Dr. Nikki Nix, Chief Academic Officer for Godley ISD, served as one of four invited witnesses before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business on February 24, 2026, during a hearing focused on career and technical education and workforce development.

Nix was invited by U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, who represents Texas’ 25th Congressional District and serves as chairman of the committee. The hearing, titled “Career and Technical Education: Developing the Future of Main Street Success,” examined how career and technical education programs strengthen small businesses and build sustainable workforce pipelines.

In her testimony, Nix highlighted Godley ISD’s innovative approach to workforce preparation through The WILD (Wildcat Innovative Learning Destination), the district’s four-story career and technical education center that opened in 2024 at Godley High School. 

She shared how The WILD combines more than 77,000 square feet of academic space with dual-purpose event facilities, saving local taxpayers an estimated $55 million while creating authentic learning environments for students.

“Career and technical education is no longer an alternative pathway,” Nix told members of Congress. “It is an essential strategy for economic growth and small business sustainability.”

Godley ISD offers career and technical education programs at both the middle and high school levels, allowing students to explore career pathways in agriculture, health science, information technology, entrepreneurship, drone aviation and media production. Students can earn industry-recognized certifications aligned to workforce needs before graduation, strengthening their readiness for college, careers or military service.

Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear joined Nix in Washington, D.C., for the hearing and meetings with members of Congress.

While on Capitol Hill, district leaders also met with U.S. Rep. Craig Goldman, who represents Texas’ 12th Congressional District and serves a portion of Godley ISD in Tarrant County, to discuss continued federal support for public education and workforce development initiatives.