Georgetown Edition | September 2024

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Georgetown Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 SEPT. 20 OCT. 21, 2024

2024 Education Edition

Future facing

Students in Georgetown ISD's aerospace program construct pieces of a small plane.

BROOKE SJOBERGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Georgetown ISD increases access to career education, to bring new manufacturing program in 2025

pathway comes as GISD works to prepare students to be future-ready in a community forecasted to play a heavy part in the semiconductor industry once the Samsung semiconductor manufacturing facility in nearby Taylor opens.

However, the $97 million facility doesn’t just allow the district to grow existing programs; it also allows them to bring new CTE pathways, including precision manufacturing, which will launch in the 2025-26 school year. Superintendent Devin Padavil said the new

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

With the opening of the Future Ready Learning Complex in September, Georgetown ISD was able to expand its career and technical education opportu- nities—doubling the capacity for some high-demand programs, such as cosmetology and culinary.

CONTINUED ON 24

Also in this issue

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Impacts: HEB begins construction on new location near Sun City and Parmer Ranch—learn more about the store’s oerings (Page 6)

Dining: Dale’s Essenhaus honors Walburg’s German heritage—hear from the restaurant’s owner (Page 47)

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

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About Community Impact

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.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez Parks Kugle Anna Maness Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

Denise Seiler General Manager

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Publisher Travis Baker Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara

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Correction: Volume 17, Issue 12 Georgetown’s water rates are per thousand gallons of water usage.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Impacts

195

3 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice The franchise serves over 40 avors of Italian ice, soft- serve ice cream and gelati. • Opened Aug. 20 • 505 W. University Ave., Ste. F, Georgetown • www.jeremiahsice.com 4 Beaux on the Rocks The men’s clothing, accessories and gift store is owned by Richard Buckley and Lisa Duran. • Opened in late May

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

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• 1008 S. Rock St., Georgetown • Facebook: Beaux on the Rocks

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Coming soon

NORTHWEST BLVD.

5 HEB The grocer has begun construction on a 112,000-square- foot store near the Sun City and Parmer Ranch communities. The new location will include a pharmacy with a drive-thru; H-E-B Curbside; a fuel station and car wash; and Texas Backyard, an H-E-B department selling plants, grills and outdoor equipment. • Opening by summer 2025 • Northeast corner of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and RR 2338 • www.heb.com 29 6 Hao-Hao Vietnamese and Chinese Cuisine The restaurant’s menu includes calamari, pho, vermicelli bowls, and a variety of other Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. This is the second location for the business, with the rst being in Round Rock. • Opening in late December or early January • 19392 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 500, Georgetown • www.haohaoroundrock.com 7 Culver’s A franchise location owned by Andrew Gravely is hiring and waiting for permitting to open. The restaurant is known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard. • Opening in late September or early October • 4795 Williams St., Georgetown • www.culvers.com 110

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

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2 Rose & Dagger Coee Company Located at Teal Sky Boutique, the co¢ee trailer serves latte-based espresso drinks, black and green tea, and energy drinks. The business is owned by Jackson Vacek, a reghter with the Georgetown Fire Department, and his ancée Madison Ramirez. • Opened Sept. 3 • 1005 S. Rock St., Georgetown • Instagram: @roseanddaggercoffeeco

Now open

1 Camp Briteside The restaurant serves a range of American food entrees, including chicken-fried steak, and shrimp and grits, alongside appetizers, desserts, and a full selection of cocktails, wine and beer. The venue also features a stage for live music, a wie ball eld and 18,000 square feet of articial grass for children to play on. • Opened Sept. 1

• 8701 RR 2338, Georgetown • Facebook: Camp Briteside

1460

110

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8 Eden Supportive Living The living center is designed for adults with disabilities who are age 22 and older. The facility will have 143 studio apartments, a library, a sports bar, a cafe and an activity area. • Opening in October • 2001 Scenic Drive, Georgetown • www.edenslf.com/austin 9 Burn Boot Camp The tness facility owned by Jennifer Benner will o¢er 45-minute group workouts, including metabolic conditioning and strength training focused on the major muscle groups in the body. • Opening in late 2024 • 2006 Rivery Blvd., Georgetown • www.burnbootcamp.com

