Pflugerville - Hutto Edition | September 2025

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Pugerville Hutto Edition VOLUME 21, ISSUE 1 SEPT. 11OCT. 9, 2025

2025 Education Edition

Districts work to modernize, expand schools

Pugerville ISD

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

HARRIS BRANCH PKWY.

PfISD CTE center

Improvements to facilities at Pugerville and Hutto ISDs are underway as the school districts work to accommodate future growth and provide new opportunities for students. Major projects include PfISD’s Career and Tech- nical Education Center, which is slated to break ground this fall. In HISD, work is underway to convert the Ninth Grade Center into the district’s second comprehen- sive high school. The new school will include an auditorium, competition gym and other athletic improvements for baseball, softball and tennis. Hutto High School and PfISD’s Connally High School are also both undergoing renovations. “From a big picture perspective, the district’s always trying to provide equity,” said Dustin Bar- ton, HISD’s assistant superintendent of operations. “We want to ensure that our exterior envelope is good [and] our interior should look good, so we focus on a lot of what we call deferred maintenance projects to ensure there’s equity.”

Pugerville’s new Career and Technical Education Center will feature an automotive shop. (Courtesy Pugerville ISD)

Hutto ISD

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A new auditorium is planned for Hutto ISD’s second high school. (Courtesy Hutto ISD)

Also in this issue Impacts: Learn about a new smoothie spot planned for Pugerville (Page 6)

Premium sponsor

INSIDE

Development: Catch up on plans for a new mixed-use project in Hutto (Page 15)

Taking your health goals even pfurther.

At the new Baylor Scott & White Clinic  Pflugerville Medical Center Building 2, you’ll find more of the care you need right here in your community. We’re bringing additional specialty and imaging services to the Pflugerville Medical Center campus, including:

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Infectious disease Interventional cardiology Interventional radiology

Orthopedic surgery Pain management Podiatry Speech therapy

Neurology Optometry

Discover all this, plus primary care, nuclear medicine, cardiac catheterization and an expanded emergency department. That’s how we help keep you and Pflugerville thriving.

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson

Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia

Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst

Amy Leonard Bryant General Manager abryant@ communityimpact.com

Shannon West Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Austin Market President Travis Baker

Grant Crawford Editor gcrawford@ communityimpact.com

Heather Hall Account Executive hhall@ communityimpact.com

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PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION

Impacts

Pugerville

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BY GRANT CRAWFORD & GRACIE WARHURST

W. GRIMES VD.

137

THREE POINTS RD.

Coming soon

What's next

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LIMESTONE COMMERCIAL DR.

Pugerville

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685

2 Juiceland A new Juiceland is expected to open inside H-E-B on Pugerville Parkway. The shop, which sells a variety of juices, smoothies and bowls, would be the rst in Pugerville. Founder Matt Shook said the store is targeting a December opening, with construction beginning in October. • Opening December 2025 • 2641 E. Pflugerville Parkway, Pflugerville • www.juiceland.com

4 Cava The Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant plans to open in Stone Hill Town Center, according to a ling with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The restaurant serves customizable bowls and pita wraps with various protein options, including steak, lamb, falafel and chicken. Per the ling, Cava will begin work in March 2026 and nish construction in late June 2026. • 18709 Limestone Commercial Drive, Pflugerville • www.cava.com

E. HOWARD LN.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Now open

Coming soon

Relocations

1 Beautician Mix Beauty Supply The shop recently opened a new location in Pugerville, oering a variety of supplies for beauty, cosmetic and personal care. Hair products, wigs, barber supplies and makeup are available for purchase. The business has another location on Riverside Drive in Austin. • Opened Aug. 16 • 15635 Vision Drive, Ste. 103, Pflugerville • www.facebook.com/beauticianmix

3 Monument Pilates The tness business will oer three types of classes: classical, contemporary and a beginner “fundamental apparatus” class. Owned by Maggie Jones and Andrew Abrahamson, the new studio hopes to “bridge community with pilates” by building on the foundation of Joseph Pilates’ teachings. • Opening this summer • 1900 E. Howard Lane, Pflugerville • www.monumentpilates.com

