Noon Message to Families

At Cedar Hill Independent School District, we stand on the shoulders of giants. Their success has made our progress possible.

In celebration of Black History Month, I would like to specifically recognize the contributions of Fran Ruben, the first African American public official elected in Cedar Hill, serving on the Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees from 1993 through 2002. While Ruben was serving on the CHISD Board, a pre-teen scholar moved to Cedar Hill with his family in the late 1990s and graduated from the district in 2000. That kid grew up to be second-term Cedar Hill Mayor Stephen Mason, who became the City’s first African American Mayor in 2019.

There’s been a diverse group of individuals and groups who have contributed to Cedar Hill ISD’s success. And there’s also been a common thread. Every generation has understood the importance of paying it forward, in terms of donating their time and energy or realizing the needs of the scholars in the district.

Granted, the state funding isn’t what it was in previous eras. That, however, does not make it any less necessary to properly fund our public schools – which educate the vast majority of children in Cedar Hill.

Recommendation from Longhorn Futures Committee (LFC)

The district does not come up with the concept of a bond, in a vacuum. We have a Longhorn Futures Committee (LFC), who carefully and thoroughly studies, plans and vets through long term facility needs. Often times, the LFC identifies needs but decides not to place them in a recommended bond package, because they lack urgency.

The LFC encompasses many voices, with a wide range of perspectives from the Cedar Hill community. They take their assignment of evaluating district needs very seriously, and the recaps of their open-to-the-public meetings are available to anyone.

On January 16, representatives from the Longhorn Futures Committee made a recommendation to the CHISD Board of Trustees to add a bond measure on the May 4 Ballot. You can view their recommendation presentation by visiting this page.

Bond Election vs. Voter Approved Tax Rate Election

There’s a common misconception that a Bond and a Voter Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE) are interchangeable and serve the same purpose. In a nutshell, bonds are for buildings, upgrades and renovations, whereas a VATRE covers teacher pay and educational programs.

The district passed a VATRE by a 2-to-1 margin last fall, and our staff is extremely grateful for the voters’ decisive action. Think of a Bond and VATRE as the interior and exterior of your home. Few homeowners would let either fall into disrepair.

The district has a responsibility to meet the needs of 21st Century scholars, in terms of curriculum and facilities. No scholar or teacher should have to sit in a classroom with a leaky roof or in desks that are more than 20 years old.

I hate to admit it, but I’m old enough to share those tongue-in-cheek “I walked uphill to school both ways” type of stories with my own kids. But at the end of the day, all parents and community members want better for their children and grandchildren than what they dealt with in their formative years.

In addition to replacing outdated infrastructure, the district also currently leases its Transportation from a private owner. This was a decision set in motion prior to my arrival in 2019.

One thing is clear – the taxpayers would have a considerable savings if the district has its own Transportation Facility. There would be fewer maintenance costs associated with operating buses in a gravel parking lot that doesn’t fare well during inclement weather.

It’s time for our community to understand what unites us and why a May Bond Measure should be a priority.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerald B. Hudson

Superintendent

Cedar Hill ISD

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans.

Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.

The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression."

Nominated by her peers for empowering others!

"Mrs. Dawn is the person who knows her scholars, and parents she rises above the role while building those relationships. Her character shows much respect, encouraging others, and giving her all no matter what. If she sees a need she stops and takes care of it. Like when a scholar was crying because she was getting teased about her hair. Mrs. Dawn took the time to stop and comb the scholar's hair. That scholar will always remember Mrs. Dawn's act of kindness. If a teacher is having conflicts she steps in and supports her staff. She is visible in the hallways directing scholars and building relationships. At this time she is acting as principal for Dr. Lemons and she is doing a wonderful job. Mrs. Dawn shows all the elements of leading with heart, excellence, and empowerment. If I had to walk down the hallways with someone it would be Mrs. Dawn."

About the Longhorn Line Up:

All staff, families & community members are asked to nominate a current CHISD team member who is exhibiting the behaviors of the CHISD Leadership Definition. The UELP Longhorn Lineup submissions are collected throughout the year and announced on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month on social media and the Monday noon message. Any CHISD staff member can be nominated when they:

• Lead with Heart
• Expect Excellence
• Empower Others

We want our students performing their best AND feeling their best! Your student has access to telehealth through #SchoolMed when feeling unwell on campus!

¡Queremos que nuestros estudiantes se desempeñen lo mejor posible Y se sientan lo mejor posible! ¡Su estudiante tiene acceso a telesalud a través de #SchoolMed cuando no se siente bien en el campus!

Currently offered at Highlands Elementary, Bessie Coleman Middle School, and Collegiate Academy & High School.