Graphic announcing an appointment to the Board of Directors of the International Association for Truancy and Dropout Prevention. The design features a blue background with a red banner reading “APPOINTED TO THE.” A professional headshot appears on the right. The Gregory-Portland Independent School District logo is displayed in the lower left. Text reads: “Board of Directors of the International Association for Truancy and Dropout Prevention” and “Kathleen Cady, District At-Risk Administrator.” The lower portion of the graphic is light gray with blue and red accents.

G-PISD Administrator Appointed to International Board of Directors for Truancy and Dropout Prevention

G-PISD Communications

November 2, 2026

Portland, TX — Gregory-Portland Independent School District (G-PISD) is proud to announce that Kathleen Cady, District At-Risk Administrator, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Association for Truancy and Dropout Prevention (IATDP), serving as one of only three representatives from Texas.

Cady was personally invited to serve by IATDP President Susan Holloway. Through this appointment, she will collaborate with education professionals from around the world to advance student attendance, strengthen dropout prevention efforts, and promote strategies that help students remain engaged and successful in school.

With 34 years of experience in public education, Cady has served as a classroom teacher, librarian, and administrator. In her current role at G-PISD, she oversees districtwide attendance interventions, attendance review processes, and truancy prevention efforts. She also oversees the district's Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) and Wildcat Learning Center, which provides an alternative pathway for high school students to recover credits and work toward graduation.

As a member of the IATDP Board of Directors, Cady will support the association's mission by promoting effective attendance interventions, dropout prevention strategies, professional learning, and collaboration among educators and community partners. Her appointment provides an opportunity to share G-PISD's district-level experiences while bringing innovative, research-informed practices back to support students, families, and campuses.

"Kathleen has dedicated her career to helping students overcome challenges and find pathways to success," said Dr. Michelle Cavazos, G-PISD Superintendent. "Her work in attendance and dropout prevention plays an important role in ensuring our students have the support and opportunities they need to succeed. We are proud that she will represent Gregory-Portland ISD and share her expertise with education leaders from around the world."

"Every student deserves the opportunity to feel connected to school and to see a future beyond graduation," said Kathleen Cady, G-PISD District At-Risk Administrator. "Attendance and dropout prevention are ultimately about relationships, removing barriers, and helping students succeed. I am honored to represent Gregory-Portland ISD on an international board dedicated to this important work, and I look forward to bringing new ideas and resources back to our students, families, and campuses."

Cady's two-year term began October 19, 2026, and will continue through October 2028.

This appointment reflects G-PISD's continued commitment to identifying barriers to student success, strengthening early interventions, and working alongside families to ensure every student has the opportunity to remain engaged in their education and achieve their goals.

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