On July 23, Hays CISD Superintendent Michael McKie laid out his goals and cornerstones for the 2013–14 school year at the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce State of Education luncheon at Lehman High School.

McKie, who took over the superintendent position May 28, said the district needs to concentrate on attracting a skilled staff, teaching strong curriculum, having engaged leadership and involving parents and the community in district issues, among other things.

"There has been a lot of discussion of graduation plans, test scores, et cetera," McKie said. "We need to stop focusing on test scores and focus on teaching and learning and graduating every child that enters school college- and career-ready. That's what it's all about."

McKie highlighted the fact that the district has not had to implement a tax increase the past six years and announced there is no plan for a tax increase in the 2013–14 school year.

Of 18 school districts in the Austin area, Hays CISD has the second-lowest teacher salaries, McKie said. He said a small raise has been proposed in the 2013–14 budget that will help attract and retain "the highest-quality teachers available in the Austin area."

In June, the Hays CISD board of trustees discussed salary increases for teachers, nurses and librarians that ranged between 1.5 percent and 4.2 percent based on experience.

"I was a high school principal for 11 years, and the best advice I ever received from any one individual was, 'If we don't feed our teachers, they'll eat our kids,'" McKie said. "We need to attract teachers to this community, and we need to keep them here for as long as humanly possible."

McKie also touted the district's accomplishments during the 2012–13 school year, which included:

  • 859 students received almost $8 million in scholarships
  • The WELL Clinic opened to provide medical services to Hays CISD students and their siblings
  • 177 graduates received 828 hours of college credit through Austin Community College
  • The Hays CISD board of trustees saved $27.2 million through bond refinancing
  • The Hays High School Lady Rebels softball team won the Class 4-A state softball championship