Crandall ISD Welcomes Stakeholders for a Tour During Very Informed Pirate Event (VIP)

Crandall ISD recently hosted a group of community stakeholders for its Very Informed Pirate (VIP) Program, offering them a behind-the-scenes look at the district’s operations, programs, and student experiences.

The day began with a greeting from Superintendent Dr. AJ Murry, who introduced the program over a light breakfast. From there, participants embarked on a guided tour showcasing key aspects of the district, including the Pirates In Training (PIT) center, which supports athletics and fine arts, as well as the district’s Agricultural Mechanics and Culinary CTE programs.

Following the tour, attendees gathered for lunch while engaging with district leaders, who shared insights into their respective departments, from school security to school finance. 

“Being able to look behind the scenes and see where all the money is going, that puts me at ease,” said Derrik Ward, parent to a recent graduate and a current Crandall High freshman. “I don’t mind paying my property taxes. If it goes up, it goes up. I just know it’s going toward something good.”

The VIP Program is designed to foster stronger connections between Crandall ISD and the community by providing an inside look at how the district operates, how students learn, and how teachers bring education to life. Participants not only leave with valuable knowledge but also with a sporty CISD collared shirt as a token of appreciation.

“I think this is a great opportunity for a lot of families,” said Kimberly Herrera, who is a candidate for Crandall City Council. “I think they do a lot as far as trying to communicate to get parents and families involved with our school district, so I’m really encouraging a lot of our families to come out and get involved with them.”

Crandall ISD is committed to transparency and community engagement, and the VIP Program is just one way the district ensures that stakeholders stay informed and involved. 

“This event helps our community understand not just the great things that are happening in our district, but they also get to see what those real-life challenges are,” said Dr. Murry. “I also think that when the community can give us their voice and we know what’s important to them, it helps us shape the future of Crandall ISD.”

The next VIP opportunity will be offered in the fall of 2025. Those interested in participating in a future session can find more information on the district’s website, at www.crandall-isd.net/vip.