DISTRICT NEWS
Mesquite ISD has been selected to be honored by the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) for sound financial management and budgetary policies.
ASBO has recognized Mesquite Independent School District for excellence in budget presentation with the Meritorious Budget Award for the 2024-25 budget year. This award reflects Mesquite ISD's commitment to sound fiscal management and budgetary policies. MISD was among a select number of districts that met the stringent criteria to qualify for the award.
- Funding
Enrollment requests for the 2025-26 school year at Vanguard High School are now open. Mesquite ISD students interested in a non-traditional educational experience must submit an interest form by Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Vanguard offers a wide range of opportunities through 15 unique programs of study organized into four distinct schools. Each program is designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills, enabling them to earn multiple certifications and gain college credit through dual enrollment courses. These specialized programs give students a competitive advantage as they prepare for future careers or academic pursuits.
Mesquite eighth-grade students and their families will have the opportunity to discover Vanguard at the upcoming Discovery Night on Thursday, December 5, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to explore our 15 diverse programs of study, meet Vanguard teachers, and hear insights from current students.
Don’t miss your chance to Be A Vanguard! Current Mesquite ISD eighth-grade students can submit their enrollment request today by logging into their Skyward account.
Students who live outside of district boundaries or are not enrolled at a Mesquite ISD school must complete the steps outlined in the Non-MISD & Out-Of-District Student Admissions webpage to be considered for Vanguard admission.
Space is limited. If the number of interest forms exceeds available seats in any program, a ranking matrix will be used to evaluate students based on the same criteria for admission to limited-enrollment programs.
- Opportunities
Mesquite ISD has been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the top places to work in Texas and across the nation. The district is ranked No. 56 on the Best Employers in Texas list and No. 65 on the Best Employers for Women list. These rankings place Mesquite ISD among an elite group of organizations known for their commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace culture.
Mesquite ISD is one of only seven school districts in Texas to be included on the Best Employers in Texas list and one of just 10 school districts nationwide to be recognized on the Best Employers for Women list. This honor highlights the district’s commitment to creating an environment where all 5,450 employees can excel and belong.
“Being recognized as one of Texas' top employers and as a national leader in supporting women in the workplace is an incredible honor," said Superintendent Dr. Ángel Rivera. "This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire staff, who continually support and inspire each other to make a difference in our students’ lives every day. Our educators give so much of themselves to support our students and ensure their success. Their sacrifices are what make Mesquite ISD a place of excellence.”
More than 75% of the district's workforce is made up of women. The recognition for Best Employers for Women underscores the district’s ongoing commitment to providing opportunities and empowering individuals at all levels of the organization.
“At Mesquite ISD, our employees are our greatest asset,” said Dr. Rivera. “We are dedicated to creating a workplace where all staff members feel they belong, are supported, and have opportunities to reach their full potential.”
To create the rankings, Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 160,000 employees working for companies with at least 500 employees across the United States. Employees were asked to evaluate their employers based on workplace culture, career development, and industry reputation.
Are you interested in joining the Mesquite ISD family? Visit the Join Our Team webpage to explore current job opportunities.
- Excellence
Mesquite ISD will receive $1 million in federal funding to enhance crisis intervention and student support programs. The funding will support staffing and programming for three years at select campuses. With these resources, the district will implement a robust, multi-faceted support system for students facing adversity, including exposure to violence in school, at home, or within the community.
The grant will empower Mesquite ISD to broaden access to evidence-based interventions and critical community resources for at-risk students and their families. This initiative prioritizes the needs of vulnerable students, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. To accomplish this, Mesquite ISD will:
Expand Direct Support Services: The District will hire additional social workers to serve as student care specialists in a specific geographic area. These specialists will work closely with identified students and their families, offering dedicated assistance and personalized care to address their unique challenges. Tailored interventions and wrap-around care will address immediate concerns for student well-being and long-term mental health needs.