5 Saint Joan of Arc Episcopal Church The church recently moved from its location on Picadilly Court in Pugerville to a new space on FM 685, in an eort to be more accessible. The church, which holds services every Sunday at 10 a.m., was rst established in 2019 by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. • Relocated Aug. 18 • 616 FM 685, Ste. 208-B, Pflugerville • www.saintjoans.org

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Impacts

Hutto

BY GRANT CRAWFORD & BROOKE SJOBERG

What’s next

Now open

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100

5 Frost Bank A new location of Frost Bank is planned to go in Townwest Commons, according to a ling with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The project is expected to begin in November and nish in February 2026. The bank oers both personal and business nancial services. • Opening TBD • 170 Alliance Blvd., Ste. 100, Hutto • www.frostbank.com 6 Amy’s Ice Creams A new location of the Austin-based ice cream shop is planned for Townwest Commons, according to the NewQuest website. The shop’s menu of avors include Mexican vanilla, Belgian chocolate, sweet cream, strawberry, Zilker mint chip and more. • Opening TBD

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TRADESMENS PARK DR.

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3 HT Fitness The gym oers 24-hour access and includes a variety of cardio and weight-lifting equipment. Individual, couples and family memberships are available, while the gym also provides free group classes, child care and weekly tness camps. The company has locations throughout Texas, including in Taylor, Manor and Bastrop, and has plans for new locations in Liberty Hill and Georgetown. • Opened Aug. 8 • 101 Star Ranch Blvd. N., Hutto • www.htit.com/hutto

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Hutto

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STAR RANCH BLVD. N.

• 150 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.amysicecreams.com

197

In the news

137

GATTIS SCHOOL RD.

7 CrossFit Hutto The CrossFit gym recently changed ownership with Racheal and Ryan Kalmbach taking over operations on Sept. 1. Racheal said the business has been open for about 10 years, many of which she was a member of the gym for. Members can also expect the same sta and schedule going forward. • 300 Tradesmens Park Drive, Ste. 600, Hutto • www.crossithutto.com 8 Starmark The Hutto-based business oering dog training, boarding services and pet products marked 30 years of operation at the end of July. Founded in 1995 by Jerry Wolfe and Keith Benson, Starmark has grown to include three separate businesses under its umbrella: Starmark Animal Behavior Center, Starmark Pet Products and Starmark Academy, where dog trainers can go for certication. • 200 CR 197, Hutto • www.starmarkacademy.com

138

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Westmoreland said he nds items by purchasing storage containers, attending estate sales and visiting other sites. • Opened May 10 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 138, Hutto • Facebook: Second Chance Resale Store

Now open

1 L/A Skin Club The facial spa recently began oering appointments within Myrna Rose Salon & Spa in Hutto. Owned by Linnet Alvarez, a licensed esthetician, the company provides facials, waxing, and lashes and brows services. • Opened July 12

Coming soon

4 Panera Bread The fast-casual restaurant serves soups, sandwiches, pizza and oers catering. The company recently started the hiring process for this new location, according to its website. • Opening TBD • 320 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto • www.panerabread.com

• 203 N. FM 1660, Hutto • www.laskinclubatx.com

2 Second Chance Resale The shop sells second-hand furniture, new and used clothes, books, knick knacks, decor, antiques, memorabilia, games and more. Owner Waylon

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Impacts Round Rock

the cocktail menu will include familiar favorites with a twist. Menu items include wagyu smash burgers, steak frites, shrimp pasta, and salmon and vegetables. • Opening in August • 103 E. Main St., Round Rock • Facebook: The Dime Round Rock

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A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

1431

Round Rock

Coming soon

5 HTeaO A second location of the beverage company is planned for Round Rock. The menu features a variety of tea and coee options. A company representative also conrmed another HTeaO location planned for the Brushy Creek area. • Opening in mid-October • 2331 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.hteao.com 6 LIGHT Weight Loss & Rejuvenation Spa The business, owned by Monica Leigh, will oer a variety of weight loss services and products. Oerings include GLP-1 injections, with options for semaglutide or tirzepatide—the same ingredients found in prescription medications such as Ozempic or Mounjaro. • Opening October. 1 • 115 Sundance Parkway, Ste. 100, Round Rock • www.lightweightloss.me

S. KENNEY FORT BLVD.

FOREST CREEK DR.

