Education
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & BROOKE SJOBERG
Hutto ISD’s cuts, higher property tax revenue erases $3.5M shortfall In an April budget update, Hutto ISD Chief Financial O cer Caleb Steed said the district expects to meet its nancial goal of a balanced budget for the 2026-27 nancial year, following district-wide budget reductions amid higher property values. In a nutshell While home values have decreased on average, Steed said commercial and multifamily property values have grown, increasing expected revenues by about $5 million. He said his department is also plan- ning compensation increases for certain positions, as well as a rst-time program to incentivize campus performance by rewarding administrators. Because the district originally planned for a at budget, where expenses and revenues were the same as the year before, the additional funding will turn
“If we can continue to be good stewards and make great decisions, we are looking at even more opportunities
for adding revenue.” CALEB STEED, HUTTO ISD CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
SUMMER CAMPS ARE HERE!
a projected $3.5 million shortfall into a balanced bud- get, where revenues and expenses are equal. The details Steed said the district reduced projected expenses by around $770,000 by locking in contract pricing for fuel costs, eliminating dual-credit course fees through Temple College and through department-level budget decreases. With this freed-up funding and increased revenue, he said the district is planning personnel additions, including those for Hutto High School No. 2; pay grade adjustments and alignments; and a new administrator incentive allotment. Budget discussions will continue over the next two months. P ugerville ISD sta to receive pay bump P ugerville ISD teachers, professional support, nurses, psychologists and diagnosticians are slated to see pay increases in 2026-27, following the board of trustees’ approval of the compensa- tion package during the April 16 board meeting. The details The recommendation included a step pay increase for teachers and teacher-related posi- tions, nurses and professional support positions. Starting teacher salaries for Teacher Retention Allotment, or TRA, quali ed teachers will continue to be $58,300. The recommendation also included a $5,000 stipend for school psychologists and diagnos- ticians, which Chief Human Resources O cer Willie Watson said is for retention and recruit- ment purposes. Watson added that there are no other sta pay increases proposed for 2026-27 due to the district’s nancial situation. Chief Financial O cer Jennifer Land said the nancial impact to the budget based on this compensation package will be about $1.5 million.
Get ready for the most exciting weeks at Crux Climbing Center! Crux Crushers Camps will provide youth with a safe environment to explore their skills in rock climbing, while making new friends and building confidence. On top of it all, campers will participate in yoga, crafts, and fun games!
Texas State Technical College will o er new courses geared to the semiconductor industry.
COURTESY TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
TSTC adds to advanced manufacturing curriculum Texas State Technical College in Hutto will add semiconductor technology as well as automation and robotics technology curriculum this fall. What you need to know The new courses is a direct response to a surge in demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor and manufacturing industries in Williamson County, per a news release shared by TSTC. Registration for the summer and fall 2026 semesters is now open.
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PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION
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