What Will He Do Next?

AUTHOR: ARDYS ATTEBERRY

Region 10 ESC Communications Services

DR. ARZELL BALL’S life began long ago; 95 years ago, to be more precise. Raised on a farm just north of Eagle Rock, Missouri, his rural education was interrupted at the age of 17. He was drafted to serve our country in World War II. Dr. Ball served as a member of the 78th Infantry, Lightning Division, and did so with distinction in Europe from 1943-1945.

In case you are wondering, Dr. Ball did receive his high school diploma. In fact, he was invited back to Cassville High School to give the commencement address 20 years later, and he was awarded his diploma at that time.

Dr. Ball started his career as an educator in the Seligman schools in Missouri. He has a Bachelor of Science with a major in social studies from Southwest Missouri State College, a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, and a Ph.D. in school administration from George Peabody College. As his education advanced, so did his career.

Before serving as Superintendent of Shawnee Mission Public Schools in Kansas, back in 1967, he served as a secondary principal in Wichita and as a deputy superintendent in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Fast forward to Texas where Dr. Ball served as Richardson ISD’s superintendent from 1982-1994. Not surprisingly, many of his contributions are still in effect today. Here are just a few of the accomplishments made under Dr. Ball’s leadership.

Federal Grants - among them, free and reduced lunch for students. Everyone knows how difficult, if not impossible, it is to learn on an empty stomach.

Invention Convention - critical-thinking inventors can use their problem-solving skills, creativity, perseverance, and determination to create a prototype of their idea. By submitting a short video of their concept, they can start the process of competing with fellow inventors.

Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council - everyone wants to know that their voice has been heard, so allowing students to have a voice in the administration and operation of their school is imperative. Students are selected by school administration, teachers, and previous council members based on community involvement, leadership, merit, and academic performance.

$55.8 million bond package - successfully passed with a 70% approval margin (Richardson ISD’s largest bond package at the time) and it contributed to creating the state’s first reading recovery program.

Dr. Ball joined Region 10 Education Service Center in September 1999 as program coordinator for the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP). The goal of the JJAEP is to reduce delinquency, increase offender accountability, and rehabilitate offenders through a comprehensive, coordinated community-based juvenile probation system.

Ultimately, this program is designed to help students learn how to perform at grade level. The goal is for the students to realize their full potential as a result of academic interventions provided by the JJAEP in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, self-discipline, and in some cases, even provide some elective options.

JJAEP brought a long list of challenges with it. Dr. Ball, well equipped with his many years of experience in education, was prepared to make this important program succeed. Serving Region 10 JJAEP students for 21 years, there is no telling how many students’ lives he changed for the better. Dr. Ball adds, “I really value my 20 plus years at Region 10, which rounded out my career. My time there helped me stay in touch with secondary education in Dallas County.”

Dr. Ball's World War II medals are on display at Richardson ISD's Arzell Ball Center: Good Conduct, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star.

For Dr. Ball, serving students was always the top priority. One of his latest endeavors is the Arzell Ball Center. It is a spectacular 28,000-square-foot school. More importantly, however, it is home to the Memorial Park Academy (MPA) where students can earn high school credits in a nontraditional school setting in pursuit of earning a high school diploma.

Given all the amazing things Dr. Ball has already accomplished for students, educators, administrators, parents, and his community, one might well wonder: what will he do next?