Superintendent Ryder Appleton
Dear SOTY Selection Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend our superintendent, Mr. Ryder Appleton, for the esteemed recognition of the 2024 TASB School Superintendent of the Year. I can attest both quantitatively and qualitatively to the positive impacts Mexia ISD has experienced due to his exceptional leadership, fiscal and management skills, unwavering dedication to fostering a positive school climate as well as his extraordinary relations with both the school board and our community.
Leadership, Management and School Climate
Mr. Appleton demonstrates remarkable leadership characteristics in his role as our superintendent. His long-range vision and comprehensive approach have led to the selection of Mexia ISD as one of only 35 ISDs piloting the Texas Strategic Leadership / Effective District Frameworks for the Texas Education Agency (TEA), out of over 1200 districts statewide. This is one of his most notable achievements because it positions MISD for ongoing academic improvements for years to come. He is collaborating with key district leaders along with the board of trustees in identifying and establishing procedures that lead to sustainable consistency and increased effectiveness across our entire district.
Mr. Appleton's leadership style is characterized first by his servant heart, coupled with a deep knowledge and broad diversity of experience in educational administration. His decisions are consistently grounded in facts and data, rather than being influenced by politics and opinions—a quality that has been both refreshing and instrumental in driving positive change within our district. Mr. Appleton has fostered a supportive and inclusive school climate that values the well-being of all stakeholders. He treats all our staff with the utmost respect and is willing to be vulnerable in his interactions, creating a healthy and open work environment where ideas and concerns are freely shared.
Mr. Appleton's dedication to motivating and inspiring our staff is evident in his clear communication of plans and expectations for each school year. He establishes a district theme annually (#OthersFirst, #ShineYourLight, #Together) and consistently reinforces these themes throughout the year, ensuring that our staff remains focused and energized to achieve our shared goals. Moreover, Mr. Appleton goes above and beyond to show his appreciation for our staff by personally cooking for all 360 employees twice a year and serving them alongside his executive team. His efforts to interact with staff, parents, and students in both English and Spanish reflect his commitment to respectfulness and accessibility. He makes intentional efforts to be highly visible on our campuses, engaging with stakeholders, fostering a sense of community, and belonging. Most of our nearly 2,000 students know him and call him by name, an impressive feat given all his other responsibilities as our superintendent!
School Board-Superintendent Relations
Mr. Appleton has consistently demonstrated exemplary communication skills, serving as a beacon of transparency and expeditious response with all board members. He cultivates an environment of open dialogue and collaboration, always making himself available to address any questions or concerns we may have. His proactive approach to communication ensures that we are never caught off guard, as he keeps us informed and prepared with timely updates and messages.
Moreover, Mr. Appleton's forward-thinking mindset is truly commendable. He consistently provides us with relevant information and insights, looking ahead at the big picture to keep us abreast of upcoming district developments and challenges. His recognition of the school board as active stakeholders reflects his genuine appreciation for our input, and he consistently seeks our feedback and trusts our judgment. Mr. Appleton always conducts himself professionally and with respect. Even in moments of disagreement, he maintains a demeanor of patience and understanding, encouraging an environment of mutual respect and constructive dialogue. His accessibility contributes to a culture of openness and trust within our board.
One of Mr. Appleton's greatest strengths is his commitment to collaboration. He actively involves all board members in district events, projects, and subcommittees, recognizing the importance of nurturing strong relationships within our team of eight. By providing opportunities for us to engage and contribute, he strengthens our collective bond and enhances our effectiveness as a board.
School Improvement and Instructional Leadership
Under Mr. Appleton's instructional leadership, our district has achieved incredible milestones in academic school improvement. In 2022, due to initiatives implemented directly by him, MISD earned the highest state accountability rating in its history, a testament to Mr. Appleton's visionary leadership and dedication to increasing educational outcomes for our students.
Mr. Appleton is constantly seeking improvement, and thus his most notable impact on our schools’ instructional growth has been the implementation of TEA-approved High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) in both math and reading. He works tirelessly to align our curriculum both vertically and horizontally, establishing continuity and coherence across grade levels and subject areas. He has spearheaded initiatives to improve the quality of instruction in our district, including the implementation of an innovative academic calendar design. This calendar includes two weeks of accelerated instruction tailored to support struggling students, demonstrating his proactive approach to addressing the diverse needs of our student population.
Mr. Appleton has also prioritized professional development for our educators by introducing Instructional Coaches/Specialists to our staff. These specialists play a crucial role in supporting our teachers' growth, particularly those who are non-certified, thereby enhancing instructional practices and ultimately benefiting student learning. The strategic initiatives that Mr. Appleton has implemented have also yielded significant tangible increases in Career and Technical Education (CTE) enrollment and revenues. Due to his competency and clear understanding of weighted funding which he brought to Mexia in 2021, our CTE enrollment has increased by 57%, resulting in a substantial annual revenue increase of 67%. These increases have generated more than $2M in new revenue to MISD, ensuring we have the resources to hire additional staff and purchase specialized equipment necessary for these crucial programs.