E. MCNEIL RD.

620

SUNDANCE PKWY.

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MOPAC

MAP NOT TO SCALE

What’s next

cuisines, such as chicken fried rice and veggie noodles. • Opened Aug. 8 • 101 Limmer Loop, Round Rock • www.instagram.com/nbroundrock 3 Redeemed Ink Tattoo Co. The tattoo shop, owned by Rand Thiel, specializes in custom designs, cover ups and line work. The business oers free consultations. • Opened June 11 • 1906 N. Mays St., Round Rock • www.redeemedink.org 4 The Dime The new “social dining” restaurant and cocktail bar recently opened downtown. Co-owner Sasha Flores said

Now open

7 Bank OZK A new location of the bank is under construction, per a development permit from the city. The bank oers personal and business banking, home loans, credit cards and wealth management. • Opening TBD • 2100 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.ozk.com

1 The Bar Method A new barre studio opened in The Market at Round Rock shopping center in July. The studio oers classes that provide low-impact resistance training with elements of Pilates, yoga and strength training. • Opened July 17 • 110 N. I-35 Ste. 125, Round Rock • www.barmethod.com 2 Naya Bites The Indian food truck serves light meals and snacks, including idli, dosa, uttapam, and pani puri. The new venture by Naya Bazaar also oers Indo-Chinese

Relocations

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Smooth Aesthetics provides services to enhance customer wellness, performance and hydration. Oscar Leyva said the relocation will provide more space for clients, in addition to more parking. • Relocating in October

In the news

• 107 E. Anderson Ave., Round Rock • www.smoothaestheticsaustin.com

EquiZen Sanctuary The facility providing equine therapy relocated from Rusk Road in Round Rock to Elgin around the end of May, owner Carissa Brown said. Brown said the relocation of her sanctuary coincides with the incorporation of her nonprot organization, the EquiZen

Healing Herd Project. • Relocated in late May • 140 Youngs Prairie Rd., Elgin • www.equizenranch.com

Expansions

9 Fresenius Kidney Care The dialysis center plans to renovate and expand its Round Rock facility, resulting in a 29-chair outpatient clinic, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ling. The project is expected to begin in mid-September and conclude in January 2026. • 1499 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock • www.freseniuskidneycare.com

Community Impact Community Impact celebrates 20 years as a company in September. Founded in Pugerville, owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst Community Impact newspaper in the Round Rock-Pugerville market in September 2005 with a cover story about the rst toll roads in the Austin area. Today, the company has more

location in May. A second location, at 600 N. Bagdad Road, Leander, remains open. • Closed in May • 15212 RM 620, Austin • www.roundrocklandscapesupplies.com 14 Star Electronics The business oers repair services for personal computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles. It also buys and sells used laptops, phones and other electronics. The closure leaves one remaining location at Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Ste. D03B, Cedar Park. • Closed June 15 than 200 employees supporting 40 hyperlocal editions in Texas, printing and distributing more than 2.5 million newspapers a month. Community Impact has a strong print and digital presence, including a daily email newsletter, to serve readers with free news and help local businesses thrive. • www.communityimpact.com

Closings

• Closed Aug. 3 • 101 Limmer Loop Suite 100, Round Rock • Facebook: Mi Vida Comida

10 Mani Toes Nail Salon and Spa The business announced on Instagram it’s closing after ve years. The post stated it “was a sudden and dicult decision, and while it’s not what we had hoped for, it’s a necessary step at this time.” • Closed July 28 • 1850 S. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Ste. 100, Round Rock • www.themanitoes.com 11 Mi Vida Comida The local restaurant owned by Firas Abusaada closed in August. The restaurant served a variety of Mexican food, such as tacos, burritos and fajitas.

