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Takeaways
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By Ashlynn Bouldin, Coordinator, Communications & Marketing
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, a record-breaking 210 business leaders, community leaders and elected officials walked in the shoes of Dallas ISD principals as part of the DRC’s Principal for a Day (PFAD), presented by Capital One. The annual program aims to increase awareness of the strengths and opportunities in Dallas ISD (DISD) schools and facilitate ongoing partnerships between the community and public schools.
The day concluded with an “After Class” reception, presented by Amazon, at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, where participants connected over their firsthand experiences in the halls of DISD schools and the remarkable work occurring across the district. Among the participants were 15 DRC Board and Executive Committee members; Texas State Senator Royce West; Texas State Representatives Aicha Davis, Linda Garcia and Cassandra Garcia Hernandez; Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins; Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia; and four Dallas City Council members: Chad West, Jesse Moreno, Lorie Blair and Laura Cadena.
“It says so much about our community when I look at this room full of Dallas leaders who gave us their time to participate and learn all about our schools,” said Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Superintendent of Dallas ISD, at the reception.
A momentous year for PFAD and Dallas ISD
This year, more leaders than ever signed up to participate in PFAD, demonstrating the region’s ongoing commitment to supporting student success through collaboration with education institutions.
“We believe strong partnerships between schools, businesses and community organizations can create meaningful opportunities for students and help prepare them for success beyond high school,” said Andrella Thomas, Senior Manager of Social Innovation at Capital One.
This year’s PFAD also came at an important moment for DISD. In May, voters approved the largest school bond in Texas history, investing $6.2 billion in renovations, new buildings, classroom technology and more across DISD—and nearly doubling the impact of the district’s 2020 bond. Additionally, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently released its 2025-26 A-F accountability ratings for the state’s public school system. DISD earned an 85 (or B rating)—an increase of 9 points since 2023—and 71% of the district’s schools earned an A or B rating.
These achievements were made possible by the incredible work of DISD’s educators, staff and Board of Trustees, and PFAD enables regional leaders and decision-makers to witness that work firsthand. Brad Cheves, President & CEO of the DRC, spent his day at Lakewood Elementary School, where he worked alongside Principal Brittany Thompson.
“Principal Thompson works tirelessly alongside those she leads to make a lasting impact on the students, staff and community she serves at Lakewood Elementary,” said Cheves. “Her leadership is a testament to the quality and expertise of Dallas ISD principals and educators—and their significance in our region.”
An investment in education is an investment in the future
The strength of the Dallas Region’s future workforce depends on the opportunities available to students today. PFAD bridges business and education, helping leaders better understand the challenges and opportunities facing local schools while inspiring lasting partnerships. Ethan Casson, President of the Dallas Mavericks, praised PFAD for the opportunities it creates for businesses and students alike.
“The Mavericks’ commitment to Dallas goes far beyond basketball. Principal for a Day helps us listen, learn and work alongside Dallas ISD to create more opportunity for the young people who will shape our city’s future.”
Vickie Yakunin, Head of Community Affairs at Amazon, shared a story about a partnership born from one of her previous PFAD experiences, and she encouraged business leaders to stay engaged with their schools and explore ways their organizations can make an impact.
“My conversations with [Principal Shabranda Mathis at Whitney Young Jr. Elementary] turned into an ongoing partnership—from fulfilling wish lists to supporting student activities—and it all started with Principal for a Day. Each of us has the ability to make that kind of difference.”
Principals for a day—and partners for the long-term
In every classroom, gymnasium and cafeteria across DISD, the business community has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to shape the Dallas Region’s future through the work in local public schools. And the record-breaking success of this year’s PFAD experience demonstrates business and community leaders’ commitment to supporting that work, long after their day as a principal concludes.
Thank you to the Presenting Sponsor, Capital One; the Reception Sponsor, Amazon; and Signature Sponsors, Dallas College, the Dallas Mavericks and Truist. Thank you to the “After School” reception exhibitors: Beacon Hill, Catch Up and Read, Junior Achievement, Teach for America, United to Learn, Dallas Education Foundation, Dallas ISD Partnerships and Volunteers, and Dallas ISD Workforce Readiness. And thank you to Dallas ISD for their continued partnership in hosting 26 years of PFAD.