Northwest ISD board names first new early childhood center for Dr. David Hicks

The Northwest Independent School District board voted unanimously Monday to name the district’s first new early childhood center — part of the 2023 bond program — the Dr. David Hicks Early Childhood Center.

The facility, described in staff remarks as the first of four early childhood centers approved by voters in 2023, will be located in the Eaton High School zone off South Hillshire Drive north of East Baughns Ranch Road and is slated to open in August 2026.

Board discussion and reason: Jonathan Tusi, staff member (facility naming committee presenter), said Dr. Hicks was the committee’s leading nomination because he had a long career in education, including work in early childhood and community engagement. "He was a very big proponent of early childhood education," Tusi said. The committee considered multiple submissions but recommended Dr. Hicks based on nominations from former staff and descriptions of his commitment to young learners.

Action: Miss Cobb moved to name Early Childhood Center No. 1 "Dr. David Hicks Early Childhood Center," seconded by Dr. Rausch; the board voted 7-0 to approve the motion.

Family remarks: members of Dr. Hicks’ family were present. Tammy Hicks, identified in the meeting as family of Dr. Hicks, thanked the board and said, "He did strongly believe in children and putting them first in education and starting them in early."

Context: the district said dirt work has already begun at the site. The administration briefed the board on the naming policy that favors nominees with significant contributions to education and service to the district; staff said the committee is generally lenient but evaluates each submission against required criteria.

What’s next: staff will implement signage and include the new facility name in outreach materials ahead of the center’s August 2026 opening.