The store also sells clothing, shoes, golf clubs, replacement parts and accessories. • Relocated Sept. 1

Expansions

• 106 Cantera, Georgetown • www.golfranchshop.com

Expansions

11 Austin Regional Clinic Georgetown Dr. Saba Zabetian began providing dermatology services, including care for chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne; rosacea treatment for teen and adult skin; and dermatology pediatric care. • Expanded Aug. 19 • 940 W. University Ave., Ste. 101, Georgetown • www.austinregionalclinic.com/clinics/arc-georgetown

13 Creekside Eventing The facility, which o¢ers horse boarding, eventing lessons and training, expanded its services to outside clients. Eventing is a three-day competition that showcases a rider and horse’s skills in show jumping, dressage and cross country. Now, the facility will o¢er individual lessons in these disciplines and hopes to take riders to competitions for them, co-owner Chad Hammerlind said. • Expanded in late July • 1101 CR 140, Georgetown • www.creeksideeventing.com

Closings

Relocations

12 Sip ‘n’ Stain The do-it-yourself wood painting shop announced in an Instagram post that it is closing. • Closed Sept. 16 • 6521 N. Lakewood Drive, Georgetown • www.sipnstaingeorgetown.com

10 The Golf Ranch Previously located at 610 N. Austin Ave., Ste. 120, Georgetown, owners Dan, Loralee and Ryan St. John expanded the golf shop’s services with its new 18,000-square-foot building. The shop has two tting studios, seven hitting bays, onsite instructors, and a larger workshop for repairs and custom orders.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Government

Construction nears on Phase 2 of Garey Park Garey Park Phase 2 construction should begin in January or February, Georgetown Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Garrett said during a City Council workshop Aug. 27. About the project Garrett discussed several updates on renovations for the park, which are expected to be completed by December 2025, she said. Garey Park Phase 2 was rst introduced to the council in March 2023 and last discussed during a November 2023 council workshop, Garrett said. The backstory Following philanthropist Jack Garey’s death in 2022, Garey Park was named as a bene ciary in his will, and the city has $20 million to spend on additional park developments within ve years of his passing, or by March 2027.

City of Georgetown launches new website The city of Georgetown’s new website, www.georgetowntexas.gov, which went live Aug. 21, has major changes, including a new URL, a search function and an updated layout. The gist The site’s homepage has four drop-down menus, quick links, a latest news list, an event calendar and links to Georgetown’s social media pages. The website now uses a .gov domain, which is available exclusively to veri ed government entities and enhances security. The city began working with Revize in September 2022, said Aly Van Dyke, George- town’s director of communications and public engagement. Revize is a web design agency that specializes in creating government websites, according to its website.

Adding to the park

Park entry: Trailhead, parking, restroom and a ashing beacon Garey House expansion: Interior renovation, enclose outdoor space to add seating for 75, increase house capacity to 200 and paved parking Cabins: Three group cabins, parking and RV sites Retreat Pavilion

Garey Play Ranch: Expanded play area, additional pavilions, shade and restroom 300-seat capacity amphitheater Garey Memorial Pavilion

Equine facility improvements: Fixing drainage in the arena and turning cobblestone walkways into a harder surface for horses Skate Ranch: Skate park, pump track and restroom Trail surfacing: Improving conditions of

equestrian and pedestrian trails Fishing pier: Added to lower pond Mountain bike trails Disc golf: An 18-hole course Dog Ranch: Adding paved walkways Cedar tree cleanup

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY PARKS KUGLE & ANNA MANESS

County approves budget, sets FY 202425 tax rate Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a $635.13 million scal year 2024-25 bud- get and set the 2024 county tax rate at $0.399999 per $100 valuation during an Aug. 27 Commission- ers Court meeting. The breakdown The adopted county budget can be broken down into three funds: general, road and bridge, and debt service. This budget is about $75.02 million higher than the 2023-24 adopted budget of $560.11 million, according to county documents. The details The budget includes 42 new full-time positions and the conversion of three part-time positions to full-time. The new positions include a county administrator and roles in the tax assessor-collector, elections, technology and facilities oces.

