Photo courtesy McQueeney elementary
(Seguin) – It’s back to school today for Seguin ISD’s 7,000 students. Students in all campuses including Ball Early Childhood Center return today for the 2026-2027 school year.
The school district is especially excited about opening two of its newest facilities this year. They include the new McQueeney Elementary School and Agriculture Science Building.
During the district’s annual convocation at Seguin High School, Seguin ISD Superintendent Dr. Jack Lee outlined his vision and message for employees and staff — no matter their department. The message for this year “Rising to the Challenge.”
Speaking to employees, Lee acknowledged that education is difficult and that “teachers and staff face increasing demands, from testing and attendance to safety, legislation, social media and cell phones.”
During his message, he also asked that each of the district employees remember why they “chose education in the first place.”
“What we are doing is important work. They are counting on us to provide them with the best education possible,” said Lee.
Lee says the public may not always see the hours and effort that go into educating and caring for students. He says it teachers, custodians, maintenance workers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and extracurricular staff who all make a difference behind the scenes.
During his interaction with staff, he led a simple exercise and asked each of them to think about someone from their own school years who made a lasting difference in their lives — perhaps a teacher, coach, bus driver or another adult who noticed them, encouraged them or refused to let them give up.
Lee says each educator has the power to leave a lasting mark on a child.
“Look at what just happened. In a matter of two minutes, we brought hundreds of educators back that may not be teaching anymore. That’s the power in the work that we do,” said Lee.
Lee says the district’s mission of building relationships, inspiring success and empowering all must be more than words posted on a wall and challenged employees to make those commitments visible through their daily actions.
As the district begins a new school year, Lee also asked employees to think about one student and remember that every child gets each school year only once. He says there are “no do-overs for kindergarten, third grade or senior year.”
“Every student that walks through our doors gets this year once. That’s it. Every single student gets this school year once. And the only thing that will make that year possible for that child to be successful is you,” said Lee.
Lee says students do not need adults who have every answer. They need adults who are willing to keep searching for solutions and who refuse to give up on them.
“I want those kids to know from you that you’re glad they’re here. That’s what they need. That’s what must happen,” Lee said.
Lee encouraged employees to rise to the challenge when the work is difficult, when they are tired and when a student needs someone to believe in them.
As the new school year gets underway, Lee says the challenges facing the district are real, but so is the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students.
“Lots of work to do, but it’s good work, guys. It’s supposed to be hard for the adults. It’s not supposed to be hard for the kids,” said Lee.
Lee hopes Seguin ISD parents will also embrace the same message he has shared with district employees as they prepare for another successful school year. He is also asking parents to exercise some patience over the next few days as families adjust to new school routines.
That includes allowing extra time for drop-off and pick-up, as well as giving school buses additional time to complete their routes. Parents are also encouraged to check their student’s campus Facebook page for any last-minute changes, updates or announcements.