Noon Message From Dr. Hudson
November 6, 2023
Cedar Hill ISD Staff,
Opportunities.
That’s what we speak into truth for our scholars on a daily basis.
The voters of Cedar Hill have had two weeks to exercise their right to vote. Tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. is their final opportunity to do so.
I have utilized this editorial space in the past weeks and months to share the importance of having an active voice on the future of this community.
I strongly encourage everyone to exercise that right to vote, if you have not done so already.
The Voter Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE) or Prop A as it is listed on the ballot, includes an opportunity to increase teacher pay, while still lowering taxes, and the addition of police officers to our elementary schools.
They say it’s never too late to make an impact, but with this specific case, it will be too late at 7:01 p.m. tomorrow, so make a plan to get out to the polls.
As an educator, did you know that you have access to CHISD's Teacher Supply Warehouse? This amazing resource is available to provide you with the tools you need to inspire and empower your students.
- The Teacher Supply Warehouse is located at the Maddox Teaching and Learning Center (1533 High Pointe Lane) and will be open every other Wednesday from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Teachers will enter the Maddox Teaching and Learning Center through door #12, grab a bag, and select items from the elementary or secondary aisles.
- Teachers will be required to show their ID, sign in, and notate the items they picked up. Space is limited to only one person shopping at a time.
Cedar Hill ISD has partnered with Indiana Wesleyan University and Teachworthy to create a Grow Your Own program. The Grow Your Own program offers current paraprofessionals and guest teachers (substitutes) an opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree and teaching certification (s) while getting on-the-job experience. This is the final information session that will be held for those interested in being a part of the third cohort which will start in spring of 2024. These session will be recorded and shared with principals and department heads for those who are unable to attend.
Thursday, November 16, 2023
5:00-6:00 p.m.
Meeting ID
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 216-512-0552
PIN: 166 728 848#
The season of Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with the people you love, and reflect upon the many things you are thankful for. Take a moment to appreciate the blessings in your life- both big and small, and to cherish the memories you create with your loved ones. This is a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the company of family and friends, while indulging in delicious food and creating new traditions that will last for years to come
The holiday season is a beautiful time of year. However, it can be a season of stress and sadness. With that in mind, it is important for each of us to focus on wellness. Wellness is primarily being in good physical and mental health. Mental and physical health are closely linked so therefore problems in one area can impact the other. At the same time, improving your physical health can also benefit your mental health and other life domains, and vice versa. It is important to be aware that wellness is an intentional, ongoing, and holistic approach to having a healthy life.
Here are some easy things that you can do to stay healthy.
1. Get enough rest.
2. Go for a walk after dinner at least five nights per week.
3. Drink water.
4. Journal your thoughts.
5. Exercise at least 30 minutes per day (please consult your doctor before doing so).
6. Eat fruits and vegetables.
7. Spend time with friends and family.
8. Do something nice for yourself once per week.
9. Find a hobby that you enjoy.
10. Read or listen to a book that is helpful to you.
CHISD's VATRE is listed as Proposition A on the Ballot
A Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) is an election required by the State Legislature to ask voters to approve a modified tax rate to increase revenue for teachers and staff which directly impacts classroom instruction.
- Prop A is at the bottom of the ballot
Through a voter approved tax rate election (VATRE), Cedar Hill ISD is expected to generate an additional $6.8 million each year. A Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) is an election required by the State Legislature to ask voters to approve a modified tax rate to increase revenue for teachers and staff which directly impacts classroom instruction.
If voters approve Prop A, CHISD will have an additional $6.8 million each year to fund teacher salaries and hire additional police officers for our elementary schools.
A qualified teacher has the most significant impact on a child’s academic success. With the passage of the Prop A, CHISD will be able to offer competitive teacher salaries and retain the best teachers. The City of Cedar Hill needs high quality schools to attract businesses & economic development; CHISD needs the resources to attract and retain high quality instructors to promote student achievement.
If Prop A is approved, CHISD will give teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses a $2,500 stipend in January 2024.
If Prop A is approved, CHISD will give support staff including bus drivers, custodians and paraprofessionals a $1,000 stipend in January.
The mid-year stipends will cost a little more than $2.2 million.
This school year, CHISD teachers received a $1,800 raise. If Prop A is approved -- teachers will receive a $2,500 stipend in January. For starting teachers, this would put their salary for 2023-24 at $61,300.
If Prop A is approved, CHISD teachers will receive a salary increase of at least 5% in 2024-25 school year.
House Bill 3 is a new state law that requires districts to provide an armed security officer at each school. With voter approval, CHISD would add police officers to every elementary school. The officers would help protect the campus from intruders, but also serve as a role model and teach youth interaction with police classes.
Right now, CHISD does not have police officers assigned to elementary schools.
If approved by voters, newly hired police officers will make $33.65 an hour on a 226 day contract. ($60,846 base salary).
It will cost the district $848,200 to hire 9 police officers and equipment, leaving more than $623,000 unfunded.
CHISD is expected to receive $225,000 from the state to implement House Bill 3.
With voter approval, CHISD would add police officers to every elementary school. The officers would help protect the campus from intruders, but also serve as a role model and teach youth interaction with police classes,
- The state has not added new funding to schools despite a rise in cost of living and healthcare premiums.
- The district has combed through the budget and made $1.21 million in cuts through staff reductions and identifying positions and programs that could be funded through grants or federal funds.
- 48 positions were eliminated and the district retired Bray Elementary School as part of budget cuts.
- If Prop A passes, a $300,000 median priced home, with $100,000 homestead exemption, would pay $2,265 a year in the CHISD portion of the tax bill. In this scenario, the homeowner would pay $830 less than they paid in 2022 or save $69 a month.
- Cedar Hill ISD property taxes for citizens age 65 or older would not be affected by the school district’s elections as long as a homestead and over 65 exemption.
- Cedar Hill’s total tax rate has dropped 38 cents in the last seven years.
- Even though the CHISD tax rate is the lowest it has been in more than 7 years, tax bills are higher due to the overall property value growth, not the school district tax rate.
- CHISD has proposed a combined tax rate of $1.1326 per $100 of taxable property value.
