How we got here
Cullen Elementary was approved by voters in the 2022 bond as the district's 16th elementary school and 27th campus overall.
Work began on the $48.2 million, 117,611-square-foot school in early 2023 and is opening as planned for the 2024-25 school year.
The school is located in the Anthem subdivision in Kyle.
What's in a name
The school is named after teacher Jim Cullen, who was present at the ceremony. Cullen taught middle school Texas History in Hays CISD for 14 years and was president of the Hays Educators Association for a number of years. He also won numerous awards for his contributions to the district, including the first Hays CISD Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
After retiring in 2005, Cullen worked as a journalist covering the district and became the district's first official photographer.
Four of Cullen's former students will teach at the school.
More details
The school, which has a 900-student capacity, will welcome over 400 students on the first day of school Aug. 13.
- Mascot: cubs
- School colors: navy and gold
- Principal: Elizabeth Lara
Per district officials, there are 24,607 students projected to attend HCISD schools this year, which is up about 1,100 from last year.
As such, HCISD's Facilities and Bond Oversight Committee could prepare a bond package this fall, which voters would vote on in May. The bond could include items such as plans for additional elementary schools, a seventh middle school and a fourth high school.