12 Round Rock Asian Mart The Asian market closed in mid-August. The family- owned Filipino grocery store provided a wide variety of food, beverage and personal care items. • Closed mid-August • 1800 N. Mays St., Ste. 110, Round Rock • www.roundrockasianmart.com 13 Round Rock Landscape Supplies The landscape supplier carrying stone, gravel, rocks and other landscape materials closed its Round Rock

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Government

BY GRANT CRAWFORD & HALEY MCLEOD

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Travis County’s $2.2 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26 includes increased funding for emergency reserves, mental health and public safety, as County Commissioners plan for a final vote on Sept. 30. The big picture Travis County officials in late July approved a measure to imple- ment a one-year, 9% property tax increase to help cover costs from the July 2025 flooding event. The increase will raise around $42 Travis County officials outline $2.2B budget

million after the county zeroed out its $15 million emergency funds to accommodate unex- pected costs from flooding. The county earmarked $86 million future jail diversion and prevention services. The mental health diversion center will be an alternative to jail for people who commit nonviolent crimes and suffer from mental illness or substance abuse disorder. The budget also includes $54 million for three new STAR Flight helicopters, with county leaders also considering pay raises for STAR Flight staff. The program serves Travis County, state agencies and neighboring areas for emergency transport.

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Concrete headquarters to stay in city

Pflugerville council approved an agreement between the city and Lauren Concrete Aug. 26 to keep the company’s headquarters in Pflugerville. Overview As part of the agreement, half of the city’s annual sales tax revenue from Lauren Concrete will be remitted in part by the city and

by the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation— equating to a roughly $500,000 reimbursement to the company. In exchange, the company will retain a minimum of 12 full-time employees, add five employees, maintain an average salary of $86,000 and generate $700,000 or more in sales tax annually.

PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Health care

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Baylor Scott & White completes Pflugerville hospital expansion Baylor Scott & White celebrated the expansion of its Pflugerville medical center Aug. 13, with I L

the hospital first opened in Pflugerville. In that time, patient visits more than doubled. Dr. Ghassan Salman, chief medical officer for BS&W’s Greater Austin region, said the project is a step forward for the health system and placed an emphasis on providing “customer-centric care.” “We don’t look at this as a square footage or bricks and mortar; these are services for our community members in Pflugerville,” he said. “People in Pflugerville in the past had to drive long distances to get what they need and what they deserve. Going forward, you will have these services in your backyard, next to your homes.” What else? In addition to the new services at the Pfluger- ville center, other services include: • Interventional radiology

emphasis from health officials on providing greater access to care in residents’ backyards. The overview The campus expansion to double the overall hospital space includes a new, three-story medical office building, which more than quadruples the site’s clinic space. The project also doubled the center’s emergency room space. Other new services include interventional cardiol- ogy for minimally invasive heart surgery; expanded primary care; audiology; and ear, nose and throat care. Ashley Short, BS&W’s vice president of clinic operations for the Greater Austin region, said the center also expanded access to women’s health services, including OB-GYN and mammography services, although deliveries will continue at the BS&W’s Round Rock Medical Center. The project’s completion comes six years after

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COLORADO SAND DR.

• Internal medicine • Obstetrics • Orthopedics • Podiatry • Pulmonology • Urology

• Gastroenterology • General surgery

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY GRACIE WARHURST

101

395

GRANT AVE.

Completed projects

EXCHANGE BLVD.

LINCOLN AVE.

CALDWELLS LN.

LIMMER LOOP

Hutto

132

TAYLOR ST.

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RED BUD LN.

E. WILCO HIGHWAY

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OOLRD.

3349

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1 Kelly Lane Phase 2 Project: Widening Kelly Lane from 2 to 4 lanes from Falcon Pointe Drive to east of Moorlynch Avenue, including a roundabout at Vilamoura Street. Update: Final construction activities will continue through September. • Timeline: 2019-2025 • Cost: $27.6 million for total project • Funding source: CO 2020, GO 2020A and roadway impact fees

COLORADO SAND DR.

