As the nation's eleventh largest school district, Dallas Independent School District serves more than 160,000 students who come from homes where 58 different languages are spoken. Operating with a $1 billion dollar budget, DISD employs 18,613 employees including 10,000 teachers in 220 schools.
8 Feb 2001
Heavyweight contender John Ruiz will pay a visit to the students at Stephen C. Foster Elementary School at 1 p.m. Friday, February 9. The school is located at 3700 Clover Lane in Dallas (Mapsco key 24S). The visit is part of the celebration of diversity and is sponsored by AT & T Broadband and Showtime Networks.
Ruiz, who is set to rematch Evander Holyfield for the WBA heavyweight champion title March 3, will speak to students about his achievements and his mission—to be the world's first Hispanic heavyweight champion.
"Students today need someone to guide them, motivate them and encourage them to succeed both in school and within the community," said Foster Elementary principal Gina Flowers. "This is why Hispanic role models are crucial for our students." The enrollment at Foster Elementary is 96.6% Hispanic.