Graduation 2023

After careful and detailed cost analysis, it was determined that the district will have an approximate $13,000 savings by using the facility in Mansfield.

Security and other labor costs associated with hosting the events at the Midlothian ISD stadium are greater than the costs of these services at the Mansfield facility.  In addition, there are rental fees and guest transportation costs that add to the total cost of using the MISD stadium.  The Mansfield facility charges an all inclusive fee for rental, security, parking, ticketing, custodial, AV, and all other needs of the events.

Having two graduation ceremonies at the same outdoor venue on the same weekend causes concerns for the need for a Plan B option that may arise for one or both of the events for our families.  If outdoors, the events need to be planned for evening time slots due to potential extreme daytime heat, which limits the district options.  The unpredictability of rain or other weather events make it impossible to have a predetermined Plan B option for both ceremonies.  Many graduates will have family members who have traveled to attend the special event at the set date and time. The only viable Plan B option for MISD that is protected from weather events is the MHS Arena which would drastically reduce family ticket quantities (approximately 3-4 tickets).

Details regarding ticket distribution will be forthcoming. However, we anticipate each graduate receiving 10-13 tickets (depending on total graduates for each campus).  Additional tickets will be available upon request.  We anticipate being able to give extra tickets to all graduates who request them.  In addition, special seating arrangements will be accommodated such as handicap or limited mobility seating, split family situations who may want their tickets separated, multiple birth or cousin graduates who may want their seating bundles together, etc.

Yes.  Senior events such as the Elementary Walks will be scheduled prior to May 20.  Project Graduation will plan their events around this date as well.

A survey was sent to all MISD 2023 Seniors and Senior Parents.  We had 29% of seniors respond and 55% of parents respond to the survey.  The survey was intended to capture information regarding preferences and categories of value when selecting a venue.  Of all respondents, there was an approximate 60% in favor of using the MISD Stadium and 40% in favor of using the Mansfield facility.  When looking at the categories that were most highly valued, the top 4 in rank order were:

1.  Number of Tickets

2.  Amenities of the facility

3. Set Date and Time with no worry to reschedule

4. Having the ceremony in Midlothian

While the MISD Stadium does provide for more overall seating, in the event of a rainout (which happened in 2016), the event would likely be moved to the MHS Arena which would greatly limit the number of tickets available per family.  The Heritage Competition Gym is also an indoor option, but it holds 350 less people than the MHS Arena. The Mansfield facility provides for at least 10 guaranteed tickets per family (depending on number of total graduates), with extra tickets available upon request.  In addition, the Mansfield facility is equipped with many amenities including air conditioning, a new A/V system, commemorative tickets, ample handicap seating, numerous parking attendants and security personnel and a helpful service team to take care of our graduates and guests with any needs that arise.  In addition, using the Mansfield facility provides a set date and time so that families can plan for this event along with other family celebrations or travel considerations that may accompany this special occasion.

Below is a historical account of the venues used for the MISD Graduations since 1994. Prior to that, graduations were held at Don Floyd Stadium (weather permitting). The MISD Multi-Purpose Stadium opened in 2008.