Another big time addition to our school district as we gear up for the 2026-27 school year.
After more than two decades of service at Chapel Hill ISD, Rose City native Melanie Rivers comes down Highway 64 to become Arp ISD's Director of Academic Support and Grant Programs.
Rivers, who was Chapel Hill's Director of Academic Programs, will work closely with campus principals, instructional staff, and district leadership to strengthen teaching and learning across the district.
"I'm so excited to join the Arp family. My husband grew up in Arp, so we've spent a lot of time over the years visiting family and friends. I know the community is wonderful and welcoming. I can't wait to be a part of it," said Rivers.
Having worked with her at Chapel Hill for the last four years, new assistant superintendent Dr. Josh Tremont said that one of her greatest strengths is her ability to develop educators.
"She has extensive experience coaching teachers and instructional leaders, facilitating professional learning, and helping schools implement systems that lead to sustainable academic growth. Her work has contributed to significant improvements in student achievement, including helping lead districtwide instructional initiatives that received statewide recognition."
Rivers wants to impact student learning so that our young people are well prepared for the future.
She stresses that every student can grow when provided an environment with meaningful relationships, high expectations, and appropriate support.
"I believe education should be student-centered, focused on both academic achievement and the development of critical thinking, character, and lifelong learning skills. I believe in having a shared vision for student success and working toward our goals though modeling, communication, and support."
Her work at Chapel Hill received an enormous amount of recognition. Within the last two years, TEA selected them to become a Beacon school, and showcase their implementation practices to other schools in Texas.
This came after she flipped a campus that was rated F and in the bottom 1% of the state rank of math scores to a B, with math scores above state average in one school year when she was Chapel Hill ISD's Math Specialist/Coordinator the previous two years.
Tremont explained that, "Throughout her career, Rivers has built a reputation for helping schools improve student achievement through strong instructional systems, teacher development, and data-informed decision making."
He adds that, "At Arp ISD, her work will focus on supporting campuses in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, and continuous improvement. She will partner with principals and teachers to strengthen PLCs, support lesson planning and internalization, analyze student performance data, coordinate professional development, and help ensure instructional practices are aligned across the district. She will also assist with grant management and support the implementation of district initiatives designed to improve student outcomes."
Tremont further explains that, "Rivers' role is ultimately about increasing the capacity of our people. By supporting principals, developing teachers, coordinating instructional systems, and helping secure and manage resources through grants, she will play an important role in advancing the district's mission and helping every campus continue to improve student outcomes."
"I know Arp ISD has some amazing students and staff, so I'm really excited to continue the great work that's happening already," said Rivers.
She graduated with a bachelor in interdisciplinary studies from UT Tyler in 2001 before earning a master in educational leadership at SFA in 2013.