WilCo discusses plans for justice center, jail Williamson County Precinct 3 Commis- sioner Valerie Covey presented the justice center and jail strategic plan Aug. 20. In a nutshell The plan proposes interim solutions as well as options for building sites as the county has either outgrown its current facilities or will in the future due to continued growth. Though the jail has capacity, including an un nished fourth oor, which could extend the life of the facility, the justice center does not have enough space, Covey said. However, Covey said there will be 10,000 square feet of space available in the new county headquarters’s basement that can be used for justice center overow. Options for potential building sites included several in downtown Georgetown.

County funds

General fund: $361.22M

Total $635.13M

Debt service fund: $200.75M Road and bridge fund: $73.15M

NOTE: NUMBERS MAY NOT EQUAL TOTAL DUE TO ROUNDING.

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The general fund budget also includes an $18.03 million purchase of a 28-acre property with a 75,000 square-foot building. Under the new budget, all civilian employees will receive a 3% cost-of-living and 3% merit increase, while law enforcement and corrections personnel will receive a 3% cost-of-living increase and a step increase of 2%-2.5%. The impact The approved 2024 county tax rate of $0.399999 per $100 valuation will increase annual property taxes on the average homestead residence by $191.45, according to a news release.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Government

BY ANNA MANESS

Georgetown nishes Phase 3 renovations to San Gabriel Park

baseball elds along with playgrounds, pavilions, restrooms and parking, city sta said. Planning has just begun and the project will take several

The city of Georgetown held a ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 29 for the recently completed Phase 3 San Gabriel Park renovations. The gist The $7.5 million project broke ground in June 2023, Georgetown Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Garrett said. San Gabriel Park is undergo- ing multiple phases of upgrades that stem from a 2015 master plan. “It’s incredibly rewarding to enhance our city’s green spaces and oer new opportunities for the community to come together and enjoy the outdoors,” Garrett said in a news release. Looking ahead Phase 3 is the last phase to use funding from a 2008 voter-approved bond package, Garrett said. The department got approval for the Phase 4 master plan during an Aug. 27 City Council meeting. Phase 4 will likely involve adding soccer and

months to complete. What they’re saying

Garrett said input from the skate park commu- nity was utilized to create a design that can be used by all ages and skill levels. Georgetown native Rubio Garza called the new park “state-of-the-art” and “pretty awesome.” He spent the morning of his birthday skating at the ribbon cutting ceremony. “Honestly, it means the world. It feels really nice to feel included in the community now,” Garza said. Four-year Georgetown resident Larissa Ley said she appreciates the ability to get out of the house and do something active with her children. “I just love that Georgetown is so committed to many options for families to come and gather,” Ley said.

Rubio Garza tries out San Gabriel Park’s new skate park on Aug. 29.

ANNA MANESSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Recent additions Multiuse pavilion

Splash pad plaza

Restroom building

Skate park

Roadway and parking improvements

Event lawn

SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD & BROOKE SJOBERG

San Gabriel Parkway project restarted Leander plans to begin work on Phase 2 of the San Gabriel Parkway project in January, over a year after it placed the project on hold to build an elevated water tank. Phase 2 will connect Ronald Reagan Boulevard to the intersection of the existing San Gabriel Parkway and Isaias Drive. The third phase of the project will connect the other end of the existing tract of roadway to CR 270.