Equip Staff with Enhanced Training: Teachers and staff will receive specialized training in trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, and restorative practices. This will enable educators to understand better and address the needs of students exposed to traumatic experiences, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Broaden Career and Life Skills Education: Mesquite ISD will offer career exploration, future planning, and family education courses to further support students in defining and achieving their goals within and beyond the classroom.
“This grant will allow us to provide dedicated resources and direct support to some of our most vulnerable students and their families,” said Dr. Ángel Rivera, superintendent of Mesquite ISD. "Our priority is ensuring every student feels safe, secure, and has a sense of belonging. We are committed to providing the support they need to excel, no matter the challenges they face.”
This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-24-GG-04258-STOP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The current edition of the DOJ Grants Financial Guide provides guidance on allowable printing and publication activities.
- Funding
The Holdsworth Center recently published an article highlighting Mesquite ISD Superintendent Dr. Ángel Rivera, who joined the district in spring 2021. The feature explores his path to embracing his role and the impactful initiatives he has brought to Mesquite ISD.
Dr. Rivera brings a personal connection to the community and has worked to ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to meaningful educational and career opportunities. One of his primary goals has been to expand pathways for students to earn college credit and industry certifications, helping them save on future education costs and enter the workforce more prepared.
In the article, Dr. Rivera discusses the initial challenges he faced upon stepping into the role. Transitioning from deputy superintendent to the top leadership position, he encountered hurdles in adjusting his leadership style and mindset to meet the broader responsibilities of a superintendent. Dr. Rivera credits The Holdsworth Center’s leadership program with providing guidance and insight, allowing him to gain confidence and refine his approach to leadership.
This story highlights Dr. Rivera’s commitment to student-centered leadership and his ongoing efforts to elevate Mesquite ISD. Click here to read the full article on Dr. Rivera’s leadership journey.
- Leadership
Mesquite ISD is proud to celebrate Board of Trustees member Kevin Carbo, who has been named a 2024 Distinguished Alumni by Dallas College. This honor acknowledges his strong commitment to education and community service, as well as his lasting impact on Mesquite ISD and the surrounding community.
Carbo graduated from Dallas College Eastfield with an associate degree before earning a bachelor's degree in finance from Dallas Baptist University and later obtaining a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Dallas.
Carbo’s dedication to educational leadership in Mesquite began in the 1980s with his active involvement in the PTA. He joined the Mesquite ISD Board of Trustees in 1996 and currently serves as the vice president. Carbo graduated from the Leadership Texas Association of School Boards program in 1998 and has held numerous leadership roles, including president of the North Texas Area Association of School Boards and chair of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Risk Management Fund Board. He continues to serve as a TASB director and has represented Mesquite ISD on a national level as a director with the National School Board Association.
Carbo is recognized for his dedication to advocacy and youth development. He has chaired the National Hispanic Caucus, led the Tomahawk District of the Boy Scouts of America, and served as a youth coach and church leader.
Dallas College’s recognition of Carbo as a Distinguished Alumni highlights his longstanding commitment to leadership, service, and community involvement. Mesquite ISD acknowledges his contributions as a trustee and his dedication to supporting educational initiatives and student success in our district.
- Leadership
Two Mesquite ISD high schools have achieved a significant milestone: North Mesquite High School and Poteet High School have advanced to the UIL State Marching Band Competition.
On Saturday, October 26, North Mesquite High School’s Big Blue Band made history by earning first place at the 5A Area C regional competition. This victory secured their title as Area C UIL champions and marked their first-ever area championship. Their accomplishment earned them a spot in the state competition. Poteet High School’s Pirate Band also excelled, finishing in second place and joining the Big Blue Band in advancing to the state level.
A Historic Victory for the Big Blue Band
For North Mesquite High School’s Big Blue Band, returning to the State Marching Band Championship carries an even deeper meaning this year. Under the direction of Scott Rives, who has been part of the Big Blue Band for a decade and led as head director for six years, the band achieved a historic milestone as the 5A Area C champions. “Qualifying for the State Marching Band Championship has been on our goal sheet for years,” he said. “Being able to accomplish that goal for the first time in 2023 and then do it again in 2024 means the students are continuing to build upon the Big Blue Band tradition that was started in 1969.”
