Hays CISD Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

Hays CISD is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month! Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean have made to American society and culture. The observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Just two decades later, lawmakers expanded it to a monthlong celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.

Nominees Sought for Hays CISD District Leadership Team (DLT)

Hays CISD’s District Leadership Team (DLT) serves as an advisory committee to provide input to the superintendent throughout the school year. The committee is comprised of teachers, non-teaching professionals, parents, and business and community members as outlined in board policy. Committee members serve staggered terms. The committee is currently seeking nominations from the following categories for 2020-2021: three parents (one from each high school feeder pattern), two business members, and two community members (community members are residents that do not have children enrolled in Hays CISD schools).

Statement Regarding Arrest of DMS Teacher Townsend

On July 27, 2020, Hays CISD was notified by the Kyle Police Department that it was investigating Dahlstrom Middle School Assistant Band Director Tyler Townsend for possible criminal activity involving possession or promotion of child pornography. Townsend was immediately placed on administrative leave the same day. (full statement continues using the 'Read More' button)

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.”