County begins Ronald Reagan Blvd. expansion Williamson County ocials celebrated the beginning of construction on the expansion to Ronald Reagan Boulevard on Aug. 26. About the project From Hwy. 29 to FM 3405, contractors will build a new two-lane roadway that will eventu- ally serve southbound trac only, according to a county news release. The existing road will then be transformed to serve all northbound trac. The project also includes turn lanes, a middle divider and shoulders. “We are excited to break ground on the expan- sion of and safety improvements on this section of Ronald Reagan. It will provide welcome relief to the residents in the area and the commuters who use this road daily,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long said in a release. Funding for the $52.1 million project was

3405

183

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

approved by voters in 2019 as part of the Williamson County Road Bond, which totaled $412 million. The Texas Department of Transportation, local developers and the city of Georgetown also contributed toward right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation costs. Looking ahead Construction on this section of Ronald Reagan is expected to be completed by summer 2027, according to the release.

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

SAN GABRIEL PKWY.

ISAIAS DR.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

Education Edition

2024

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Education Edition! This guide features the latest updates and resources about local K-12 public school options in your community, ranging from new campuses to budget details to bond elections. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—show them your gratitude by supporting them.

Sponsors

Denise Seiler General Manager dseiler@ communityimpact.com

What's inside

Learn where LHISD is acquiring land for new schools (Page 19)

See photos from recent campus openings in GISD (Page 28)

Huntington Learning Center provides tutoring, test prep (Page 35)

For relevant news and daily updates subscribe to our free email newsletter!

TEA once again blocked from issuing A F ratings for Texas public schools

The AF accountability system The TEA’s accountability system was established by the 2017 Texas Legislature based on a variety of factors, including:

The annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness

For the second year in a row, a Travis County judge blocked the Texas Education Agency from releasing its AF accountability ratings for Texas school districts and campuses Aug. 12. The case echoes a 2023 lawsuit from over 100 school districts, which alleged the TEA’s revamped accountability system was “unlawful” and would unfairly harm school districts. The agency was set to release ratings for the 2023-24 school year on Aug. 15. In a lawsuit led Aug. 12, ve public school dis- tricts said the TEA has not been transparent about changes to its accountability system and failed to x “mistakes” made last year. The TEA said it was reviewing the ling to determine next steps. “It is disappointing that a small group of school boards and superintendents opposed to fair

accountability and transparency have once again led a lawsuit aimed at preventing AF ratings from being issued and keeping families in the dark about how their schools are doing,” a TEA spokes- person said in a statement. More details Texas’ AF system, designed in 2017, gives parents insight about the quality of their children’s school. If a campus or district receives a failing grade for several years in a row, the state can intervene. Districts have not received complete AF ratings since 2019. In 2022, schools that received a C or lower were deemed “not rated” as they recovered from signicant learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. Accountability ratings were not issued at all in 2020 or 2021.

Academic growth

High school graduation rates

Student preparedness for college, a career or the military

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Travis County District Judge Karin Crump sided with the school districts in an Aug. 12 order, temporarily blocking the TEA from issuing new accountability ratings while litigation continues. A full hearing was scheduled for Aug. 26, but it has been delayed until Sept. 16, after press time.

GEORGETOWN EDITION

Education

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

District launches marshal program

About the program

School marshals are charged with exercising the same level of authority given to peace ocers to prevent an oense that threatens serious injury or death of anyone on school property, according to the Texas School Safety Center. The GPD helped create and hire for the program. School marshals are school employees who meet the following requirements: Hold a valid concealed handgun license Attend an 80-hour training program through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement

To meet requirements of a state law regarding safety and security on school campuses, Georgetown ISD implemented a school marshal program at the start of the 2024-25 school year to serve elementary campuses. Under the law, schools must have an armed security guard at every campus. School districts were given the option of contracting to hire school resource ocers or armed guards, creating their own police department, or nding another means to secure each school campus. Due to constraints on the availability of school resource ocers in the Georgetown Police Department, the district chose to pursue a school marshal program. School resource ocers from the GPD will continue to sta secondary campuses. Marshals are employees of the district, while school resource ocers are contracted through