Reflecting on the Big Blue Band's legacy, Rives shared, “Many students have gone through this program, which paved the way for us to be here.” He believes the band's culture fosters musical and personal growth for the students. “The Big Blue Band allows students to be themselves and strive for the highest levels of success, both in performance and the classroom. I am honored to be a small part of everything these students have accomplished,” he added.
Poteet’s Tradition of Excellence
For over three decades, the Poteet Pirate Band has represented Mesquite ISD at the state level, qualifying every year they’ve been eligible since 1990. This year, in 2024, marks their 19th consecutive qualification for the State Marching Championships, reinforcing a tradition of excellence. Band Director Tish Downs, a Poteet alumna and a former member of the Pirate Band, describes this achievement with great pride. “The success and reputation of the Pirate Band are built on the contributions of every member who came before us,” says Downs, who began at Poteet in 2011 as an assistant director and took over as head director in 2020. “It is a significant achievement for any band director to qualify for State; however, for me, it’s all about the pride I take in continuing a tradition that I was a part of as a student in the Pirate Band. It’s my goal for my students to have the same experiences and successes that I had because they deserve it!"
This season, the Pirate Band student leadership created a mission statement that embodies their dedication: Be Your Best. Nothing Less. Pride in Progress. Downs says this mission statement has been their driving force. “We know that if every student commits to being their best in rehearsal, performance, and in everyday life, we will achieve our goals for the season.”
State Marching Band Competition
The 5A UIL State Marching Band Competition will begin on November 4 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Both Mesquite ISD bands will compete against Texas's best high school marching bands.
Congratulations to the Big Blue Band and the Pirate Band on their remarkable accomplishments and on proudly representing Mesquite ISD!
- Excellence
Mesquite ISD’s Read Play Talk and Dallas Regional Medical Center are excited to announce a new partnership introducing the Baby Book Bag program. This initiative engages families from the earliest stages of their child’s development. The program serves as the district's first encounter with parents and newborns, providing important resources to promote early childhood literacy well before the child enrolls in school.
Starting this fall, every family that welcomes a new baby at Dallas Regional Medical Center will receive a Baby Book Bag. Each bag is filled with bilingual resources, including baby board books donated by ChildCareGroup, an ages and stages milestone chart connecting families to Mesquite ISD early childhood initiatives, information on how to access local libraries, and other community resources that offer parents guidance on supporting their child's development during the critical early years. The Baby Book Bags also contain items such as a baby bib, bookmark, and hand sanitizer.
This initiative is expected to benefit more than 1,200 families per year. "Parents are their children's first teachers, and by connecting with families right from the beginning, we hope to set the foundation of a lifelong learning journey by emphasizing the importance of early childhood literacy," said Mesquite ISD Superintendent Dr. Ángel Rivera. "The Baby Book Bag partnership is a way of saying 'Welcome to the Mesquite ISD family' and offering our support and resources as soon as families leave Dallas Regional Medical Center."
“We have partnered with Mesquite ISD on programs for years, so when their team told us about the need to promote early childhood literacy, we knew we had to be a part of it,” said Chief Nursing Officer Cindi Jobe. “Our two teams worked together to identify the best way to reach these families, and the ‘Baby Book Bag’ program is the result. We hope this will help set families up for success as their children enter the school system.”
The partnership between Mesquite ISD and Dallas Regional Medical Center has been in progress since February 2024. Dallas Regional Medical Center has generously pledged to cover over 50% of the $13,000 estimated cost of the program, with Read Play Talk raising funds for the remainder.
- Excellence
Thirty-six students from the Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) program at West Mesquite High School have received new laptops, thanks to a generous grant from Starbucks to Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). The West Mesquite PAL program recently partnered with BBBS, empowering and furthering the efforts of West Mesquite students in mentoring younger students.
