Hundreds of Lamar CISD parents gathered Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the Safari Texas Ranch Infinity Ballroom in Richmond, TX, for the district’s 3rd Annual Promise to Parents Brunch. With each campus represented by PTO and PTA leaders and members, as well as other parent volunteers, the event brings together a cross-section of highly engaged parents and guardians from across the district who support Lamar CISD schools and classrooms on a daily basis. 

The Tomas Emeralds Dance Team from the newly opened Tomas High School greeted guests outside the venue, and the district’s 2025-2026 theme, “We Are Lamar CISD,” was front and center throughout. In the lobby, a CTE showcase and the Fulshear Junior High School Jazz Ensemble welcomed and performed for guests as they arrived, followed by additional performances from the George Ranch Encore Show Choir, the Hubenak Theater Troupe, and the Lamar Consolidated High School Mariachi Band before and during the program itself. 

George Ranch High School senior Sophie Zeng and Foster High School sophomore Elise Williford emceed the program, with Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens giving the keynote address. 

“It was wonderful seeing the range of talented young people from across our district who participated in this year’s Promise to Parents and helped make it so special for all our special guests,” Dr. Nivens said. “This event is a great reminder of why we do what we do as a district, and the importance of the promise we make to parents every day to provide their students with access to an elite education that prepares them for life.” 

The superintendent’s presentation covered a range of topics, including an overview of the new Lamar CISD Strategic Plan and its core values, a review of the recently released accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency, the Lamar CISD Innovative School Day initiative, and an overview of the district’s 2025 Bond Election. Throughout his remarks, Dr. Nivens returned to his central theme – the impact of these programs and initiatives on students and student outcomes. 

“Anytime you hear me talk, it’s always about our students – always, always, always. You deserve that, and they deserve that,” Dr. Nivens told parents. “If your kids come here, I need you to understand that – it’s always about them.” 

Some parents were first-time attendees, while others were returning after attending previous years’ events. All brought their own unique questions and perspectives, and their own reasons why events like Promise to Parents are important to them. 

Rachel Briers, whose daughter is starting kindergarten at Campbell Elementary School, is just beginning her journey as a Lamar CISD parent. Reflecting on the superintendent’s presentation, she described her high hopes for her daughter and high expectations for the district. 

 

“I just want to make sure my daughter gets the best education that she can, and I want her to become a successful human being, somebody who can take on life and have the emotional skills to handle the daily issues she’s going to have to deal with as an adult,” Briers said. “It was good to get behind the scenes of what’s actually going on in the school district, getting more in-depth explanations of all that’s going on, and what the initiatives are.” 

Proud Green Track parent Laura Wilkins has students at Bielstein Middle School, Banks Junior High School, and Tomas High School. Wilkins was excited to represent the district’s newest color track and expressed gratitude for the chance to gather with other parents, administrators, and the superintendent for an event like Promise to Parents. 

“There was something really cool about being in person and hearing it straight from him,” Wilkins said. 

Carter Elementary School PTO President Nicole Romero said that many parents in her community are eager to learn more about how the district is navigating its rapid growth. 

“Our district is growing so fast, and I feel like we’re all just trying to keep up with how the district is handling the growth,” Romero said, “and I feel like, being an elementary parent, getting to see what the future of the district looks like for my kids is really important to me.” 

Romero and her family moved to Lamar CISD from another area district almost four years ago, and she said she appreciates the feeling that, as a Lamar CISD parent, her voice matters. 

“I feel like our district really listens to feedback, and so by being involved, you get to have a voice in what’s happening and the direction that we’re going,” Romero said. “I feel like our superintendent and our board members listen, and they really take our feedback and value it, which really matters to parents.” 

In discussing the Strategic Plan during his presentation, Dr. Nivens introduced its core values – Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, Joy, Accountability, and Big-Thinking – and described how the core values are already working together and interacting, supporting one another and guiding the district toward its goals. 

“When we live out our core values, we ensure that Lamar CISD students are ready for today, tomorrow, and the future,” Dr. Nivens said. “That’s the whole point.” 

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