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  • Hutto ISD joins lawsuit against the Texas Education ...

    September 20, 2023 Dear Hutto ISD Families and Staff, As your district’s elected and appointed leadership, we strongly feel that we have a responsibility to act in the best interest of public education, our students, staff and the Hippo Nation community. Tonight we passed a resolution to join a coalition of school districts across the state in taking legal action against the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Commissioner of Education to ensure fairness, equity and transparency in our accountability system. The TEA oversees the state’s accountability ratings and assigns A-F letter grades for schools and districts based on scores measuring three areas: student readiness for college or career, STAAR standardized tests, and graduation rates. The TEA announced a “refresh” to this system, sharing preliminary frameworks that are expected to reduce ratings drastically statewide.  Texas statute dictates that the TEA must present the accountability rating system and grading criteria to Texas school districts before the grading year begins. The statute also requires that the TEA release the prior year’s accountability ratings by August 15. Not only did the TEA not release the rating system in the 2022-23 school year, but have also delayed the issuance of the final rule for the accountability manual. “Accountability is an important aspect for a school district. However, the new system being implemented without advanced notice will give the false appearance that schools across the state—including Hutto ISD—are declining,” said Amy English, Vice President of Hutto ISD’s Board of Trustees. “Moving the goalpost after the game is over is unfair to our students and staff that have worked hard in preparing for the standardized tests.” “Hutto ISD, like all districts in Texas, firmly believes in a system of accountability—not only for our staff, but our students. We expect to meet and exceed high standards in our pursuit to provide students with a premier public education,” said Hutto ISD Superintendent Dr. Raúl Peña. “However, it is imperative that we are aware of the state’s expectations and guidelines ahead of time. Right now, the state’s new A-F rating system is to be applied retroactively after our students have been administered the annual STAAR test and a new school year has already begun.   “This eleventh-hour change to the accountability system does not reflect our district’s most recent improvements, which show Hutto ISD students currently outperforming the state in many areas. Simply put, our test scores have gone up, but under the new system our ratings are projected to decrease. The decision to modify these standards after our students have completed their assessments is both unfair and unjust.” Ultimately, the goal of the lawsuit is to halt the publication of all district accountability ratings in Texas for this year due to Texas Education Code requirements not being met by the TEA. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent the commissioner from issuing new ratings using the retroactively applied, yet-to-be-finalized measures.   Please contact your local legislators about the TEA’s inactions that will inevitably impact over five million students and many school districts across the state. You can find information about the accountability updates on the  TEA website . Sincerely, Hutto ISD Board of Trustees & Dr. Raúl Peña, Hutto ISD Superintendent Connect, Relate, Engage, Empower

    Wednesday, Sep 20 2023

  • September 2023 Hippo Monthly

    Good morning students, parents, teachers, and Hippo Nation community members, Please enjoy the September  Hippo Monthly Newsletter , sponsored by Tommy's Express Car Wash. Feel free to share the newsletter and encourage others to  subscribe   and receive Hippo Monthly in their inbox each month. NOTES:  The image links to a PDF version of the newsletter, the text links to a website version of the newsletter. Enjoy in your preferred method.  If you're receiving this newsletter at 6 p.m. and would rather receive it instantly, please change your notification preferences in ParentSquare to instant instead of digest. Connect, Relate, Engage, and Empower

