a district that values and invests in the arts.”

To qualify, Crandall ISD submitted comprehensive data about music education access, funding, participation, scheduling, and community engagement. All information was reviewed by school officials and evaluated by the arts research firm WolfBrown.

Crandall ISD is a fast-growing public school district located just east of Dallas, serving more than 7,000 students. The district’s commitment to excellence in academics, arts, and extracurricular opportunities is part of its Pirate pride culture—where every student is encouraged to explore their passions and reach their full potential.

About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants. The foundation advances active participation in music-making by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. Learn more at www.nammfoundation.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CRANDALL ISD– Crandall Independent School District is proud to announce the swearing-in of its newest and returning Board of Trustee members and the election of new board officers following the May 2025 school board election.

On Monday night, the Oath of Office was administered by Judge Shelton Gibbs to the following trustees:

• Ryan Eskridge, re-elected to continue serving the district, Place 4

• Chaffani Ward, newly elected, Place 5

• Shad Zamarron, newly elected, Place 3

Crandall ISD also held its annual election of board officers. The new officers are:

• President – Ryan Eskridge

• Vice President – Justin Strain

• Secretary – Jennifer Hiser

In addition, the Board and district extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sharon Long and Amy Barber, who concluded their six-year terms. Both Dr. Long and Mrs. Barber brought a unique and passionate perspective to the board as former CISD employees and lifelong supporters of Pirate Nation. Their dedication, leadership, and love for students and staff will leave a lasting impact.

Crandall ISD is grateful for their service and is excited to welcome its newest trustees as the district continues its journey of growth, innovation, and student-focused excellence.

For media inquiries, contact:
Amanda Roberts
Director of Communications
Crandall ISD
972-427-6000 x60102 | aroberts@crandall-isd.net