Uvalde Southwest Neighborhood Association seeking $1.5 million grant that would add and connect sidewalks on Westside to TXDOT Sidewalk project
04-09-25
By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
Approximately 30 people attended tonight’s Uvalde Southwest Neighborhood Association’s meeting held at the Tomas Valle American Legion 479. At the meeting, Uvalde CISD superintendent Ashley Chohis discussed the District’s after school programs including working with the Uvalde Boys and Girls Club. She stated the school has partnered with the organization and said students who want to participate in activities and sports offered can do so at a reduced or no cost fee depending on the family’s situation.
Chohlis fielded questions about the Texas Legislative Session and the proposed School Voucher Bill which is expected to pass. District 8o Representative Don McLaughlin seems to support the school voucher bill according to a recent mailer received a few weeks ago by local residents.
Chohlis stated that under the current voucher plan, parents who decide to send their students to private schools would be eligible for $8000 property tax credit which she believes will take away money from public schools. She said that if a student has learning difficulties or has other difficulties, private schools can choose what students can enroll. Uvalde CISD accepts all students. Another difference Cholis pointed out between public and private schools is that teachers at public schools are required to be accredited under most circumstances while private school teachers do not have to be accredited.
When asked about the future of Batesville School, Cholis said the district is planning on making Batesville school an Agri-Tech school where students can learn about agriculture, artificial intelligence and other specialized learning experiences.
She hopes this new emphasis will draw students to want to attend Batesville School.
Simon Ortiz discussed a $1.5 million grant the neighborhood association is seeking to add sidewalks on the westside of Uvalde and connect the new and existing sidewalls to the new sidewalks TXDOT is planning on adding. The grant is through the City of Uvalde Grant Committee that the association successfully lobbied to form, and association members participate in its work.
