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Graduating senior excelled academically, athletically and at motherhood
0Kaiyah Jones spent her senior year excelling academically, at work, at track and at motherhood. Despite working past midnight on a regular basis, the recent W.T. White graduate finished her school year with strong grades and as an acclaimed track-star who earned an athletic scholarship. “One of my biggest track accomplishments was running a lap (400 meters) in under a minute,” she said. “I was able to finish school, work, go to practice early in the mornings, and still make good grades and do everything right. I had a baby last year and still participated in Cross Country, came to…
Approved 2021-2022 budget includes $50.5 million in salary increases and funding for discipline reform
0The Board of Trustees has approved $50.5 million in salary increases for eligible employees for the 2021-2022 school year. The board also approved an increase in the minimum district hourly wage from $12.12 to $13.50 per hour, resulting in significant increases for CDL drivers, bus monitors, custodians, food service workers and many other positions. Employees in the positions that would be affected by the minimum hourly wage hike would receive an average increase of 10 percent, with some employees receiving slightly less or more depending on individual specifics. The increase to $13.50/hour impacts employees primarily in the Maintenance and Operations,…
Masks will be optional at district schools and facilities starting July 1
0Masks will be optional at district schools and facilities starting July 1. Since June 5, the district has highly encouraged everyone to continue wearing masks inside schools, on buses, and all district facilities. Masks were required at schools and facilities prior to June 5.
“Someone at the school actually believed in me” — high-achieving student thanks Hillcrest High for opening doors
0Paolaenid Rodney-Hernandez has been on the path to study neuroscience since she was in ninth grade, and has not missed a single academic or athletic opportunity that has presented itself along the way. Having already finished two years’ worth of college credits while in high school, the Hillcrest E-TECH graduate will start the Fall 2021 semester as a medical neuroscience student and an official member of the Power Dancers at the University of Texas at Dallas. “I have over $400,000 in combined scholarship offers from the 14 universities that I was accepted to,” Rodney-Hernandez said. “My mom is a single…