In terms of school safety and security, Mr. Appleton has been instrumental in implementing measures that go beyond state requirements. He has introduced the School Guardian Program, which has not only reinforced trust and confidence in our academic environment but has also served as a model for other districts seeking to establish and/or strengthen their safety protocols. Additionally, his initiative-taking approach to addressing safety concerns, such as the renovation of the Blackcat stadium bleachers, demonstrates his commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all stakeholders.
Fiscal Management
One of the most commendable characteristics of Mr. Appleton is his unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. Under his guidance, Mexia ISD has experienced an amazing transformation in its financial management practices. We, as a board, have complete trust in Mr. Appleton's ability to handle our budget with integrity and prudence. Year after year, he has presented balanced budgets without any deficits, demonstrating his astute financial acumen and foresight.
What sets Mr. Appleton apart is his exceptional ability to strike a balance between prudent spending and strategic investment in our district's future. He is not afraid to allocate resources where they are most needed, yet he approaches every expenditure with careful consideration, maximizing each dollar for the benefit of our students and staff. Notably, he does not sacrifice the needs of today's children to secure the future, a testament to his commitment to providing the highest quality education for all.
Mr. Appleton's accomplishments in further improving our district's financial stability and employee benefits are truly remarkable. Under his guidance, employee compensation has grown by more than 7% each year (totaling 23% to date), while simultaneously our district fund balance has increased 46%, from $10.5M to $15.3M. The Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST Rating) has increased each year during his tenure from 94 when he arrived in MISD to our most recent score of 98. While demonstrating this level of fiscal capability, he has concurrently and successfully prioritized staff well-being. He has expanded our employee benefits package including increasing the district's contribution to employees' medical insurance, addition of life insurance policies, employee assistance programs, and various stipends, reflecting his dedication to supporting and retaining our talented workforce.
Furthermore, Mr. Appleton's innovative initiatives such as creating our Homegrown Education Program have yielded impressive results in staff development and retention. Through strategic partnerships and incentives, he has empowered our educators to pursue advanced degrees and certifications, further enhancing the quality of instruction in our district.
School-Community Relations
Mr. Appleton's dedication and commitment to building a strong school-community relationship have been exemplary throughout his tenure. One notable testament to his efforts is the annual MISD sponsored community-wide Veteran’s Day program. Through his efforts this program has become a cornerstone event, uniting our district in honoring and expressing gratitude to our veterans. Mr. Appleton ensures that students from kindergarten to 12th grade actively participate, instilling in them a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.
Beyond his responsibilities within the school district, Mr. Appleton is deeply engaged in our local community. His active involvement in organizations such as the Rotary Club and Lions Club reflects his passion for service and community development. Whether it is volunteering to cook pancakes and chili, judging singing competitions for fundraisers, or lending his expertise, Mr. Appleton consistently demonstrates his commitment to making Mexia a better place for all its residents. His regular attendance at the community-wide weekly men’s prayer breakfast exemplifies his dedication to fostering spiritual and moral values within our community. Mr. Appleton's presence and active engagement serve as a source of inspiration for many, cultivating a sense of unity and purpose.
Furthermore, Mr. Appleton's vision and proactive approach have brought significant opportunities to our district. His instrumental role in our district’s selection to host the Little Dribblers National Basketball Tournament for two consecutive years has brought positive attention and economic benefits to our community. Additionally, Mr. Appleton's unwavering support for cultural events, such as the Black History Month Celebration and Hispanic Heritage Celebration, highlight his dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within our schools and community. Whether hearing him converse in Spanish one-on-one with a parent or when speaking publicly at an event like our senior graduation, I am always impressed that he possesses and maximizes this skillset. His involvement with the Mexia Public Schools Museum & Alumni Association underscores his commitment to preserving our educational heritage and fostering lifelong connections.
Why Mexia ISD’s Superintendent Should be Selected as Superintendent of the Year
I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Ryder Appleton’s candidacy for Superintendent of the Year. As a Blackcat graduate myself, my children, and now my grandchildren, I am encouraged knowing that Mexia ISD is in the hands of a superintendent with his level of integrity, visionary leadership, steadfast dedication, and transformative impact. He is an outstanding candidate for this prestigious honor, and I am confident that his continued leadership as our superintendent will inspire and elevate Mexia ISD and our community for years to come.
Sincerely,
Benjie S. Reed, J.D.
Board President, Mexia Independent School District