The PAL program is designed for junior and senior students and is a leadership initiative where participants mentor younger students at the West Mesquite feeder schools, both elementary and middle schools. To be part of this program, students must apply, have three teacher recommendations, and interview with the program’s coordinator. Each PAL student mentors two younger students and meets weekly with each one to provide guidance and serve as a positive role model. This new partnership with BBBS will now include bi-weekly group visits to Floyd and Seabourn Elementary, where the PAL students will mentor with the support of BBBS.
Through Starbucks' grant, the laptops will provide West Mesquite students with a valuable resource to excel in their academics. This collaboration demonstrates Starbucks, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and West Mesquite High School's dedication to empowering students to become Difference Makers in their community.
- Funding
KEOM 88.5 FM, a noncommercial, educational radio station owned and operated by Mesquite ISD, proudly celebrates 40 years of broadcasting excellence. Since its launch on Sept. 4, 1984, KEOM has been committed to delivering unique programming, including classic hits, essential local news, and Mesquite ISD high school varsity game broadcasts. It also serves as a unique training ground for MISD high school students pursuing their passion for radio production. This milestone marks a significant journey of growth and impact on both the education sector and the community.
KEOM is managed by professional staff and is the only high school radio station in Texas with student on-air DJs who can be heard throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth region. The student radio production program provides live broadcasting experience to eleventh and twelfth-grade students and has helped launch numerous careers in media and communications. Over the years, students have gained valuable skills in audio production, announcing, news gathering, and on-air operations, making KEOM one of the few high school radio stations in the country to offer this level of professional training.
“Over four decades, KEOM 88.5 FM has not only entertained its audience but has also empowered countless students with practical skills, preparing them for successful careers in the broadcasting industry,” said Mesquite ISD Superintendent Dr. Ángel Rivera.
“I am so proud of the remarkable accomplishments and growth of the station and the student program over the last 40 years,” said station manager Shondra Tharp. “From the 3,000-watt station we were back in 1984 to the 61,000-watt station we are today, our journey reflects the dedication of the staff and the talent of the young broadcasters we have had over the years.”
KEOM has earned numerous accolades over the years, including first place for "Best Audio Entertainment Production High School" at the 2019 College Broadcasters, Inc. awards. The station is also a 10-time MARCOM award winner and was honored with the prestigious Bonner McLane Public Service Award for Texas Small Market Radio in 2017. Most recently, KEOM was named "Best Radio Station" by D Magazine in their 2024 edition of readers' choice award.
- Excellence
Mesquite ISD is proud to announce it has earned a Superior Achievement rating–the highest rating possible–from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) under the preliminary School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the 2023-2024 school year. This recognition marks 22 consecutive years of receiving the maximum distinction, highlighting the District’s commitment to financial excellence and accountability.
The School FIRST accountability system evaluates the financial health and management practices of public and charter school districts. The ratings are determined based on meticulously assessed financial indicators, including fund balance trends, debt management practices, and overall financial stability.
Districts receive ratings ranging from Substandard Achievement (F) to Superior Achievement (A), with a maximum possible score of 100 points. Mesquite ISD earned a score of 98 points.
“We take great pride in continuously being recognized for our financial excellence,” said Superintendent Dr. Ángel Rivera. “This Superior Achievement rating reflects our commitment to responsibly manage taxpayer funds while maximizing opportunities for our students and staff.”
Mesquite ISD officials will present a financial management report to the community detailing the District’s performance on each indicator at the Mesquite ISD Board of Trustees meeting in September.
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: K. David Belt Professional Learning Center - Board Room 3819 Towne Crossing Blvd. Mesquite, TX 75150
The TEA is expected to release the final 2023-24 School FIRST ratings in November 2024.
