After seeking suggestions from the community for Hutto ISD's seventh elementary school, the Board of Trustees voted Thursday night on the official name of the district's newest facility.

The board voted to name the new elementary school Benjamin Doc Kerley Elementary, named after the historic local figure who founded the "Hutto Colored School" in 1911.

“The unanimous vote by the Board in selecting Benjamin “Doc” Kerley Elementary shows we want to
honor those who’ve been a part of educating students in Hutto,” said Board President Connie Gooding in a press release. “Even over 100 years ago, Mr. Kerley laid a foundation of inspiring excellence in a time much different from today, and we are so proud to honor that legacy.”

The school district received more than 250 submissions for name suggestions, according to Hutto ISD Superintendent Celina Estrada Thomas.

Trustees also voted Thursday night to officially construct the school at the maximum cost of $26.5M. An official groundbreaking ceremony for Benjamin Doc Kerley Elementary, located at the southern end of West Vienna Drive, is scheduled for Monday afternoon. Construction on the new school is scheduled to be completed by May 2019.

The groundbreaking for the school is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 12, at 1:30 p.m.