Gilmer ISD rolled out a warm welcome for Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath on Monday, August 18, as he visited Gilmer Elementary to celebrate the district’s strong academic performance. Gilmer High School cheerleaders, the dance team, band, FFA, and Air Force Junior ROTC joined Gilmer Elementary students in lining the entrance to greet him, creating an atmosphere of excitement and pride. Congressman Nathaniel Moran also attended, joining Commissioner Morath in visiting classrooms and celebrating with students and staff.
Gilmer Elementary earned an A rating with a score of 90, the highlight of the day’s celebration. Across the district, other campuses also posted strong results: Gilmer Intermediate earned an A (91), Gilmer High School earned an A (90), Gilmer Early Childhood received an A (90), and Bruce Junior High earned a B (86). With 2,943 students enrolled, Gilmer ISD leaders say these ratings reflect not just letter grades but the steady progress of students, the commitment of teachers, and the belief that all children can succeed.
Superintendent Rick Albritton said the recognition acknowledges the dedication and commitment of the district as a whole. “It reflects the teamwork of staff, students, and families working together toward success,” he said. “This success shows students and families that hard work pays off. It builds pride and confidence while reminding us to keep pushing forward so every child masters the skills for future success.”
Mr. Albritton also thanked the Gilmer community for its continued support. “We are proud of the accomplishments of our staff and students and deeply appreciative of the trust our community has placed in us,” Albritton said. “This achievement reflects the strength of our partnership, and with continued support, we will remain committed to providing the highest quality opportunities to ensure the long-term success of every student.”
“This recognition is truly a milestone for Gilmer Elementary,” said Principal Gina Treadway. “It affirms the dedication, expertise, and relentless commitment of our staff to ensure that every student grows and succeeds. For our team, this honor is not just about the grade, it is about the journey of perseverance and belief in our students’ potential.”
Assistant Superintendent Greg Watson credited the district’s success to consistent systems and a culture of continuous improvement. “When you combine strong systems with people who love and care about kids, it is a recipe for success,” Watson said.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dawn Harris agreed, adding, “True progress is only possible through the dedication of everyone. Guided by this commitment, we embrace the belief that our purpose is to grow as educators every day for the benefit of our students.”
Commissioner Morath praised the district’s leadership team, describing their belief that “all children can learn and achieve” as a guiding force behind their success. He pointed to Gilmer’s strong culture of leadership, talent, curriculum, and instruction, remarking that “Gilmer just gets it right.” He also emphasized that Gilmer’s achievement is a reflection of the hard work of students and teachers who make success possible.
During the visit, Commissioner Morath and Congressman Moran toured kindergarten and second-grade classrooms, observing how teachers and students work together to strengthen learning each day. The visit highlighted how academic success is built in ordinary moments of instruction, encouragement, and persistence.
Region 7 ESC Executive Director Todd Schneider also attended the celebration. “It was truly an honor and a privilege to welcome the Commissioner of Education to Gilmer Elementary,” he said. “This achievement reflects the power of high expectations, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to success. The event was spectacular.”
While Gilmer ISD’s recognition was the focus of the day, Region 7 leaders emphasized that the celebration belongs to all schools across East Texas. Many districts in the region have demonstrated academic gains and strong accountability ratings this year, underscoring the tireless efforts of educators and students across the board.
The success at Gilmer Elementary is one example of what is happening in classrooms throughout Region 7. Teachers, students, families, and communities continue to show what is possible when they work together toward a shared goal. As districts across East Texas celebrate their achievements, one message is clear: student success is a community effort, and our schools are rising to the challenge.
See the complete photo gallery from the day’s celebration.
Story and photos by Cori Arevalo, Region 7 Education Service Center