What you need to know
In a March 12 meeting of the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce, HISD Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin shared an update on the new transportation facility, which will be located along Chris Kelley Boulevard, south of the railroad tracks crossing much of the district, to help ease traffic, decrease fuel costs and shorten trips.
"That land will pay for itself in 15 years in fuel costs alone," Neatherlin said.
About the project
The 20-acre property purchased by the district is the site of a former truck-driving school, according to the district. HISD will build its South Transportation Facility on this property.
The facility will house some of the district's bus fleet, the district shared in its February newsletter, and eliminate the need for buses to travel to and from the existing transportation facility located on FM 1660. Referred to as "dead head" miles by the district, these trips to and from the facility add miles to buses unnecessarily and contribute to traffic.
The district has also purchased a total of 27 new buses, with nine having a capacity of 54 passengers, and 18 with capacity for 77 passengers. Each bus costs about $146,000, according to the district.
How we got here
In 2023, voters who live in the school district approved three propositions totaling $522 million in bond funds.
Proposition A—the largest of the three at $471.5 million—funds several major campus projects including construction of two new elementary schools and expansion of the Ninth Grade Center into a full high school.
At $10.5 million, Proposition B provides funding for new instructional technology devices, such as classroom computers and audio-video equipment.
Proposition C provides $40 million for the renovation of the administrative building at 200 College St. into a districtwide academic center with space for several alternative education programs.
What's next?
Twenty more buses are on order for the district and are expected to be delivered in September.