GREENLAWN BLVD.

VILAMOURA ST.

MOORLYNCH AVE.

KELLY LN.

COPPER MINE DR.

GRAND AVE. PKWY.

WY.

FALCON POINTE BLVD.

VISION DR.

LONE STAR RANCH BLVD.

685

Pugerville

MANGAN WAY

MAP NOT TO SCALE

DESSAU RD.

Pugerville

approximately six months. • Timeline: 2023-2025 • Cost: $5.9 million • Funding source: 2023 CO Bond, 2020 GO Bond

improvements at the intersection of FM 1660 South and Hwy. 79, and the intersection of FM 1660 South and Front Street. Update: Now moving forward with TxDOT and Union Pacic Railroad coordination. TxDOT design of the signal at Front Street is now complete. • Timeline: 2023-2027 • Cost: $4,453,574 • Funding Source: 2022 GO bond

Upcoming projects

2 Kelly Lane Phase 3 Project: The city will expand the road to a four-lane conguration with a center median from Moorlynch Avenue to Weiss Lane. Update: The project has entered the nal phases of design and construction will begin with utility relocation. • Timeline: 2020-2028 • Cost: $28.7 million • Funding source: 2022, 2023 GO bonds, impact fees

Completed projects

5 Colorado Sand Drive from Copper Mine to Lone Star Ranch Blvd Project: Construction of a half mile, 4-lane paved roadway to ll the gap on Colorado Sand Drive between Copper Mine Drive and Lone Star Ranch Boulevard, including a roundabout. Update: Construction was completed in September. • Timeline: 2019-2025 • Cost: $9.9 million • Funding source: CO 2023, GO 2020 and roadway impact fees Hutto

Ongoing projects

8 FM 1660 at Limmer Loop Project: Construction of turn lanes and signal improvements at the intersection of FM 1660 North and Limmer Loop. Update: The road is under construction with an estimated completion of late 2025. Final paving and striping is expected soon. • Timeline: 2023-2025 • Cost: $7,884,001 • Funding Source: 2022 GO bond

Ongoing projects

3 Historic Colored Addition Subdivision Streets Project: The project includes full reconstruction of each of the existing subdivision roadways—Lincoln Avenue, Taylor Street, Caldwells Lane and Russell Street—and new construction of Grant Avenue. • Update: The irst phase of construction is ongoing. • Timeline: 2019-2027 • Cost: $11.2 million • Funding source: General Fund, Utility Fund, 2020 Transportation Bond Program 4 Street Reconstruction Package 1B Project: The neighborhood street reconstruction project will rehabilitate 18 neighborhood streets in the Saxony and Willow Creek Section One subdivisions. Update: Construction started in July and will last

Upcoming projects

Completed projects

6 Exchange Boulevard reconstruction Project: Improvements to Exchange Boulevard at the intersection with Live Oak. Update: Design is 90% complete. Work continues as right-of-way details are nalized. • Timeline: 2025-2026 • Cost: $4.4 million • Funding Source: 2022 GO bond 7 FM 1660 South at Hwy. 79 Project: Construction of the turn lanes and signal

9 East Wilco Highway Segment 3 Project: Williamson County widened FM 3349 and CR 101 into a four-lane divided roadway with bridges over Hwy. 79 and the Union Pacic Railroad. Update: Construction on the roadway was completed in June. • Timeline: June 21 • Cost: $95 million • Funding Source: Texas Department of Transportation

PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION

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Development

BY GRANT CRAWFORD & SIENNA WIGHT

Hutto officials eye two options for 372-acre project

JAKES HILL RD.