    Wednesday, Sep 06 2023

  • Board Briefing for August 24, 2023

    The following information is provided as a quick reference of discussions and decisions that took place during the open session of the Hutto ISD School Board Meeting on August 24, 2023. Event live stream and archive meeting video now available .   REGULAR SESSION AGENDA District Recognitions View Presentation ,  Video Messages Hippos of the Month Jackson Seaman (CCES), Andres Hernandez (HES), Aaron Jones (HNES), Giovanni McDowell (KES), Weston Smurthwaite (NJES), Emily Campos (RES), Wesley Elizondo (VHE), Landon Scruggs (HMS), Lilliana Villegas (RHA), Anistyn Loyd (NGC), Kaleb Hopson (HHS) Staff of the Month Andrew Lawson (RHA) Teacher of the Month, Nichole Haberer (DAEP) Support Staff of the Month, and Linda Reynaga (pictured) College Street Department Employee of the Month Special Recognition of the Superintendent Board members gave special recognition of Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas's 41 year career in Public Education, 6 of which she served as superintendent for Hutto ISD. Dr. Thomas's last day is August 31st. Superintendent Report View Presentation  Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas gave an update on the state of the district. School Support Report View Presentation Dr. Mard Herrick, Interim Associate Superintendent of Innovation and Instruction gave an update on Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, State, Federal & Special Programs, Student Services & PEIMS, and Campus Operations & CTE. Additional Days School Year (ADSY) Calendar at Veterans’ Hill Elementary Summer Stampede Program View Presentation The 2023 VHES Summer Stampede (PK-5th Grade) featured 225 students, 25 days of hands-on learning with an average of 79% daily attendance. At the conclusion, 100% of families reported they would enroll their child the following summer. 91% of staff said they would return to teach. 59% of students maintained or increased their score in ELA and 67% of students maintained or increased their score in math. Preliminary STAAR Scores Grades 3-8 View Presentation Melissa Haney, Integrated Systems Manager, presented Spring STAAR Test results. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Information Items Operations Update Presentation ,  Construction Update Presentation Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Henry Gideon, provided an update on Operations to include transportation, facilities, grounds and warehouse, custodial, safety, health services and the technology department. In addition, an update was provided regarding construction projects. Monthly Finance Report View Presentation Chief Financial Officer Caleb Steed presented the Monthly Financial Report for July. Executive Director of Communication and Community Relations View Presentation   Noelle Newton, Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations provided an update on district communications. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources  View Presentation   Dr. Cara Malone, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, gave an update on HR.   CONSENT ITEMS Under consent the Board of Trustees approved the following items. a. Minutes of the Previous Meetings b. Purchases Greater than $50,000 c. Consideration and Approval of Class Size Waivers - pulled for later discussion d. Consideration and Approval of the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Participation and Access to Williamson County's Dispatch Services and Public Safety Software Systems and Related Support Services e. Consideration and Approval of a Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Hutto Independent School District Concerning Compliance with Certain Public School Safety and Security Requirements and other Matters Related Thereto   ACTION ITEMS a. Approval of Proposed Personnel Requests b. Approval of Educational Specifications in Support of the May 2023 Bond Program c. Approval to Publish the Proposed 2023 Maintenance and Operations Tax Rate of $0.038320 for the East Williamson County Higher Education Center d. Approval of the Hutto ISD M&O and I&S Tax Rates - Total $1.20750, a decrease of $.1854 from last year's overall tax rate e. Action to Approve an Agreement for the Purchase of Attendance Credit (Option 3 Agreement) and to Delegate Contractual Authority to the Superintendent f. Approval to Expand the Hutto ISD Police Department to Comply with HB3 Safety Requirements - Authorized expansion of the police department for nine additional police officers g. Approval of the Centegix Crisis Alert System in Response to TEA School Safety Standards and in Compliance with State and Federal Kari's Law and the Ray Baum Act   Upcoming School Board Events Aug. 25, HHS Football Freedom Game, 8 p.m., Hutto Memorial Stadium Aug. 29, Special Called Meeting Grievance Hearing, 6 p.m., Board Room Aug. 30, NGC Open House, 5:30-7 p.m., NGC Aug. 31, Special Called Board Meeting to Hire the New Superintendent and Meet and Greet immediately following, 6 p.m., Board Room Sept. 4, Labor Day Holiday, District Closed Sept. 14, Public Hearing EWCHEC Branch Maintenance Tax, 5:30 p.m., Board Room Sept. 15, HMS Choir National Anthem at the Round Rock Express, 6 p.m., Dell Diamond Sept. 20, Hanging with the Hippos, 9:30-11 a.m., CCES Sept. 28 - Oct. 1, TASA/TASB Convention, Dallas Next Board Meeting Sept. 26, Regular Board Meeting, 6 p.m., Board Room   Welcome to Hippo Nation! Review Hutto ISD New Hires . View outgoing employees here . Thank you for your service! Connect, Relate, Engage, Empower

    Friday, Aug 25 2023

  • Welcome Reception for Dr. Raúl Peña, Our Future Supe...

    Connect, Relate, Engage, and Empower

    Thursday, Aug 24 2023

  • Transportation Tip of the Day: Releasing students t...

