November 2025

Senior Night was recently held at the stadium to honor many of our Class of 2026 seniors. It’s a sentimental moment that provided our community the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the Class of 2025 and the commitment that has guided them throughout their time in Elgin ISD. It’s also a time for those who have come alongside these seniors, from parents to teachers to special community members who have supported these students throughout their educational journey.

As our seniors complete college applications and plan their next steps, we’re proud to know they leave with much more than a diploma. Our Wildcats graduate with practical experience, valuable industry certifications, and a strong understanding of their strengths, which have been shaped through meaningful career-connected learning. 

But just as we close our seniors' last chapters at EHS, I was excited to open a new one last week. I had an opportunity to speak to our eighth graders who attended Future Fest, an event at EHS designed to introduce rising freshmen to the opportunities awaiting them in high school. Students explored expanded offerings across Career and Technical Education (CTE), Advanced Academics, Athletics, Fine Arts, and Early College High School (ECHS). The evening buzzed with excitement and possibilities.

Next year, EHS will add several new CTE programs of study to its already robust course catalogue, including:

Graphic Design
Robotics and Automation Technology
ACC Cyber Academy
ACC Teacher Academy

Our CTE program is also introducing three new courses at the middle school which will allow students to earn high school course credit:

Touch Systems Data Entry
Professional Communications
Principles of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

We are beyond thrilled to offer two new programs which will be housed in two new incredible EISD facilities, thanks to the support of our community in the 2024 bond. Culinary Arts will be offered to EHS students at “The Homestead”, allowing students who are interested in the world of preparing and serving food to work in a hands-on environment. Students who have an interest in broadcasting and video production will have an opportunity to participate in Digital Communications, where they will gain hands-on production experience in the new EHS CTE production space, “Studio E”, which will be located inside our new press box facility. 

In total, CTE will offer 15 industry-based certifications, giving students the opportunity to graduate truly workforce-ready.

Our students truly have choice and opportunity at EISD.

There’s an exciting future ahead for all Wildcats! Together—with families, educators, and community partners—we are shaping a future where every Wildcat can thrive. And as we look ahead, we remain steadfast in ensuring that every student leaves Elgin ISD ready for whatever comes next. 

I hope you enjoy a safe and restful Thanksgiving,

Dr. Jana Rueter
Superintendent of Schools
Elgin Independent School District

October 2025

The shared vision of community spirit among our community members has created something truly historic for Elgin that we will soon raise the curtain on! Thanks to your support of the 2021 bond, the EISD Performing Arts Center is one step closer to opening its doors to the public! This week, our fine arts team moved into this remarkable new space. The 1,205-seat venue gives students a professional space to showcase their truly vibrant talent and gives the community a facility worthy of comfortably enjoying that talent. This is a milestone moment for our city, and it would not have been possible without you. We are deeply grateful.

At EISD, we bridge divides and strengthen bonds. When families walk through school doors, when students ride buses, when teachers partner with local businesses, we're building community and educating and preparing the next generation.

Our students notice. They see how we treat one another at Friday night games and festivals like Hogeye. They learn citizenship from our example. Let’s continue working toward our vision! We truly are all in this together.

When we prioritize attendance, students learn that showing up for each other truly matters. When parents volunteer, students see responsibility in action. When community members mentor or businesses support programs, they demonstrate stewardship.

Our Wildcats are watching, and they're learning to strengthen this community for generations to come.

Thank you for continuing to show up for our Wildcats!

Dr. Jana Rueter
Superintendent of Schools

September 2025

If you’ve spent time with me recently, you’ve heard me say, “We’re all in this together.” At EISD, it’s our theme for the year, and it’s something I truly believe. When it comes to educating our Wildcats, every parent, teacher, and community member plays a role.

One area where this is especially true is student attendance.

Of course, we know the basics: kids need to be in class to learn. But the impact of attendance goes far beyond the classroom. Students who attend regularly:

• Learn more and perform better on state accountability tests (TEA, 2023)

• Are more likely to graduate ready for college, a career, or military service

• Are healthier, more confident, and form stronger friendships

Attendance also matters for students entering the workforce directly. Texas employers report that reliability and showing up on time are top traits for new hires (Texas Workforce Commission, 2024). Students who stay engaged are more likely to complete career and technical education (CTE) pathways, earning certifications in fields like health care, welding, IT, and construction—often leading to jobs that pay above the state’s median wage right out of high school.

But attendance doesn’t just affect students—it affects our entire community. In Texas, school funding is based on average daily attendance (ADA), so each absence reduces resources for all students. Research also shows that strong schools boost property values; communities with higher-performing schools tend to attract homebuyers, expanding the local tax base and supporting even stronger schools (National Bureau of Economic Research, 2022).

This creates a powerful cycle: strong attendance → stronger schools → stronger communities → more opportunities for everyone.

That’s why it’s so important to remember: we really are all in this together. Parents, community members, business leaders, and neighbors all play a role in helping our students succeed—whether it’s providing transportation, mentoring, or simply encouraging kids to value showing up every day.

When our students show up, our schools grow stronger. When our schools grow stronger, our communities thrive. And when our communities thrive, opportunity expands for all of us.

See you soon around town!

Dr. Jana Rueter
Superintendent of Schools