GPD. Both can carry rearms on campus, according to the district. “Together they are one piece of our comprehensive approach to protecting the safety of our campuses and our people,” said Heather Stoner, assistant superintendent of campus and student services. “Georgetown ISD takes the safety and security of our facilities very seriously. Adding marshals to our team provides additional resources to ensure safe learning environments for students and sta across the district.” WES VANICEK, CHIEF OF

Submit to a psychological exam Pass a thorough background check

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AND FUTURE READINESS INITIATIVES

SOURCES: GEORGETOWN ISD, TEXAS SCHOOL SAFETY CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Georgetown ISD bond-funded instructional facilities progressing

How we got here

In 2021, voters approved a proposition, authoriz- ing the district to issue $333.42 million in bonds for school facilities and capital improvements. Just three years later in May 2024, the district went out for $597.47 million in bonds for capital improvements, school facilities, safety and security.

GISD’s chief of construction services and future readiness initiatives, said more projects for district instructional facilities were approaching the nish line. A replacement of much of Georgetown High School’s roof was recently completed, Vanicek said. About 50% of the total roong material on the building was replaced, he said. Also on the GHS campus, the district’s second agriculture barn is expected to be completed soon, Vanicek said, as ocials work to remediate some issues with landscaping. As the district wraps up some 2021 bond projects, it is just getting started with those funded by the 2024 bond series.

Several projects in Georgetown ISD from both the 2021 and 2024 bond packages are in various stages of progress and completion as the district works to meet growth needs and alleviate overcrowding at some of its campuses. The district opened three new facilities to students at the start of the 2024-25 school year: San Gabriel Elementary School, the new Benold Middle School and the Future Ready Learning Complex. These schools serve growing communities in the district’s west side, such as Santa Rita Ranch and Parmer Ranch, as well as growth in the district’s career and technical education programming. At an Aug. 5 board workshop, Wes Vanicek,

What’s next

Vanicek said the district is currently in the process of designing its third comprehensive high school, to be located near D.B. Wood Road. This was the largest project in the 2024 bond package, he said, and made up the majority of the $597.47 million Proposition A. It will be several years before the school is constructed, he said. Also upcoming is the conversion of the old Benold campus into the new Frost Elementary School.

Building up Several of the projects from the 2021 bond overlap with the beginning of projects from the 2024 bond.

2021 bond 2024 bond

Fall 2023 Old Georgetown High School Ag barn demolished, reconstruction begins

August 12, 2024 New Benold Middle School opens August 13, 2024 San Gabriel Elementary School opens

April 2023 Work begins on new Benold Middle School

September 10, 2024 Future Ready Learning Center opens Fall 2024 Georgetown High School Ag barn to open

Summer 2024 Design underway for HS No. 3 and new Frost Elementary School

May 2023 Work begins on San Gabriel Elementary School

The old Benold Middle School will become the new Frost Middle School.

BROOKE SJOBERGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Serving children, youth, and families in our community for over 25 years. NEST Empowerment Center Provides GISD high school students, Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

especially those at-risk or homeless, with essential needs, counseling, academic support, and enrichment programs after school. Bridges To Growth Parent Center Equips parent and childcare providers with skills & confidence to create nurturing environments crucial for young children’s development through training, educational classes, support groups, resources all at no cost to the community.

Partners with local businesses to provide paid internships and job readiness skills training, offering GISD high school students valuable entry-level work experience. Youth Leadership & Service Assets in action emphasize the 40 Developmental Assets in young lives, through training, mentorship and leadership opportunities for our youth. The Georgetown Project Collaborative for Children & Youth A coalition of community leaders and youth development professionals, has been working together to help youth thrive.

georgetownproject.org

GEORGETOWN EDITION

We’ve come a long way in 75 years Texas Baptist Children’s Home embraces children and families in need in order to empower and equip them for a promising future. Children and single mothers, and young adults facing homelessness or aging out of foster care who come to TBCH are often lost, hurting, and hopeless, without a place to turn for help during their time of greatest need. Our residential programs provide a safe home and a stable family environment where they can learn and grow, so that those we serve have the opportunity to experience the love of Jesus and reach their God-given potential. Want to get involved? Scan to learn more:

FAMILY CARE

The Family Care Program provides a safe haven for single mothers and their children in our residential cottages. Mothers and their children can heal from their past and transition into successful, independent futures. But most importantly, the family stays together.

