What is the Made for More plan?

A phased process to better align CHISD resources and facilities with instructional needs. 

1. The first phase involves reconfiguring the Ninth Grade Center (NGC). Incoming ninth-grade scholars will attend Cedar Hill High School. Starting next school year Cedar Hill Collegiate Academy and High School scholars and staff will move from their current building to the current Ninth Grade Center. 
2. The second phase includes repurposing the current Collegiate Academy and High School campus into a district professional development center. The professional development center for staff will open in August 2020.
3. The third phase of the plan will incorporate engaging the business community, students, staff and residents to design a STEM/CTE Center in a section of the building shared with Collegiate Academy and High School scholars.  

What is the timeline for this project?

• February 2020: CHISD will inform all stakeholders of the changes.
• February - March 2020: Selection of members of the two working teams (Navigators & Innovators) will begin in March with the first meetings scheduled following Spring Break.
• March-July 2020: Both working teams will meet regularly for the remainder of the school year and summer.
• June-July 2020: CHISD maintenance staff will make necessary changes and upgrades to the buildings.
• March 2020 - August 2021: CHISD works with the community on developing and implementing STEM Center.

Why is CHISD making these changes now?

The results of a comparison study showed that there is a large amount of space at the NGC not sufficiently being used considering the number of ninth-graders enrolled at the building. Since the district is maintaining unused instructional space, resources are being directed to facilities instead of CHISD’s top priority: scholars.

When will the changes go into effect?

Starting with the 2020-21 school year. 

How can I stay informed and contribute to the process as the project moves along? 

The district will provide monthly updates on the progress of the changes and feedback from the two working teams. These updates will be provided during monthly regularly scheduled Board meetings, social media, on chisd.net/madeformore and in the monthly Administrative Report. 

Will all of the expected ninth grade scholars fit inside Cedar Hill High School? 

Yes. The building capacity of Cedar Hill HS is 2,450 with a current enrollment of 1,798. The current enrollment of ninth grade scholars is 435.

What are the concerns and benefits of moving the incoming ninth-graders to CHHS?

This change will mean less transition for scholars and more immediate acclimation to high school procedures, expectations and activities. The changes will also increase options beyond the standard curriculum and provides choice for families.   

How does better utilization of a building translate into better academic outcomes?

Combining 9-12 allows for more effective use of full-time staff. Teachers will be able to teach more classes because this plan removes the travel period. As a result, there is the ability to offer a more diversified selection of courses for both core content and electives.

How will these changes affect transportation for my child?

Transportation will still be provided to all scholars who live outside of the 2 miles radius of their school. Details regarding changes to routes, bus stop locations or times will be reviewed and communicated with families. 

Why was Collegiate Academy and High School selected to move to the Ninth Grade Center?

During the Discussions with Dr. Hudson forums held in fall 2019, the community overwhelmingly showed support for continuing and expanding the Collegiate pathway. Collegiate Academy and High School consistently receive a high number of applications for scholars, a larger building allows the district to accept more scholars interested in the program.

What are the plans for the current Collegiate Academy and High School campus?

CHISD will use the current Collegiate Academy and High School building as the new PD Center, a space for professional and personal development. Scholars and staff from STRIVE will move to the center along with the academic department, instructional coaches and a Director of Professional Development. 

What will happen to the equipment, resources, supplies and furniture at Collegiate Academy and High School?

Members of the Navigators team will review all the resources available in both buildings and make necessary adjustments most beneficial to scholars. Much of the equipment and resources will follow the scholars with plans of additional resources to support new career and technical education pathways.

Will CHISD provide transportation for Collegiate Academy and High School scholars?

A student is eligible to ride the bus at no charge if his/her residence is 2 miles or more from school. The 2 miles are measured via the shortest vehicular route between the front of the residence and the street in front of the school flag pole. The district operates a “hub system” for the Collegiate Pathway, this will continue although pick up/drop off locations may be adjusted.

Will my Collegiate scholar still attend classes at Cedar Valley College?

At this time, there are no planned changes to the classes offered at CVC for Collegiate High School scholars.

How will these changes affect transportation for my child?

Transportation will still be provided to all scholars who live outside of the 2 miles radius of their school. Details regarding changes to routes, bus stop locations or times will be reviewed and communicated with families. 

Districtwide Benefits

Will other campuses benefit from the changes in the Made for More plan?

Because of this plan, we expect to maximize efficiency and partner with community members to provide additional financial support.  The district plans to expand Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) to all secondary campuses, phase in the addition of a full-time art teacher at ever elementary campus, middle school scholars will be exposed to Career and Technical Education (CTE) and STEM courses at the new STEM Center.  

Will other campuses benefit from the changes in the Made for More plan?

Because of this plan, we expect to maximize efficiency and partner with community members to provide additional financial support.  The district plans to expand Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) to all secondary campuses, phase in the addition of a full-time art teacher at ever elementary campus, middle school scholars will be exposed to Career and Technical Education (CTE) and STEM courses at the new STEM Center.  

What are the plans for the current Collegiate Academy and High School campus?

CHISD will use the current Collegiate Academy and High School building as the new PD Center, a space for professional and personal development. Scholars and staff from STRIVE will move to the center along with the academic department, instructional coaches and a Director of Professional Development. 

Who will be involved in decision making?

For Phases 1 and 2, the decision making was spearheaded by district leadership after meeting with the community and staff during Discussions with Dr. Hudson. For Phase 3, two working teams will be developed. These teams will provide leadership in defining the desired instructional program and the vision for implementing a STEM Career Center/Collegiate Pathway. 

• Team #1 - The Innovators: This group will comprise the District Educational Improvement Committee (DEIC) members, academic staff, and business leaders who will help the district dream big. The committee will be selected by the superintendent.
• Team  #2 - The Navigators: This group will comprise operations, finance and school leadership staff who will review building capacity data, and execute operational tasks and policy changes needed to ensure deadlines are met. The committee will be selected by the superintendent.

When will new CTE pathways and STEM programs be available to scholars?

The district will begin a year of planning to implement STEM programs to serve all scholars. Additionally, it is expected that new CTE pathways will be offered starting with the 2021-22 school year.

What is changing for the CHISD choice program application process?

No changes are planned for the 2020-21 school year. The Innovators team will review the application processes and program capacity to make a recommendation to the superintendent regarding any changes.