Norman Robbins Board Member - District 7 Term: First elected 2004; Term expires 2008 Profession: Manager, Community Relations, Lockheed Martin [email protected]

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Norman Robbins is a Fort Worth native. He holds a bachelor’s degree and Master of Science degree in business administration from Trinity University in San Antonio.

Mr. Robbins joined Lockheed Martin, formerly General Dynamics, in 1986 as manager of community relations. He oversees and administers the company’s community involvement program.  Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Mr. Robbins was employed by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce in a variety of capacities which included economic development and governmental/urban affairs activities.

Mr. Robbins’ goals include eliminating the achievement gap among students.  

Mr. Robbins works with TCU’s School of Education Board of Visitors, the FWISD’s School and Community Partnerships Advisory Committee, Tarrant County Workforce Development Board, Big Brothers and Sisters and Communities in Schools.

Mr. Robbins is married with three grown children.

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Activities

• Past member, School of Education Board of Visitors, TCU
• Past member, FWISD School and Community Partnerships Advisory Committee
• Past Board member, Tarrant County Workforce Development
• Past Board member and President, Big Brothers and Sisters
• Past Board member and President, Communities in Schools

Accomplishments of the Board of Education

• Conducted a nationwide search for a new superintendent of schools resulting in the hiring of Melody A. Johnson
• Balanced District budget through reductions of $50 million over the last four years with $3 million cut from the central office alone
• Charged the District’s administrators with improving student achievement
• Developed and adopted Procedures and Standards of Practice for the Board resulting in a cohesive and committed team
• Established and utilized community advisory committees in the areas of technology, facilities, budget and audit functions
• Adopted policies that ensure transparency of operations
• Reinstated music and art into the curriculum for primary grades
• Developed the first strategic performance plan with high standards and accountability measures
• Defined staff responsibilities and accountability more clearly and implemented efficient and ethical business practices

Student and School Achievements

• District 7 had 6 TEA high-performing schools in 2006-2007
• District 7 graduated 195 Texas Scholars in the Class of 2006
• District 7 had 63 Academic Sweatshirt Scholars in 2006
• District 7 Class of 2005 graduates received more than $3.5 million in scholarship offers
• 8 high school seniors in District 7 named 2007 Superintendent’s Scholars
• Western Hills Primary is an initial site for the District’s official parent involvement program
• Western Hills Primary highlighted campus for the National SRA Academic Recognition Award
• Benbrook ES four student winners in state PTA Reflections contest
• Luella Merrett ES received new books, computers and professional development for teachers and librarians as part of the Improving Literacy through Libraries grant
• International Newcomer Academy received the 21st Century After School grant and the $50,000 Investment Capital Fund grant
• Two Luella Merrett ES students were winners in Crayola Dreammakers Contest
• Five eighth-grade students at Applied Learning Academy qualified for the State Texas History Day contest in Austin
• Three Ridglea Hills Destination Imagination teams selected for state tournament
• Benbrook ES music teacher Jim Ekrut, Score A Goal in the Classroom 2005 outstanding music teacher
• Applied Learning Academy’s Coach David Alverson, 2005-2006 Who’s Who of America’s teachers
• Western Hills HS’s Veronica Meeks, Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics
• Leonard 6th students Pennies for Patients drive raised over $800 for Leukemia/
  Lymphoma Society
• Leonard 6th had 37 students and 14 adults participate in Cowtown Marathon
• Leonard MS and Plaza Medical Center Auxiliary host an annual Health Fair 
• Leonard MS parent and community member volunteer over 15, 000 hours
• Applied Learning Academy two students featured on PBS Dragonfly TV for Lone Star Dinosaur exhibit
• Western Hills Primary has two dogs on campus, Pepper and Austin, which assist the campus through Animal Assisted Therapy
• Western Hills HS’s Kerry Seaver, First Place Winner in Girls Class 4-A State Cross Country Meet

District 7 Bond Projects

The Fort Worth Independent School District’s $398 million capital improvement plan, approved by voters in February 1999, reached completion with more than $42 million in improvements for schools in District 7.

• one new school (Western Hills Primary)
• An old department store purchased and reconfigured and remodeled to house the Applied Learning Academy and the International Newcomer Academy.
• 92 new classrooms
• 3 new laboratory classrooms
• 3 new cafeterias, one new kitchen; 2 new libraries, one new gymnasium
• one new band hall, one hard surface play area overlayed

All campuses in District 7 received upgrades that included improvements for ADA accessibility, bathrooms, elevators, etc.  In addition, technology was upgraded and additional District-purchased computers were allocated.  Every classroom from kindergarten to 12th grade also received a printer.