    August 23, 2023 Dear Parents/Guardians,  This Transportation Tip of the Day involves the safe reunification of students and parents when incidents occur. When a bus driver must pause their intended route due to an onboard safety issue, mechanical issue, or accident, by district policy, they must maintain custody of the students on the bus until the students arrive at their intended destination. This means, if the bus is pulled to the side of the road, parents cannot take their children into custody. A bus driver does not have a way to immediately verify who is the true parent or guardian.  When an incident occurs and a driver needs assistance, the Transportation Department will route resources as quickly as they can to get the bus back on the road, or transfer students to a back up bus. If a safety matter requires law enforcement intervention, the Hutto ISD Police Department will intervene and assist.   Every effort is also made to communicate in a timely manner to our parents through ParentSquare or Ride 360 when there are delays.  We understand students have cell phones and do call during incidents which can cause concern. Please understand that if a parent drives to a scene, the student will not be released. This is for your student’s safety and for the safety of those on the roadways. If you receive a call from your student, you may always call the Transportation Department at 512-759-2105 for information.  Should an incident occur in the morning routes, parents are welcome to drive to the campus to meet their student. If an incident occurs on an afternoon route, parents may meet their student at the assigned bus stop. Working together, we can continue to ensure that bus transportation is the safest method of getting our students to and from school. Connect, Relate, Engage, and Empower

    Wednesday, Aug 23 2023

  • 2023 Game Day Safety and Security Message

    August 21, 2023  Greetings Hippo Nation, As we begin another exciting year of athletic events, we want you to be prepared as you enter our athletic facilities to see our Hippos compete for yet another HIPPO WIN ! While you review our "know before you go information," please note several changes.  Our game time for the Freedom Game this Friday has been pushed back to 8 p.m. due to the heat. Gates now open at 6:30 p.m. If you plan to attend, it is recommended you arrive early as there have been parking changes since last season and the District safety personnel will be utilizing a walk-through weapons detection system.  MARK YOUR CALENDAR - HHS HOME FOOTBALL SCHEDULE August 25, Freedom Game -  Hippos Vs. San Marcos, 8:00 p.m. sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Free game tickets and food (first come, first served) for Military Members and First Responders with proof of ID. Special Recognition starts at 7:30 p.m. on the track before kick off. September 22, Homecoming Game -  Hippos Vs. Waco Midway, 7:30 p.m., sponsored by Covert Hutto October 13, Pink Out Game - Hippos Vs. Temple, 7:30 p.m. sponsored by Temple College October 27, Senior Night - Hippos vs Bryan, 7:30 p.m. sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Complete HHS Football Schedule KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - HUTTO MEMORIAL STADIUM Weapons Detection System To enhance safety, the District is piloting the use of a walk-through weapons detection system.  Parking for Home Varsity Football Games  Please park on the side that matches your ticket (Home or Visitor). Attendees who park on the opposite side as ticketed will not be able to access the opposite side once inside the stadium. Overflow Home Parking is located at Nadine Johnson Elementary School. You may park at the school, and walk up the bus loop to the home side entrance. General Information Employee Badge gets employee +1 free into athletic events (General Admission) Badge +1 for varsity football is general admission seating, not reserved Students under 14 MUST have a parent with them in order to attend the event. Dropping off students is not allowed. No Yeti Cups or similar style containers allowed No outside food or beverage will be allowed Hutto ISD has gone cashless for tickets, concessions and Team Spirit Store Team Spirit Store will open at the same time gates open to the general pub No umbrellas allowed at any time A Clear Bag Policy is in effect for all athletic events No backpacks of any sort will be allowed. They will not be allowed to be left at the gate.  Gates open 30 minutes before the game (Junior High Football/Soccer, Freshman/JV Football, JV/V Soccer, All Track) Gates open 90 minutes before Varsity Football games, for example, for a 7:30 p.m. game time, gates open at 6 p.m. No animals allowed with the exception of service animals to aid guests with disabilities KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL GYMS, BASEBALL & SOFTBALL Employee Badge gets employee +1 free into athletic events Students under 14 MUST have a parent with them in order to attend the event.  Dropping off students is not allowed. No Yeti Cups or similar style containers allowed No outside food or beverage will be allowed Hutto ISD has gone cashless for tickets and concessions Umbrellas allowed; please be courteous to fans' view in bleachers and behind home plate. Please use top rows of bleachers, or stand in the grass off to the side A Clear Bag Policy is in effect for all athletic events (See details below.) No backpacks of any sort will be allowed Doors open 30 minutes before the game No animals allowed with the exception of service animals to aid guests with disabilities Livestream Some Hutto ISD Athletic Events will be livestreamed. Events include: Varsity Football home and away, home varsity volleyball, home varsity girls and boys basketball, home girls and boys soccer, and home varsity wrestling. Varsity football is $8 to view. All other sports are $8 for a single event, $15 for a month’s viewing, and $75 for annual viewing. Livestream events can be found at:  https://watchthehippos.com/ . Thank you for supporting our student-athletes and our coaching staff. We hope all teams have an awesome 2023-24 season. BE LOUD, BE POSITIVE , and  HAVE FUN . See you at the games! Coach LaPlante Hutto ISD Athletic Director #BuildingChampions Connect, Relate, Engage, and Empower

