Community leaders, campus principals and administrators gathered Thursday morning at the Nancy Watten Technology and Event Center for the 2026 Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD State of the District, a celebration of progress and a call to action for the year ahead.

The event, themed “All In,” invited attendees to deepen their investment in CFBISD students and schools. Focused on both momentum and mission, the program combined amazing student performances from Creekview and Ranchview high school students, with dynamic testimonials highlighting district accomplishments, the challenges faced by public education, and how community support and partnership can make an impact.

Superintendent Wendy Eldredge delivered the keynote address, highlighting districtwide achievements and future priorities.

“When people ask me what makes CFB special, my answer is simple: We are a district that shows up for one another,” Dr. Eldredge said. “But we can’t do this without the support of our community. We are partners in the most important work there is—nurturing and educating the next generation.”

Building on that message of partnership, Board President Cassandra Hatfield emphasized the vital role public education plays in the community and reaffirmed the board’s commitment to student success.

“While we prioritize student achievement, it is equally important to integrate our community's values into our strategy,” Hatfield told the audience. “We believe the future is public, and on behalf of my colleagues who serve as volunteers on the board of trustees, we want you to have the utmost confidence that we are leading the future of this district with intentionality.”

Throughout the program, student and staff voices illustrated that impact in action. A video feature highlighted Ranchview High School senior Sophia Mohammad, who shared her story of overcoming medical challenges with the support of her CFBISD educators. Attendees also celebrated Sheffield Elementary, which improved from a D to a B in the state’s Accountability Rating last year.

Summer Garcia, the CFBISD 2024-25 Teacher of the Year, provided a teacher perspective and reflected on her journey into education and her passion for serving second-grade students at Farmers Branch Elementary.

“CFBISD has been my home since I was five years old,” Garcia said. “At each stage of my life, there was a CFB teacher who poured into me and helped shape who I am today.”

The program closed by returning the focus to students. Shivani Sarangam, a R.L. Turner High School senior, offered a powerful testimonial on how community support directly shapes student success.

“Public education has shaped who I am,” Sarangam said. “When you support public education, you invest in all of us. Your commitment creates spaces where we feel challenged, supported and inspired.”

To view videos from the event and learn more about connecting with CFBISD, visit the State of the District website.