May 1, 2023
Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Telena Wright is retiring after serving over 15 years as the leader of the district.
The Argyle ISD School Board approved Dr. Wright’s retirement agreement during a Special Meeting on Monday, May 1. Dr. Wright will complete the 2022-2023 school year and her last official day is June 30, 2023.
The Argyle ISD Board of Trustees will recognize Dr. Wright’s outstanding career during the Monday, May 15 regular School Board meeting. The community is invited to attend this special celebration during the meeting to honor Dr. Wright’s distinguished career.
Dr. Wright created a legacy of excellence since her arrival in Argyle ISD in 2000. She led AISD through its transition into becoming one of the most successful and recognized districts in the state, decorated with numerous state accolades and championships.
“It is impossible for me to express how much Dr. Wright means to me and the impact that she has made on this district and the field of education,” said Argyle ISD Board President Sam Slaton, who has known Dr. Wright since he was a student at Marcus High School. “Dr. Wright's passion to serve this district, her knowledge of the education field, her wisdom, ethics, approachability, and care for the wellbeing of all are just a short list of the numerous qualities that speak to how special Dr. Wright is.”
“Her imprint on this district will forever be cemented and we are blessed as a district to have had her as our Superintendent, and wish her and her family all of the best,” Slaton said. “It is my hope that we can all celebrate Dr. Wright and her illustrious career throughout the remainder of the school year.”
Under her leadership, Argyle ISD has risen to great heights of exceptional achievement through its academics, fine arts and extracurricular programs. She has overseen three successful bond programs (2014, 2017 & 2022) during her tenure that include the addition of three new campuses and three more that are in the planning stages. These bond programs also included renovations to two campuses and the new administration building.
Dr. Wright has directed a district with one of the highest distinction ratings in the state and the highest in Denton County. Argyle ISD earned an “A” state accountability rating by the Texas Education Agency and district score of 97 in 2022. This is the highest score in the district’s history.
“Students in Argyle are wonderful, talented young people with supportive families encouraging and supporting them and believing in the investment in their educational journey,” Wright said. “The carefully chosen teachers and staff are dedicated beyond measure to the support and success of each individual student.”
“From the first (AHS) graduation in May 2003 through the 21st graduation in 2023,” Wright said, “students have been prepared to enter the world beyond high school, whether joining the workforce, military or continuing an educational journey.”
Additionally, her focus on strengthening Argyle ISD’s safety and security for students and staff included the launch of the district’s own police department in 2013. The increase in security now includes one armed police officer on each campus.
Among the greatest achievements for Argyle ISD has been its state-wide success in the University Interscholastic League Lone Star Cup Award. Argyle has won 12 Lone Star Cups (2nd most in the state), including a state-record 10 consecutive. Annually, Argyle stands among the most successful schools in the state in academics, fine arts and athletics. That success has carried into Class 5A as Argyle is again among the Lone Star Cup leaders in the state.
Dr. Wright’s legacy includes a deep passion in support of Eagle students, staff and families. Few school activities happen without her devoted attendance. Whether it's an elementary open house, fine arts concert or sporting event, Dr. Wright is often greeting students and families or rooting on her favorite Eagles wearing her red and black.
She was also known for her heartfelt traditions for staff. For many years, she delivered fresh-baked cookies with a personally-signed card to employees district-wide on their birthdays.
In 2021, she led the development of Argyle ISD’s own Special Education Department to best serve students and families. This department continues to grow and effectively assist in serving and supporting AISD students and families.
Earlier this year, Dr. Wright and her leadership team developed the 10-Year Strategic Growth Plan, which was approved by the School Board. The plan’s design includes growth strategies and priorities for facilities and grade configurations as the district manages the rapid enrollment growth.
Through the challenges as well, Dr. Wright’s steadfast leadership has been impactful. She effectively led the district as it navigated the challenges of COVID-19 and guided the transition to virtual learning.
Dr. Wright, a native of Ballinger, first joined AISD as the Argyle High School Principal in 2000 after serving at Marcus High School in Lewisville ISD. She became the AISD Assistant Superintendent in 2003, Interim Superintendent in 2008 and was named Superintendent in January of 2009.
She has guided the district through rapid growth since that time. This year, the district celebrated its 5,000th enrolled student and there are currently more than 700 employees. By comparison, when she started the role of Superintendent, Argyle ISD had 1,700 students and less than 200 employees.
Her successful career in public education started in the classroom at San Angelo ISD as a math teacher. She also served as an elementary and high school counselor in San Angelo ISD before moving to the Metroplex to become a counselor at Marcus High School.
Highlights of Dr. Wright’s Career in Argyle ISD:
- 12 UIL Lone Star Cup Awards, including a state-record 10 consecutive
- Created Special Education Department in 2021
- Created Argyle ISD Police Department in 2013 - now includes an officer on each campus
- School record 5 National Merit Finalists & 8 Commended Students in 2022-2023
- Created Multicultural Committees at all campuses
- Successful bond programs in 2014, 2017, 2022
- Led opening of two new elementary campuses (West & South)
- Led opening of Argyle High School Phase I & Phase 2, AISD Administration Building
- District twice recognized as an H-E-B state finalist
- Developed district’s 10-Year Strategic Growth Plan
- Superior Financial Rating for Financial Accountability 19 consecutive years
- Transparency Star by the State Comptroller for Financial Transparency
- Developed new Career & Technology pathways each year
- Led repurposing of former Intermediate to new Sixth Grade Center (opens Fall 2023)
- Successfully transitioned Argyle into Class 5A in 2022-2023
- AISD earned all distinction designations in 2019
- AHS earned all seven distinction designations in 2019
- Started independent Disciplinary Alternative Education Program