    Monday, Aug 21 2023

  • Chromebook Device Insurance

    Dear Parents/Guardians, From now until September 4, parents of 6-12th graders may purchase insurance for their student’s Chromebook device . Hutto ISD strongly recommends purchasing this insurance.  The device insurance can be purchased  online  at a cost of $25 dollars per student, plus a processing fee and is good for one school year. The device insurance covers accidental damages. Without the insurance, parents will receive an invoice for the cost of repair parts which typically cost more than the insurance. Some parts can be well over $100 dollars.  The device insurance gives parents the peace of mind of knowing you won’t get any large, unexpected invoices. Review the   1:1 student/parent device agreement  for the full comparison of having the device insurance option versus no insurance. If you bought insurance last year, please be sure to purchase it again for the new school year to maintain coverage. Remember, insurance for the new school year must be purchased by September 4. If you have any questions about the device insurance option, please email  chromebook@huttoisd.net . Connect, Relate, Engage, and Empower

    Thursday, Aug 17 2023

  • Board Briefing for August 10, 2023

    The following information is provided as a quick reference of discussions and decisions  August 10, 2023. Event live stream and archive meeting video  now available .   CLOSED SESSION ITEMS New Positions Approved - Jeffrey Leth, Director of Finance    REGULAR SESSION AGENDA Attendance Rezoning Process View Presentation Superintendent Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas and Assistant Superintendent of Operations Henry Gideon discussed the process of rezoning and planning for the August 2024 opening of Gus Almquist Middle School. During the fall of 2023, the superintendent will empanel an Attendance Rezoning and Boundary Leveling Committee to work with the administration and district demographer to develop draft recommendations for Board consideration by December with final recommendations for Board approval by January 2024. Temple College Budget Presentation View Presentation Brandon Bozon, Temple College VP Administrative Services & CFO presented the East Williamson County Higher Education Center proposed tax rate for 2023-24.  Presentation on Safety Requirements/ Presentation on Increasing the Police Department to Meet HB 3 Requirements  View Safety Requirements Presentation Henry Gideon, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Christopher Contreras, District Safety & Emergency Operations Supervisor, and Hutto ISD Police Chief William Edwards discussed new TEA Safety Standards and Mandates as well as HB 3. Items discussed included the addition of ballistic film to certain windows, silent panic alert technology for all staff, increased height of fencing and a new bill that requires a board of trustees to ensure that one armed security officer is present during regular school hours at each campus. There are good cause exceptions to the armed security personnel requirement. The board will review recommendations and take action on August 24. Update on the Purchase of Approximately 114 Acres Located at 9500 State Highway 130 in Hutto View Presentation Henry Gideon, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, presented a report on Due Diligence reviews and analysis of real property under contract for a future school site. State Law requires a 3rd party appraisal; environmental assessment; historical and antiquities studies; along with engineering analysis as to the Accessibility, Feasibility, Suitability, and “Build-ability” of the subject matter property. Pending completion of all studies, assessments, and analysis, the Superintendent and Board President will proceed to closing. This site is for a possible future (third) high school.   CONSENT AGENDA Under consent, the Board of Trustees approved the following items. a. Approval of the TTESS/TPESS Appraisers  b. Approval of the 2023-2024 Temple College Dual Credit Program Memorandum of Understanding c. Approval of the Temple College Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the use of the Branch Maintenance Tax   Upcoming School Board Events Aug. 16, Meet the Hippos, 6-8:30 p.m., Hutto Memorial Stadium Aug. 19, Henrietta Hoopla, 6 p.m., YMCA Aug. 21, HHS Open House, 5:30-7 p.m., HHS Aug. 23, Middle School Open House, 5:30-7 p.m., HMS & FMS Aug. 24, Public Hearing to Adopt EWCHEC Branch Campus Maintenance Tax, 5:30 p.m., Board Room Aug. 25, HS Freedom Game, 7 p.m., Hutto Memorial Stadium Aug. 30, NGC Open House, 5:30-7 p.m., NGC Next Board Meeting Aug. 24, Board Meeting, 6 p.m., Board Room Connect, Relate, Engage, and Empower

    Friday, Aug 11 2023

  • Hutto ISD Names Dr. Raúl Peña Lone Finalist for Supe...