HOME BASE

The Home Base Program provides housing for young adults aging out of foster care or facing homelessness. The program offers an opportunity for young adults to further their education or work toward a career.

HOPE COUNSELING

The Hope Counseling Program partners with churches, social service agencies, and the community to provide no-cost, trauma-informed counseling and education to Williamson County residents. Services are provided at three convenient locations.

WELCOME HOME

The Welcome Home Program is a coordinated effort to serve young adults who have aged out of foster care and other community-based programs. Our drop-in center provides resources to those aged 18-24.

1101 N Mays St., Round Rock, TX 78664 | 512-255-3682 | www.tbch.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Liberty Hill ISD will ask voters to approve an increase to the district’s tax rate for scal year 2024-25 during the Nov. 5 election. At an Aug. 15 special meeting, the LHISD board of trustees approved calling a voter- approval tax rate election, or VATRE. The election comes as the district is facing its largest budget shortfall of $7.5 million amid cuts to state and federal funding, district ocials said. The district is asking voters to approve a maintenance and operations, or M&O, tax rate of $0.7269 per $100 valuation, which is almost $0.06 higher than the FY 2023-24 tax rate of $0.6692 per $100 valuation. The district is required to get voter approval for a M&O tax rate greater than $0.6669 per $100 valuation, Chief Financial Ocer Rosanna Guerrero said. The interest and sinking, or I&S, tax rate will remain at $0.50 per $100 valuation, making for a combined tax rate of $1.2269 per $100 valuation if the VATRE passes, Guerrero said. LHISD calls tax-rate election

The breakdown

tax-rate election passes, the district would receive a $6.8 million increase in revenue and could reduce its budget shortfall to $2.9 million, accord- ing to district documents. A higher tax rate would allow the district to replenish its fund balance and provide a 2% mid- point salary raise for all sta members, Guerrero said. If the VATRE does not pass, the district’s fund balance is projected to be depleted by FY 2026-27.

If the VATRE passes, homeowners with a median home value of $462,264 could expect to pay $4,444 in school property taxes in FY 2024-25, which is an estimated $217 increase from what homeowners would pay if it does not pass, accord- ing to district information. At the Aug. 15 meeting, the board adopted the district’s $104 million general operating budget for FY 2024-25 with a $7.5 million shortfall. If the

Historical tax rates in Liberty Hill ISD Since 2018, the district’s M&O tax rate has decreased due to compression from the state as property values grow.

Tax rate per $100 valuation

Maintenance and operations

Interest and sinking

$1.54

$1.47

$1.3647

$1.36

$1.3446

$1.2269

$1.1692

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25*

*THE FY 202425 TAX RATE MUST BE APPROVED BY VOTERS IN A NOV. 5 ELECTION.

Fiscal year

SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISD¡COMMUNITY IMPACT

What else?

“The last thing we want to do is raise taxes, but we’re backed into a corner, and we feel we have no [other] option.” STEVEN SNELL, LIBERTY HILL ISD SUPERINTENDENT

LHISD is projected to pay around $618,000 in recapture for FY 2024-25, Guerrero said. “The district is approaching recapture with or without the VATRE,” Superintendent Steven Snell said. If voters approve the VATRE but not the attendance credits, the state could seize district property as payment, Guerrero said.

The district will also ask voters to approve the purchase of attendance credits in November. These credits allow districts to begin paying recapture, which will be required under the higher tax rate. Recapture requires property- wealthy districts to pay the local property tax revenue they receive beyond their entitlement back to the state to be redistributed to property-poor districts.