Developers laid out two options at a Hutto City Council meeting on Aug. 21 for a proposed public improvement district south of the Hutto Meg- asite, depending on whether the firm can attract industrial users to the 372-acre site. Overview The first option for the Stromberg development tract on CR 132 would split the land between both residential and industrial space. The plan calls for 742 single-family lots and 116 townhome units, while up to 2.8 million square feet would be used for industrial space. Christian Villarreal, senior associate at Develop- ment Planning and Financing Group and repre- senting WayMaker Ventures, said the first option with the project at full buildout would generate an estimated $3.1 million in tax revenue to the city and an estimated $9.4 million to Hutto ISD. The second option for the project would exclude industrial space and designate the land for 1,335

FALCON POINTE BLVD.

Kelly Lane Park to get pickleball courts Kelly Lane Park will soon get new pick- leball courts after Pflugerville City Council approved a $1.9 million contract at an Aug. 26 City Council meeting. The gist Other improvements to the park include parking spaces, 2,500 feet of concrete trail, a shaded playground and a pavilion. Con- struction is scheduled to begin in October and be completed next spring.

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3349

single-family lots and 208 townhomes. This would generate an estimated $2.7 million in revenue to the city and approximately $8.2 million to the school district. Council is expected to consider a financing agreement and ultimately whether to create the PID in the coming months.

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

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Education

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Education Edition

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Education Edition! Thank you for reading our annual Education Edition, your guide to the latest news about K-12 education. Our journalists have been busy uncovering what's new in your community, from new and renovated facilities and enrollment projections in both Hutto and Pugerville ISDs, to how local education foundations are supporting students and teachers in their districts. You'll also nd helpful information and deadlines for admissions to colleges in Central Texas. Every story you read is a result of our local team's dedication to providing free and useful news about Pugerville and Hutto. Every advertisement is by a local business or organization that partners with Community Impact for their print and digital marketing. Show your support for their commitment to our community by patronizing their businesses.

Premium sponsor:

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Pugerville ISD supports students to explore, grow, and reach their potential through engaging education that prepares them for the future.

What's inside

Learn about college admission requirements (Page 18)

Catch up on school accountability ratings for PfISD, HISD (Page 24)

Read about the state’s latest education laws (Page 27)

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PfISD budget shortfall shrinks as district applies state funding Pugerville ISD board of trustees approved a pay increase for teachers over the summer, as required by House Bill 2, which also provided the district with some additional funding to help reduce its budget decit for the 2025-26 scal year. Overview House Bill 2, which was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in June, mandated pay raises for $58.3K Pugerville ISD $57.5K Hutto ISD $57K Leander ISD $56.8K Round Rock ISD $56.5K Georgetown ISD $56.3K Austin ISD Del Valle ISD Area starting teacher salaries SOURCE: PFLUGERVILLE ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT $60K

While not required by HB 2, the board also approved raising the starting salary for teachers by $600 to $58,300, and signed o on $800 pay increases for teachers with one to two years of experience. A 1% increase of the pay range midpoint for all other employees, including teacher-related positions that didn’t qualify for the teacher reten- tion allotment funding, was also passed. The total compensation increase will cost about $10.8 million What it means In June, the board of trustees approved the district’s FY 2025-26 budget with a $10.3 million shortfall. However, Land said the Texas Legislature allo- cated money for districts in the form of “allotment of basic cost,” which can be used to fund or help support the benets associated with the teacher retention funding. It can be used to support increased costs due to ination, such as property

educators and support sta to bolster teacher and employee retention. It also created new funding allotments for xed costs and other expenses. Chief Financial Ocer Jennifer Land said at a July board meeting that the district expects to receive an estimated $16.8 million in state funding related to HB 2. Per the state mandate, PfISD board trustees approved a $2,500 pay raise for qualied classroom teachers with three to four years of experience; and a $5,000 raise for teachers with ve years of experience.

insurance and fuel costs, she said. A $55 increase to the district’s basic allotment and additional school safety dollars, among other funding sources, helped PfISD reduce its $10 million decit. “We are looking at a revised budget decit of $4.3 million,” Land said. “That is a $6 million decrease in the decit that we presented [in June]. I know this is not where we want to be in terms of a balanced budget, but it is a signicant improve- ment from where we were last month.”

PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION

Education

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

What to know about college applications Austin-area colleges and universities have different deadlines and requirements for applications. View the table to see admissions information for some local schools. This list is not comprehensive. St. Edward’s University did not respond. For more information, visit the respective college or university’s website.

Minimum number of credit hours needed to transfer

College/ university

Admissions GPA minimum

Spring application deadline

Terms to know

Acceptance rate

Earned when one successfully completes college-level course; some exams can also count

College credit

The University of Texas at Austin

21%

None

Sept. 1

College/university Acceptance rate

Test required?

SAT range ACT range

Regular deadline

Admissions contact info

Early action

Application sent in before regular deadline; can apply to other colleges

Huston- Tillotson University

The University of Texas at Austin

admissions@austin.utexas.edu 512-475-7399

100%

2.3

Nov. 1

26%

1230-1480*

29-34*

Dec. 1

Binding application; application sent in early to first-choice college; receive decision in advance The Free Application for Federal Student AID determines eligibility for financial assistance Deadline by which an application must be received to be given strongest consideration

Early decision

admissions@htu.edu 512-505-3160

Huston-Tillotson University

900 minimum

16 minimum composite

100%

May 1

Southwestern University

33%

2.5

Oct. 1

FAFSA

admission@southwestern.edu 800-252-3166 student.records@austincc.edu 512-223-4636

Southwestern University

43%

1140-1290 26-31

Feb. 3

Austin Community College

100%

N/A

None

Rolling admissions

Priority deadline

Austin Community College

100%

TSI-required

N/A

Rolling admissions

Varies by amount of transferable hours completed

Not required for students ranked in top 75% of high school class

Rolling admissions, advised to apply sooner to meet scholarship deadlines Rolling admissions, advised to apply sooner to meet scholarship deadlines

Texas State University

https://onestop.txst.edu 512-245-8978

1330 combined*

29 composite*

69.7%

N/A

Nov. 15

Rolling admission

Application is considered as soon as all required information is received

Texas State University

67.1%

Concordia University Texas

Applicants are given the option to submit SAT and ACT scores with their application

90%

N/A

admissions@concordia.edu

Test optional

Concordia University Texas

90%

Rolling admissions

*STUDENTS IN THE TOP 5% AND 25% OF THEIR GRADUATING CLASS WILL RECEIVE AUTOMATIC ADMITTANCE FROM QUALIFYING HIGH SCHOOLS PROGRAMS TO UT AND TXST, RESPECTIVELY.

THIS LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

SOURCES: APPLY TEXAS, COLLEGE BOARD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY KATLYNN FOX

Students at Veterans’ Hill Elementary School received a HEF grant to help fund a gardening club.

The Hutto Education Foundation donated nearly $5,000 to fund a Books for All program at Kerley Elementary.

Teachers at Hutto High School received a grant from the Hutto Education Foundation to fund an outdoor classroom program.

PHOTOS COURTESY HUTTO EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Hutto Education Foundation works to benet students, sta The Hutto Education Foundation was established in 2006 to foster innovation and creativity in the classroom by funding projects and continued educa- tion for Hutto ISD students and sta. The nonprot supports 10,769 students across all campuses with various grants and scholarships; as of 2024, HEF has awarded over $1.3 million to students and teachers.

Grants and Excellence in Education Grants. Last year, the foundation awarded $140,000 in grants to fund student and educator initiatives. Grant-funded projects include alternative seating, dget toys in the hallways and a read and ride program for students to ride bicycles in the library while they read—all for students who have diculty focusing or remaining still. How to help Community members are invited to give a one- time or recurring donation on the website. Local business and corporate donors are encouraged to reach out to the foundation for partnership opportu- nities, which operate on a tiered system.