Vanguard High School's Architectural Design Team won first place at the Technology Student Association (TSA) National Conference, held over the summer in Orlando, Florida. Competing against over 8,000 students from across the nation, the team's impressive skills and creativity earned them top honors in this highly competitive event.
For the architectural design competition, participants were asked to develop comprehensive architectural plans, including detailed physical and computer-generated models that showcased their vision of a generational vacation home on a body of water. The team designed a beautiful home on a cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula. Some key features of the winning project included Mayan designs, the Mayan calendar, and a slide that would take you from the home straight into the body of water.
The team first showcased their skills at the regional competition in Mesquite this past February, securing a spot at the Texas TSA Conference in Fort Worth in April. Their achievements in these events allowed them to represent Texas at the national level.
Team members include current senior Adrianne McAlister and recent graduates Andrea Solis, Leslie Godina, Salma Bari, and Linda Abey.
We are proud to announce that Mesquite ISD has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation. This is the 11th consecutive year that our school district has received this prestigious award, which recognizes and celebrates our commitment to music education and our efforts to provide access to music for all students.
At Mesquite ISD, we are committed to promoting music excellence and helping our students develop their musical talents. That's why we offer general music classes twice a week to all elementary students. In middle school, students can participate in band, choir, or orchestra, which extends into high school, where students can explore a diverse range of music programs, including band, choir, orchestra, mariachi, jazz band, percussion ensemble and steel drum band.
Congratulations to our music program staff and talented students for achieving this recognition.
The art team Snake Eyes from West Mesquite High School has been selected as one of the six winners in the PRISMATIC competition. This competition invited high school students to design an immersive art pop-up experience for SPARK!, inspired by MeowWolf. The team has been awarded a grant of $2,500 to design and sculpt a pop-up art installation room for the PRISMATIC Exhibit at SPARK! Dallas. The exhibit is scheduled to open on June 1, 2024.
Snake Eyes is a group of seven WMHS students from 10th to 12th grade who collaborated under the supervision of Mesquite ISD art teacher Megan Eakins. They worked together to develop a concept, design proposal and budget. Their winning proposal centers around an interactive forest that challenges visitors to choose between generosity and greed.
Over the next two months, the Meow Wolf Grapevine directors will mentor the students as they plan, create and install their designs. This collaborative effort will provide students with valuable hands-on experience. The immersive pop-up will open to the public from June through September 2024.
Members of the Snake Eyes Team are Chris Ruiz, Jasmine Bussell, Emma Hasbun, Haley Rojas, Heaven Medders, Mariah Mercado and Esmerelda Soto.
In collaboration with Cook Children’s Hospital, Mesquite ISD has become one of only 27 Heart Safe School Districts in the state of Texas, with each of the 52 MISD campuses receiving individual “Heart Safe School” designations through Project Adam. Project Adam is a national organization that aims to ensure schools are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to respond to cardiac emergencies.
The Heart Safe School designation is awarded to schools that complete an extensive checklist outlining campus specific measures to prepare for a cardiac emergency. These measures include: ensuring easy accessibility of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on campus, training a medical emergency response team in CPR and AED use, developing and implementing a standardized medical emergency response plan, and Medical Emergency Response Team (M.E.R.T) drills.
Due to the unpredictability of a cardiac arrest, achieving a high level of readiness is essential to improving survival rates. “We believe if we standardize and practice our medical emergency response on each campus, we will be in the best position to save the life of a child, staff member or family member,” said Macey Melton, Director of Health Services.
Formerly known as the aquatic center of Dallas College Eastfield Campus, the Mesquite Natatorium has been expanded and upgraded to serve MISD students and City of Mesquite residents.
"We are proud to offer this state-of-the-art facility to our students and community members, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our community," said Mesquite ISD Superintendent Dr. Ángel Rivera.
