2009 was a landmark year for Princeton Independent School District. New construction, increased enrollment, and other achievements not only broke records but changed the face of PISD and the Princeton skyline.

 

In August, the district opened the Panthers’ new football stadium, which was later formally named  after former coach Jackie Hendricks. The $15 million investment in the athletic program and community now stands as a shining symbol of Princeton’s growth.

 

“The naming of the Stadium for Coach Jackie Hendricks was a well deserved honor for his years of dedicated service to the students of Princeton ISD,” said Philip Anthony, PISD’s superintendent. “When people speak of our past athletic accomplishments his name towers over all others.”

 

“Even today he continues to contribute to the community through his efforts in the Lions Club. He is truly a great man and the district is proud to have the stadium bear his name,” Anthony said.

 

Other construction highlights included the opening of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility, gymnasium and classroom additions to Clark Junior High, a “facelift” and security vestibule for Lacy Elementary, and restroom additions to the PHS tennis facilities.

 

“The past year has been extremely busy with new construction.  As our school continue to grow, up 250 student this year, the community continues to support the students by providing state-of-the-art facilities. In turn the district has proven to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money,” Anthony said, noting that the district’s 2009 construction projects came in both on time, and approximately $1.5 million under budget.

 

Anthony said the members of the Long Range Planning Committee, the School Board, and the district’s construction partners are responsible for the successful construction projects. “Thank  you for your foresight, time, and effort in providing for our students,” Athony said.

 

Near the close of the year, PISD trustees voted to allocate portions of the additional funds for additional projects that include softball and baseball practice fields, and a second traffic loop for Godwin Elementary. 

 

Of course, PISD wasn’t just building for success. The faculty and students in the district worked diligently in the classrooms to prepare for the annual  Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test.

 

The work paid off when the district’s TAKS performance was once again deemed Recognized. Furthermore, all three elementary campuses received Exemplary ratings from the Texas Education Agency, based on their 2008-’09 TAKS scores.

Lacy Elementary also received a Distinguished Title I Campus rating, based on performance and demographic factors.

 

“I am very proud of the efforts by our faculty, staff, students, and parents for the academic accomplishments of our schools.  It is truly a team effort to raise student performance,” Anthony said, of the districts’ TAKS achievements.

 

“Three ‘Exemplary’ campuses and two ‘Recognized’ campuses, as well as a ‘Recognized’ district is truly a great accomplishment,” he said.

 

In the fall, Princeton High School earned the title of State Runner-Up in the Lone Star Cup Race, which ranks schools based on UIL standings including academic UIL activities, athletic and band competitions.

 

“Placing second in state for the overall performance of extra-curricular programs is a remarkable feat,” Anthony said. “I am very proud of our coaches, band directors, UIL directors, and students for their countless hours of work,” he said.

 

“If something is worth doing, it is worth doing right is a philosophy the district embraces.  Whether academic, athletic, or musical we strive to teach our students that they should always do their best.”

 

Winning runner-up in the Lone Star Cup is “confirmation that our staff and students are doing their best,” he said, congratulating all those involved in the honor.

 

Princeton’s attendance is also up. Enrollment has grown by more than 250 students compared to last year, making the 2009-’10 enrollment class the largest yet.

 

Photo by Jennifer Fike
In September PISD trustees congratulated PHS' staff on their second-place Lone Star Cup title. Band Director Brandon Brewer, Girls' Athletic Director Dexter Ivy, Boys' Athletic Director Stacey Dillard, UIL, Debate and Theatre Director Jimmy Smith and Principal Bob Lovelady received trophies from the district commemorating the honor.

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