The 2016-17 Hays CISD school board, from left: Willie Tenorio, Merideth Keller, Sandra Bryant, Holly Raymond, Superintendent Michael McKie, Bert Bronaugh, Teri Tobias, Willie Tenorio, Esperanza Orosco The 2016-17 Hays CISD school board, from left: Willie Tenorio, Merideth Keller, Sandra Bryant, Holly Raymond, Superintendent Michael McKie, Bert Bronaugh, Teri Tobias, Willie Tenorio, Esperanza Orosco[/caption]

“Whether or not a bond is approved is a community decision. We encourage everyone to participate in the discussion about it.”

—Tim Savoy, Hays CISD public information officer, on the district’s potential 2017 bond

Big decisions made in 2016

Third high school plans OK’d In March, the board approved plans to build the district’s third high school at a location on FM 967 near Carpenter Hill Elementary School. An architectural contract was awarded to Stantec, a Canadian engineering company with three offices in Austin.

Budget, maintaining salaries When it passed the 2016-17 budget, the school board worked to maintain salaries in order to make the district more competitive when trying to hire and retain teachers.

Freeport exemption In 2016, the school board began the process of offering an exemption to the Freeport Tax. The exemption is expected to make the Kyle and Buda areas more attractive to companies looking to locate in the cities, because the will no longer be required to pay the tax. The district may benefit from the economic development potential.

Top issues for 2017

2017 bond initiative A bond may be up for a vote in May. Among the projects proposed in a $265 million recommendation for funds for a new high school and two new elementary schools.

HCISD’S 50th anniversary In 2017, the school district will mark the 50th anniversary of when the former Kyle, Buda and Wimberley school districts consolidated to form Hays CISD. Wimberley later created Wimberley ISD, but Kyle and Buda have remained together ever since.

Legislative session The 85th Texas Legislature began Jan. 10, and district officials say they have their eye on legislation regarding specific issues that could affect the district. Bills that would affect the new A-F accountability ratings, vouchers and charter schools, vaccinations, and school funding formulas could all come up in the upcoming session.