Dr. Hudson's Weekly Family Message

Last week, we discussed how the Texas State Legislature's discussion of passing School Vouchers could impact public school districts such as this one.

As it stands now, the Texas Senate voted to approve vouchers, which means it goes to the Texas House. Historically, the House has been more skeptical on advancing vouchers, but it remains to be seen how that will play out this time.

But it's not just Austin that's impacting our public schools -- it's also Washington.

The current administration is looking at abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, which would may or may not reach its 45th anniversary in May.

The Department of Education provides funding for many important programs such as Title I schools, Special Education and student loans. In the event the Department of Education is eliminated, its programs and responsibilities would go toward other federal agencies or to the states.

That may not sound so bad in theory, but you have to consider other federal agencies are facing cuts. And if it goes back to the states, not every state places as the same emphasis on funding public education.

Cedar Hill ISD is a Title I District where two thirds of our scholars are on free or reduced lunch. The free or reduced lunch program is also in jeopardy if the Department of Education goes away. Title I funds help districts with after school tutoring, specialized instructional staff and after school programs, among other things.

The decisions we make as citizens are creating issues that are staring us in the face. The legislative process in Austin and Washington may seem mundane and distant to our daily lives, but the truth is they're impacting us now more than ever.

Horns Up

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson, Superintendent

The Cedar Hill ISD Business Office earned the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) Award of Merit for the third consecutive year.

“It really helps to show the community that we have good practices in place and follow all of the laws and expectations,” CHISD Executive Director of Finance Paula McBride said.

Cedar Hill ISD was one of 80 school districts in Texas to win the award – out of approximately 1,200 school districts in the state. They will be recognized at a reception on February 26 during TASBO’s annual conference.

The Cedar Hill Independent School District and the Cedar Hill ISD Education Foundation (CHEF) will co-host the 2025 CHISD State of the District from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26 at the JoLynn Maddox Teaching & Learning Center, 1533 High Pointe Lane.

The event will provide a comprehensive look at CHISD’s achievements and challenges over the past year. The theme is “Expressions Of Us” with a focus on the district’s Fine Arts Programs.