By 
I recently attended the “Sell Your City Economic Outlook Event” on January 29th, 2019. At the event, I learned more about the following East Texas cities: Athens, Bullard, Jacksonville, Lindale, Mineola, Tyler, and Whitehouse. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear from the city managers themselves about what each city has to offer. Towards the end, one of the representatives brought up a very important point when it comes to school districts.
The representative at the event had told the audience to please encourage people to do more research about the school, and not to solely rely on people’s opinions, social media, and websites not created by the school district. Some online sources are not credible or do not have the most current and accurate information.
There have been times that I have been with my clients, and they ask me “How are the schools in this district?” I always tell my clients to do the research about the particular district they are asking about. Although I was an educator for 5 years, I have been out of the classroom long enough not to know the current data and statistics that the schools offer. I find that sometimes people quickly turn to the internet and social media for advice on their child’s education. Every district is different.
When you are purchasing your home, and if a school district that fits your child’s needs is non-negotiable, here are some tips that I recommend for you:
- Keep in mind your child and family. Think about learning styles, your child’s needs, and location.
- Look at multiple sources for information about the school district. Texas Education Agency (TEA), newspapers, school district websites,…
- Contact the school district directly with any specific questions. By going to their websites, this will provide you with more information about each school, courses offered, rules, events, bus routes…
- Schedule an appointment to tour the campus. I highly suggest that you schedule an appointment in advance.
- Attend a school event such as an open house, parent fair, fundraiser, football game
Whether you decide to go with public school, private school, charter school, or home school, you and your family need to make the choice based on what is best for your family.
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
