LAKE DALLAS — Lake Dallas school board trustees voted to approve what is believed to be the district’s first official seal this week.

The decision was made in a 6-0 vote at Monday’s school board meeting. Board member Lance Stacey was absent.

Lake Dallas Superintendent Gayle Stinson said the new seal symbolizes the values and history of the school district. The 2009-10 school year will mark the centennial anniversary of Lake Dallas schools, she said, and it is anticipated that the new seal will be used immediately.

“It is a first,” Stinson said. “We’ve never had an official seal. It’s a fantastic way to commemorate 100 years of education in Lake Dallas ISD.”

Christopher Lamb, the district’s public information officer, worked about a month to create the seal. He said he researched seals from various Texas universities and also requested input on the design from district staff members and students.

The final product received a more than 90 percent approval rating from staff and students, he told trustees Monday.

“We wanted something that represents everyone that had graduated from Lake Dallas in the past, as well as now,” Lamb said. “We want it to be timeless. We wanted it to be something that’s traditional and something that’s going to last 50 years from now.”

All official Lake Dallas documents in recent years have used a standard embossed stamp — closely resembling the stamps used by many area school districts — with the district’s name and location. Lake Dallas school officials hope to replace the previous stamp with a seal that’s more representative of the district, Lamb said. 

The new seal features an oak branch representing strength, an olive branch for peace and the Latin words “fastosus,” “veneratio” and “institution,” which translate to pride, honor and tradition, he said. It also includes symbols such as the sun and water, Lamb said, to represent the district’s historical connection to Lewisville Lake, which was originally known as Lake Dallas.

A book, key, scroll and lamp are placed on the seal to represent education, family, success and knowledge, Lamb said. Two stars below the book on the seal represent the United States and Texas, while four stars above the lamp represent the four communities the district educates, Lake Dallas, Corinth, Hickory Creek and Shady Shores.

“It’s just a fitting tribute for our 100th-year celebration,” board President Sandra Drusch said. “[It’s] something Lake Dallas has never done.”

Prior to Monday’s vote, the seal was approved by bond attorneys for official paperwork. Lamb said the district plans to use the seal in the near future for district letterhead and important documents such as high school diplomas. The seal, its origin and its symbolic meaning will be introduced to the public in coming weeks via the district Web site, Lamb said.

BRITNEY TABOR can be reached at 940-566-6876. Her e-mail address is btabor@dentonrc.com.