Dodd Elementary Celebrated in Austin as an Inaugural Lone Star Ribbon School

Dodd Elementary has been named a 2025 Lone Star Ribbon School by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), one of only 26 campuses statewide to earn this inaugural distinction. The announcement, made by Governor Greg Abbott, honors public schools for outstanding academic achievement and meaningful progress in closing achievement gaps.

The Lone Star Ribbon School program, established by the Governor in 2025, replaces the federal National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which was transitioned to state leadership in August 2025. It now serves as Texas’s highest recognition for public school excellence.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and heart of our Dodd Dinos,” said Dr. Kim Spicer, Superintendent of Wylie ISD. “It also affirms Dodd Elementary’s commitment to academic excellence for all students. I’m incredibly proud of their efforts not only to achieve at the highest levels but also to ensure every child is seen, supported, and successful.”

To earn this distinction, schools must meet rigorous criteria, including:

• Achieving at the highest levels in reading and mathematics,
• Excelling across all student groups, and
• Demonstrating measurable progress in closing achievement gaps.

Lone Star Ribbon recipients were recently honored at a State Board of Education meeting in Austin, where campus representatives met with their State Board of Education member, heard from Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, and received official certificates recognizing their achievement. Dodd Principal Crystal Harrelson and Superintendent Spicer met with Pam Little, Wylie ISD's SBOE representative.

“We’re proud to see one of our schools shine on a statewide stage,” Spicer added. “Dodd is leading the way and representing all that is possible in public education.”

Dodd Elementary’s recognition reflects the district’s continued commitment to academic excellence and student growth.