Our school district is celebrating the hiring of a very well versed, experienced, and highly decorated educational leader.
Dr. Josh Tremont, who most recently served as Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Chapel Hill ISD joins our Arp, America family as our new assistant superintendent.
"I am incredibly excited and honored to join Arp ISD, and become part of the Arp community," said Tremont. "From my first conversations with district leadership, it was clear that Arp is a district that values relationships, high expectations, and doing what is best for students."
Tremont has been an educational administrator for more than a decade, and an educator for 14 years. In addition, he is an adjunct professor teaching graduate level courses in educational leadership at East Texas Baptist and East Texas A&M Universities.
During the interview process, Arp ISD Superintendent Shannon Arrington said he was, "Impressed by his thoughtful questions, genuine interest in our school community, and clear commitment to growth, leaving me excited about the opportunities his leadership could bring to both our district and those who serve it."
Tremont believes, "Every student deserves access to high-quality instruction, strong relationships, and opportunities that prepare them for success beyond graduation."
In order to execute his vision, Tremont wants, "To support and empower teachers and campus leaders by providing resources, coaching, and systems that help both students and staff succeed." He adds, "Great schools are built through collaboration, consistency, and a commitment to continuous improvement."
Tremont started as a 4th-8th grade math teacher at Laneville ISD in 2012 before becoming an assistant principal, and ultimately a principal. During his tenure as principal from 2016 to 2020, Laneville students made enormous strides in academic success including the STAAR test. From 2017 to 2019, 80 percent of students passed the state mandated exam.
Of course, it's the way that he was able to help make those achievements happen that he hopes will help the students at Arp ISD.
"My first goal is to listen, learn, and build relationships across the district and community. I want to understand what makes Arp special and identify ways we can continue growing together," Tremont explained.
He stresses that he wants to, "Build on the positive momentum already taking place in Arp ISD."
"I want our staff to know they are valued, supported, and trusted as professionals, and I look forward to working alongside them to continue the great work already happening in Arp ISD," Tremont added.
Tremont earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Texas A&M-Commerce in 2019. His dissertation, Principals as instructional leaders: An embedded descriptive case study of one rural school’s effort to improve student outcomes through Reading Plus, was awarded Outstanding Dissertation of the Year by the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration.
He completed his master in educational leadership at Lamar University in 2014, and his bachelor of science in kinesiology with a minor in math and education at Stephen F. Austin University in 2012.
Tremont has also written multiple publications, and made a number of scholarly presentations. He holds seven different certifications of licensures, and is a member of five professional organizations.