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Key features of the Mesquite Natatorium at Dallas College's Eastfield Campus include:
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Expanded pool width to accommodate capacity
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Two diving boards for enhanced aquatic experiences
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Eight 25-yard swim lanes and six 25-meter swim lanes
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Pool depth ranging from 3.6 feet to 12.5 feet
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New tile and updated pool finish
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Installation of a competition-ready Myrtha gutter system
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Transparent OpenAire aluminum structure
The most innovative aspect of the 13,580-square-foot natatorium is its transparent OpenAire aluminum structure, which allows for year-round usage regardless of weather conditions. The design enables the enclosure to open during good weather, providing an outdoor pool experience.
The Mesquite ISD swim team began practicing in the natatorium last month. The facility opens to the public on Monday, Feb. 12.
The West Mesquite High School ROTC Brigade has qualified for the All Army Nationals and will compete in February 2024 following an outstanding performance at the recent state competition held in San Antonio. This marks the team's return to the national competition since 2010, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to excellence and showcasing the talent of the West Mesquite High School ROTC program.
West Mesquite will compete against 45 schools from 15 states in various categories, including unarmed regulation drills, exhibition drills, inspection and color guard. The students competing at the national level have worked hard and have been preparing for this competition since September 2023.
The students competing at the national level include:
Alexa Gutierrez 11th
Liliana Lozano 11th
Mia Rodriguez 11th
Alexis Ramirez 11th
Sarah Anderson 11th
Litzy Villanueva 10th
Ogunseye Memunat 10th
Lia Hernandez 10th
Arionna Gossett 10th
Bryan Acevedo 10th
Ogunseye Xhaffy 9th
Ximena Garcia 9th
Emily Fuentes 9th
Domini Gugino 9th
Bianca Gonzalez 9th
Angelina Vargas 9th
Sergeant First Class Lee Ferrell
First Sergeant Carolyn Suazo
Colonel James McGrory
Mesquite ISD is one of 32 educational organizations in the state to be honored by the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO).
The TASBO Award of Excellence in Financial Management is given to Texas school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and education services centers that demonstrate professional standards, best practices, and innovations in the area of financial management and reporting. For 2024, Mesquite ISD was among a select number of districts that met the stringent criteria to qualify for the award.
January is School Board Recognition Month and Mesquite ISD is celebrating its trustees for their dedication and commitment to the district and its students.
The theme of this year’s School Board Recognition Month is Locally Elected, Community Connected, which highlights the connection between school trustees and their communities. School board members are the largest group of locally-elected officials in the state.
Local school board members are responsible for ensuring the structure that provides a solid foundation for our school system. They are strong advocates for public education and are responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public and the public’s expectations to the district.
The Mesquite ISD School Board was honored at their regular meeting on January 9, with student thank-you cards, artwork, student performances and other tokens of appreciation. Ian Lee, a John Horn High School senior, addressed the Board on behalf of the district's 38,000 students for Board Appreciation Month. Additionally, on behalf of the Library Services Department, a dedicated book was placed in the library of each campus in the name of each Trustee.
Meet the Mesquite ISD Board of Trustees:
Elaine Hornsby, President Place 6 - serving since 2015
Robert Seward, Vice President Place 5 - serving since 1993
Kevin Carbó, Secretary Place 7 - serving since 2015 (also served from 1996 - 2014)
Teia Collier, Trustee Place 1, serving since 2021
Eddie Rose, Trustee Place 2 - serving since 2016
Gary Bingham, Trustee Place 3 - serving since 1996
Greg Everett, Trustee Place 4 - serving since 2014 (also served from 1991 - 2009)
ABC News' Mireya Villarreal recently visited Mesquite ISD to find out more about how our district is attacking the nationwide teacher shortage. Watch the full story and learn how Dr. Rivera's commitment to increasing salaries and establishing prestige in the teaching profession has lead to a dramatic drop in the number of teacher vacancies. Additionally, two of our very own educators share with the national audience how the District's innovative incentive programs like Pathways Advancing Certified Educators (PACE) and Excellence in Teaching Incentive Program (ETIP) are attracting and keeping talented and passionate teachers in Mesquite ISD classrooms.