WORKING ARTICLE — HUMAN REVIEW REQUIRED

Arp ISD has announced the hiring of Melanie Rivers as its new Director of Academic Support and Grant Programs as the district continues preparing for the 2026-27 school year.
Rivers joins Arp ISD after more than 20 years with Chapel Hill ISD, where she most recently served as Director of Academic Programs. In her new role, she will work alongside campus principals, teachers, and district leadership to strengthen curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, and grant management across the district.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Josh Tremont, who previously worked with Rivers at Chapel Hill, praised her ability to develop educators and build instructional systems that improve student achievement. He said her experience in coaching teachers, leading professional learning, and implementing districtwide academic initiatives will be a valuable asset to Arp ISD.
During her time at Chapel Hill, Rivers helped lead instructional initiatives that earned recognition from the Texas Education Agency, including the district’s designation as a TEA Beacon School. She also played a key role in dramatically improving student performance by helping transform a campus from an F rating to a B rating, with math scores rising above the state average in just one school year.
In her new position, Rivers will focus on supporting instructional planning, strengthening Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), analyzing student achievement data, coordinating professional development, and helping implement district initiatives designed to improve student outcomes. She will also oversee grant programs that provide additional resources to support students and staff.
Rivers said she is excited to become part of the Arp community and looks forward to building on the district’s existing success. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from UT Tyler and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University.
District leaders said Rivers’ experience, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to student success will play an important role in advancing Arp ISD’s mission and supporting continued academic growth across the district.