The framework The foundation has several ways of giving back to the district community: two streams of scholar- ships and three kinds of grants. Hutto ISD seniors can apply for scholarships for higher education or technical college programs. Alumni can also apply for additional scholarships as long as they are in school, including master’s programs. “It’s easier to get those initial scholarships to help you start college, but it’s not so easy to nish year after year [and] gure out where the funding is going to come from,” director of the Hutto Educa- tion Foundation Claudia Cardwell said. It also funds Student IMPACT Grants, SPARK Mini

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Education

BY KATLYNN FOX

Pugerville Education Foundation provides local scholarships, grants The Pugerville Education Foundation was established in 2006 to align with Pugerville ISD’s commitment to providing quality education to all 34 campuses. Since then, the Pfoundation has awarded over $2.6 million in funding to stu- dents and sta through scholarships and grants. “The Pugerville Education Foundation’s mission is to support the teachers and students of Pugerville ISD by funding innovation, closing the gaps and resources, and just being there to support public education,” President Staci Young said. Current situation For the 2025-26 school year, the nonprot is focused on supporting the district’s Three Es ini- tiative where by 2029 each student that graduates from Pugerville ISD will have a plan for either employment, enlistment or enrollment in higher education. In May, the Pfoundation awarded $40,000 in scholarships to seniors for higher education and technical certications. “It’s not the day of graduation that we’re focused on,” Young said. “It’s the day after graduation.” A closer look Young said the foundation has seen an increased need for basic classroom resources, as well as tools to help teachers promote social-emotional learn- ing and be more creative with state and district curriculum. The foundation funds six dierent kinds of grants for educators including Pfund Me Mini-Grants and Innovative Teaching Grants to promote classroom projects.

The Pugerville Education Foundation is nearing 20 years of service to the Pugerville ISD community.

PHOTOS COURTESY PFLUGERVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Projects the nonprot has funded include science lab equipment, a meditation area for students, a robotics club and more. Lend a hand The community is encouraged to get involved in the organization by becoming a member of the Luminary Circle of Giving, PEF’s donor organiza- tion, or participating in other drives like Giving Tuesday, which occurs on the rst Tuesday after Thanksgiving and this year is on Dec. 5. PEF also hosts events throughout the year, including the Tailgate on the Tees Golf Tournament on Oct. 17.

Pugerville ISD board trustee Charlie Torres speaks at an event for the Pugerville Education Foundation.

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PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION

Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & GRANT CRAWFORD

The Texas Education Agency recently released the 2023-24 A-F Accountability Ratings for Texas school districts, following a year-and-a-half long lawsuit that blocked the ratings from being released, as well as 2024-25 ratings. “A,” “B” and “C” ratings are considered passing, while “D” and “F” ratings are failing. HISD, PfISD earn C in TEA ratings

Hutto ISD A-F ratings

2023-24 2024-25

Hutto ISD

Elementary schools Middle schools High schools

Hutto ISD received a “C” for the 2024-2025 school year, with 76 out of a possible 100 points, in the TEA’s school accountability ratings. The district also received a “C” for the 2023-24 school year, with 77 out of 100 points. This is the third year in a row for HISD to receive a “C.” In student achievement, 48% of all HISD students met their grade level or above across all subjects in the STAAR exams.

1 1

1 1 1

B C D

B C

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Pflugerville ISD A-F ratings by school level Ratings are based on student achievement among other factors

Elementary schools

Middle schools A 2

High schools

Pflugerville ISD

2 2

A 1

2 2

Pflugerville ISD received a “C” rating in 2023-24, scoring 75 out of 100 possible points, and a “C” rating in 2024-25, scoring 79 out of 100 points. In student achievement, 49% of all PfISD students met their grade level or above across all subjects in the STAAR exams. The state average was 50% for 2024-25.

6 6

2023-24 2024-25

2 2

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The background

“mathematically impossible” for some schools to earn a high score. However, Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals ruled on July 3 that the ratings could be released.

graduation rates; and college, career and military readiness, or CCMR, outcomes. The 2024 ratings were blocked for nearly one year after 33 school districts sued the TEA last August, arguing that the agency made it

The rating system was established in 2017 to provide insight into how well districts and campuses are educating students. The ratings are based on measures of student achievement including STAAR assessments;

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