Board Sends Letter to State Officials Regarding COVID-19

Our teachers and campus staff are the heart of our community. Our teachers, staff and administrators would like nothing more than to welcome every one of our over 21,000 students back to school; but when staff, many of whom have children in the District, are afraid to come back for in-person instruction due to an increase in the number of positive COVID cases, we have a problem that needs to be addressed. As conditions worsen and doubling rates increase, how can we honestly justify putting educators and their students in peril. At some point, when this health crisis levels off, it may be safe to bring everyone back into the classroom, but, as it stands right now, local school districts need the flexibility to make decisions based on a measured response to local conditions and data. As educators, we know that one size does not fit all.

Board Votes to Retire Hays High School Rebel Mascot

On Thursday, July 16, 2020, the Hays CISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to retire the Hays High School rebel mascot, clearing the way for a new mascot selection process to being in the coming months. The district said in a July 6, 2020 statement, “Based on student, teacher, and community feedback, the Hays CISD administration will recommend that the Board of Trustees vote to change the Hays High School rebel mascot. The mascot of a high school is supposed to serve as a unifying symbol and a rallying-point for school pride – a way for all students to collectively celebrate their academic, athletic, and fine arts accomplishments and cheer on their teams. When a mascot mires the school in political controversy and pits students, families, and community members against each other; it is time to change.”

Ginn Named New Dahlstrom MS Principal

Hays Consolidated Independent School District (Hays CISD) Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright announced Monday that Dedrah Ginn, current Dahlstrom Middle School assistant principal, will serve as the new principal for the campus beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. The announcement followed approval by the Board of Trustees at its June business meeting. Ginn brings with her more than a decade’s worth of experience in teaching and campus leadership.

Morales to Lead Lehman Mariachi Program

Hays Consolidated Independent School District (Hays CISD) Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright is pleased to announce the selection of Alondra Morales as the director of the award-winning Lehman High School mariachi band program, which includes the ensembles Mariachi Los Lobos, Mariachi Azul y Plata, Mariachi Luz de Luna, and Mariachi Primaria. She brings with her a combination of teaching and professional performance experience.

A Message from Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright: We Are Stronger Together

Nine days ago, nearly nine heartbreaking minutes were captured on video. In those minutes, George Floyd was murdered. Today, all four of those responsible were finally criminally charged. Mr. Floyd’s murder has opened, yet again, a suffering in America that continues to wound our collective soul. Following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his close confidant and Civil Rights Movement icon in his own right, former Atlanta Mayor and UN Ambassador Andrew Young, has said, “We were never concerned with who killed Martin Luther King, but what killed Martin Luther King" – an observation that still haunts us more than 50 years later. It is my hope and commitment that, this time, we can all do our part to unite in the cause of love and healing. Silence on the matter is no longer acceptable, because it is tantamount to complicity.