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Bienvenido a la herencia hispana de Georgetown!

Este mes reconocemos a la comunidad hispana de Georgetown quienes contribuyen con su cultura y logros, a la ciudad que nosotros amamos. This month we recognize Georgetown’s Hispanic community who contribute their culture and achievements to the city we love. Para más información visite nuestra página web georgetowntexas.gov/library. For more information, visit georgetowntexas.gov/library.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

LHISD acquires more land to prepare for future development

Liberty Hill ISD has accelerated its e orts to purchase additional properties in recent years as the Liberty Hill area is projected to experience substantial growth. The district’s enrollment—which nearly doubled over the past ve years—is expected to reach over 18,000 students in 2033 as dozens of new subdivisions, including thousands of single-family homes and multi-family units, are underway. Meanwhile, the district has acquired over 400 acres of new land through its 2021 bond election, some of which will accommodate the opening of several new campuses in the coming school years, Superintendent Steven Snell said in an interview with Community Impact . LHISD currently owns several undeveloped sites across the district that could serve as future elementary, middle or high schools. This summer, the district purchased a nearly 20- acre property next to Liberty Hill High School to serve as a new agricultural barn. It also purchased around 8.5 acres for a future agricultural facility next to the ocial Legacy Ranch High School campus, which will open in 2026. The district’s ninth elementary school—opening in 2027 or 2028—may be located at a district- owned site in the Butler Farms master-planned community, Snell said. The district seeks to buy land in areas that are projected to experience future growth as the price of land can skyrocket once an area is developed, Snell said.

200

201

206

3405

183

CROSS CREEK RD.

Liberty Hill

1869

Future school/facility sites (owned by LHISD) 1 Future elementary school or middle school site 2 Potential site of Elementary School No. 9 3 New agricultural barn 4 Elementary School No. 8 5 Future elementary school site 6 Future high school and middle school site 7 Legacy Ranch High School 8 Future agricultural facility 9 Future transportation/maintenance facility Liberty Hill ISD properties

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Potential sites (not yet owned by LHISD) 1 Potential elementary school site 2 Potential middle school site 3 Potential elementary school site 4 Potential elementary school site 5 Potential elementary school site Current schools or facilities

SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

School openings

By the numbers

Looking ahead

2025-26

Each type of school requires the following acre- age and construction time and has the following building capacity, Snell said.

The district is projected to open several campuses over the next 10 years; however, the timeline for each campus may be subject to change, Snell said. LHISD is expected to have ve high schools once the area is built out. The district uses bonds to purchase land for future schools and facilities several years in advance of their projected opening, Snell said. “If you can get land in an area that’s a future growth corridor, then not only do you have a school in the right location, but you bought it at yesterday’s price,” Snell said.

Elementary School No. 8 2026-27

2029-30 2028-29 2027-28

Elementary School No. 9

Space needed

Time to build

Middle School No. 4 2030-31

Capacity

Elementary schools

800-1,000 students

Elementary School No. 10 2031-32

12 acres

1 year

High School No. 3 2032-33

1,200- 1,500 students 2,500 students

Middle schools

30-40 acres

1.5-2 years

Elementary School No. 11 2033-34

High schools

80-100 acres

2-3 years

GEORGETOWN EDITION

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Inspiring and empowering every learner to lead, grow, and serve.