    August 10, 2023   Hutto ISD Names Dr. Raúl Peña Lone Finalist for Superintendent   After a lengthy process of gathering stakeholder input, a nationwide search which included the review of 54 applicants, and a comprehensive interview process of the top applicants, the Hutto ISD School Board is pleased to announce Dr. Raúl Peña as the lone finalist for Superintendent of the Hutto Independent School District. Dr. Peña currently holds the position of Chief Talent Officer at Fort Worth ISD, serving more than 75,000 students and 11,000 employees. A lifelong, bilingual educator, Dr. Peña has a proven record of school improvement, authentic community engagement and high-quality instructional practices.  A believer in the power of collective forces working together to influence change, he has dedicated his life to supporting families and students. As an English learner himself, he recognizes the needs of students and their parents who are learning English as a second language. He approaches every relationship through the lens of inclusivity, respect, gratitude and humility. He has consistently focused on closing equity gaps and helping all students achieve college, career and military readiness. A collaborative leader, Dr. Peña works to identify and implement research-based programs and strategies to meet the social and emotional needs of all students. For the past two years, Dr. Peña has served as the leader of Fort Worth ISD’s Talent Management Department. In this role, he revitalized the hiring processes and improved staff retention. With a history of innovation, his partnership with the George W. Bush Institute reshaped administrative hiring and is expanding to other impactful leadership roles. Previously, he served as the Chief of Elementary Schools in Fort Worth ISD, overseeing 76 campuses. Dr. Peña also has experience as an Executive Director in Dallas ISD. He has served as a Principal and Assistant Principal in Irving ISD, and Principal in Lewisville ISD. Dr. Peña began his educational career as a bilingual teacher in Dallas ISD. Dr. Peña holds his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and his Master of Education from Texas Woman’s University. He also completed the Harvard National Institute for Urban School Leaders. He and his wife, Misti, have three children and are looking forward to making Hutto their home.  Hutto ISD Board President, Billie Logiudice, believes Dr. Peña is a great fit to serve the District as its next leader.   “The Hutto ISD Board of Trustees is excited to announce the naming of Dr. Raúl Peña as the Lone Finalist and candidate to be the next Head Hippo to continue moving us forward as the premier choice in education through innovation, leadership and diversity,” said Logiudice. “In addition to having a heart for all student achievements, Dr. Peña has extensive background knowledge in leading large school districts and galvanizing community efforts. “We look forward to his fresh perspective and welcoming him and his family to the Hippo Nation. He has been successful in all of the educational positions he’s previously held and will bring added value to the wealth of knowledge and solid foundation that has been laid by the leaders before him. Our board believes Dr. Peña is the perfect fit to lead us forward.”    Dr. Peña is excited to have the opportunity to serve the Hutto ISD as Superintendent and work with the School Board, parents, staff, students and the community on a shared vision of providing the very best educational experiences for all students. “I am extremely humbled and honored to join the Hutto ISD team. I look forward to meeting with our stakeholders, visiting classrooms, and working together to create world-class problem solvers and 21st-century learners. I am committed to inspiring excellence,” said Dr. Peña.     Pending official approval of his contract, Dr. Peña will begin his role as Hutto ISD Superintendent on September 1, 2023. Connect, Relate, Engage, and Empower

    Thursday, Aug 10 2023

  • Meal Payments and Applications

         NEW ONLINE PAYMENT & FREE/REDUCED APPLICATION WEBSITE: LINQ Connect     Hello Parents/Guardians, This letter is to inform you that the district has started utilizing a new system to where you can make online payments and submit online meal applications for your students’. We are no longer using the old system (MSB) so you are now unable to make payments with your old account. Balances in MSB were transferred over to the new system.  Payments can still be made with cash or check at any cafeteria register with the cashier. To make online or reoccurring payments, you must go to  https://linqconnect.com and make a new account in order to continue making online payments towards your students’ meals. You can also submit a meal application through LINQ Connect for the current school year. Click on “Sign up today!” to begin the process of making a new account and be sure to have the following information to successfully link your student(s) to your account: First Name Last Name Date of Birth You can visit https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new?identifier=UZ62HV to fill out your online meal application for school year 2023-2024. It is recommended that you put in your email address when submitting your application for a quick result. Be on the lookout for an email from Titan School Solutions for eligibility results.  For further questions, please call the Child Nutrition Department or the support line for TITAN School Solutions at 916-467-4700 option 2. Sincerely, Child Nutrition Department 512-759-2164  

    Wednesday, Aug 09 2023