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MISSION

As the second-fastest growing school district in the Austin metro area, we believe public education is the foundation of our evolving community, and we strive to provide unique learning opportunities that meet the diverse needs of every learner, no matter the circumstances. Georgetown ISD empowers students to achieve their full potential. This is GISD. THIS IS GISD

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY ATIRIKTA KUMAR

FAFSA changes, delays lead to decrease in application numbers

Also of note

The delayed rollout of the form in 2023 is likely to impact students from low-income families because aordability comes into question, said Carla Fletcher, a research consultant at Trellis Strategies. “I think we are going to see some impacts on who is completing the FAFSA and then who is moving on to make decisions about their education because their nancial aid packages have been delayed,” Fletcher said. “And so that can really impact their decision making. They might not know which school they can truly aord because they don’t know what kind of aid they’re getting.” Students whose parents do not have a Social Security number have also been “adversely impacted” by the recent FAFSA changes, Ashton said. Texans who do not qualify for FAFSA may be eligible to apply for the Texas Application for State Financial Aid. In 2001, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1528, which allowed students who are not U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents or eligible noncitizens, who are not eligible for federal aid, to apply for state aid at participating higher education institutions. Learn more about TASFA eligibility at www.highered.texas.gov. The U.S. Department of Education has said next year’s FAFSA form is set to open for all students on or before Dec. 1, according to an Aug. 7 news release.

Fewer high schoolers have applied for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid this year than in 2023, according to data from the National College Attainment Network. The form, which usually becomes available Oct. 1, was delayed by almost three months due to changes made to the application. It was not available for students until Dec. 31. In 2022, U.S. Congress passed the FAFSA Simplication Act. The revamped application came with fewer questions, a new way of calculating how much aid students qualify for, and a direct exchange of data between the Internal Revenue Service and FAFSA, according to the U.S. Department of Education. However, the delayed application process likely caused a decrease in the number of FAFSA applications, and this will have lasting

FAFSA completion rates in Texas

65%

65% 60% 0% 50% 55%

54.5%

54%

SOURCE: TRELLIS STRATEGIESCOMMUNITY IMPACT *THE FAFSA SUBMISSION REQUIREMENT WENT INTO EFFECT IN TEXAS.

eects on graduating seniors, said Bryan Ashton, managing director at Trellis Strategies, a research and consulting rm focused on postsecondary education.

Zooming in

FAFSA completion for Georgetown ISD seniors

Class of 2023

As of the end of June, 54.5% of Texas’ class of 2024 had completed a FAFSA form, down from about 61% at the same time last year. Despite the decrease in total applications completed nationwide and statewide, Texas is ranked sixth in overall applications completed, according to the National College Attainment Network. Ashton said he believes this is in part due to a state law passed in 2019 requiring all graduating seniors to either complete a nancial aid application or formally opt out.

546

-10.81%

Class of 2024

487

SOURCE: NATIONAL COLLEGE ATTAINMENT NETWORKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The law went into eect for high school seniors graduating during the 2021-22 school year. After the law went into eect, about 65% of the class of 2022 in Texas lled out the FAFSA.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

2024 Sales and Use Tax Election Emergency Services District No. 8 On November 5, 2024, voters within Williamson County ESD No. 8 will consider Proposition A: the adoption of up to a 2% sales and use tax to fund local emergency services, bringing the total tax rate to 8.25%.This tax would apply to all goods purchased in ESD 8 as well as at online retailers.

Proposition A would:

Maintain a high level of emergency service for ESD 8 residents

Support the Georgetown Fire Department’s 10-year plan to build up to three new fire stations and hire additional staff

Keep tax dollars local

Election Dates

If approved, the 2% local sales tax will fund emergency services in ESD 8 at a similar rate to neighboring districts, including Round Rock, Liberty Hill, Hutto, Jarrell, and Florence—all of which fund their emergency services through a combination of property tax and sales tax. Without additional funding, emergency response times are likely to increase.

October 21 - November 1: Early in-person voting October 25: Last day to request a ballot by mail November 5: Election Day

About Emergency Services District No. 8 ESD 8 is the taxing entity responsible for overseeing fire and medical emergency services in the area. It ensures that residents in rural areas outside of the City of Georgetown receive high-quality emergency response from the Georgetown Fire Department.

Visit WilcoESD8.org for more information | Visit WilcoTX.gov/elections for polling locations and hours Paid for by Williamson County ESD No.8

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