Hutto ISD

Hippo Nation Rising: Innovation, Identity, and Excellence

A district that embraces innovation and focuses on the future for all of its students

Hutto Independent School District (Hutto ISD), affectionately known as Hippo Nation, is a district on the rise. With enrollment growing at a record pace and economic development reshaping the region, the district is embracing innovation to ensure that every student is prepared for the future. From career and technical education (CTE) programs embedded in elementary schools to a half-billion-dollar bond fueling new facilities, Hutto ISD is determined to inspire and achieve excellence at every level.

Planting seeds early: CTE in elementary schools

Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin views the district’s role as preparing students for tomorrow’s workforce, beginning in the earliest grades.

“We are in the process of developing and designing elementary number nine,” Neatherlin says. “And for us, we’re looking at what that is going to look like for our district. We are designing career and technical education programs into our next elementary school. We don’t want to start late in high school—we want to start early. And so, we’re going to start creating opportunities for our kids to be able to take that initiative from the get-go.”

Neatherlin emphasizes that this approach is tied to the local economy. With advanced manufacturing expected to be a major employer, Hutto ISD wants to ensure students are not only college-ready but also career-ready. This means providing them with exposure to technical skills and problem-solving mindsets at a time when curiosity is at its peak.

STEM Nation events, hosted in partnership with Temple College and local universities, draw huge crowds from across the community. “It is so incredibly well attended,” Neatherlin notes, recalling the excitement of students and families exploring technology, mechanics, and engineering. “The enthusiasm from parents and kids shows us this is the right direction.” By integrating these experiences at the elementary level, the district signals that career exploration is not just for teenagers but an essential part of learning from the very beginning.

Building bridges between classrooms and careers

Hutto ISD extends learning beyond the classroom, with Neatherlin highlighting the district’s structured framework for building direct connections with local businesses.

“We have what is called a career and technical education business partner framework,” Neatherlin says. “Essentially, businesses can partner with us as student interns, teacher interns, classroom supporters, or advisory board members. They scan a QR code, fill out a form, and we connect with them on how we can partner.”

The results are already evident. Neatherlin points to student Jordan Gallegos, who is working as a 911 operator through the criminal justice program. Others gain experience in hospitals, at Covert Ford, or through an innovative partnership with the fire department that will share space with Hutto ISD’s second high school. By embedding these opportunities into the academic structure, students graduate with not just diplomas but also meaningful work experience and professional connections.

Currently, the district offers 12 of the 16 official state CTE pathways, with healthcare, hospitality, advanced manufacturing, and STEM ranking highest in demand. “We work with workforce development, the Chamber, county leaders, and the economic development commission to make sure we’re aligned with community needs,” Neatherlin says. “All of the above are essential right now.”

Managing growth with fiscal responsibility

As Hutto ISD continues to expand by nearly 800 students per year—the equivalent of an entire new elementary campus—financial management is critical. Chief Financial Officer Caleb Steed explains how bond funding supports growth.

“A large portion of the bond dollars is going to construct new schools,” Steed says. “We’re renovating our legacy high school into a full 6A high school with CTE programs, building out a ninth-grade center into a second high school, completing our third middle school last year, and finishing our eighth elementary this year. The dollars go toward matching the growth of students who are coming in.”

In 2023, voters approved a $522 million bond package, divided into three propositions. Steed stresses that the district is careful not to overspend or raise tax rates unnecessarily. “We only go and sell money that’s available based on the tax rate and growth in the community,” he says. “We have about $148 million left that we can sell in the future to complete the projects.”

Steed takes pride in the district’s track record. “As long as I’ve been here, going on nine years, we have not had a project that was not on time and under budget,” he says. For taxpayers, that commitment means confidence that every dollar is being maximized, while for families, it means timely delivery of safe, modern spaces for learning.

Investing in safe, reliable transportation

Bond funding also supports day-to-day services essential to student well-being. Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Dr. Dustin Barton highlights how transportation and nutrition are being strengthened.

“Our bond prioritized large capital purchases, and we’ve allocated funding to bring 20 new buses into our fleet this September,” Dr. Barton says. “We currently run a three-tiered system—elementary, middle school, and high school routes—so buses are in use almost six hours a day. These new buses will be a welcome addition.”

For families, these investments translate into safer, more reliable commutes, ensuring students arrive at school ready to learn.

Child nutrition upgrades are another priority. “Two schools will be getting new serving lines this year because their current ones are 20 years old,” Dr. Barton explains. “Through appropriate budgeting and fund balance management, we can replace equipment and provide the highest quality meal service.”

By investing in the essentials—transportation and nutrition—Hutto ISD reinforces that every detail of the student experience matters, from the first bus ride of the day to the meal served in the cafeteria.

Celebrating excellence across academics

The district’s efforts have earned it recognition on multiple fronts, including being named a CTE District of Innovation and one of the Best Communities for Music Education. Its theater program is also a standout.

James Gazzale, Executive Director of Communications & Community Relations, reflects on the significance of these honors. “The exciting part is that we’ve been doing these things for a long time,” Gazzale says. “These have been priorities for our board and community, and now we’re being recognized for them. Fine arts, athletics, and career programs all translate into real-world skills, and we want to prepare our kids to be not just strong academically but also strong in character.”

For Gazzale, these recognitions validate the district’s holistic approach to education. They show that Hutto ISD values creativity and teamwork alongside academics and career readiness. The awards are a reminder that excellence comes in many forms, and the district is committed to celebrating them all.

Leadership and lifelong learning

For Neatherlin, leadership is both personal and professional.

“I get up every day because I get to impact the lives of others,” Neatherlin says. “Whether it’s kids, the community, or staff, I get to make a difference, and that’s the best part of my job.”

She also embraces lifelong learning. “As a superintendent, you have to know about finance, construction, legislation, AI, marketing, and so many other things,” Neatherlin says. “If I were not learning every day, I would be doing everyone a disservice. That’s why I push our team to be lifelong learners. We’ve brought in AI experts, attended safety and innovation conferences, and held ourselves accountable to growing as leaders.”

Innovation that honors community values

As Hutto ISD prepares for the future, Neatherlin emphasizes the importance of maintaining identity even as the district grows.

“A wildly important goal of ours is to make sure that as we grow, we’re ready for it,” Neatherlin says. “We’re opening a second high school, but it will also be the Hippos. We want to ensure that the culture, community feel, and Hippo spirit remain intact.”

Virtual education will also continue to expand. “We offer the Hutto Virtual Academy, with online and hybrid options,” Neatherlin explains. “We want to be the school of choice—whether students are online, hybrid, or in person. Inspiring excellence and achieving excellence are what drive us.”

With enrollment rising by hundreds each year, the challenge is not simply about adding classrooms but about preserving the close-knit spirit that defines Hippo Nation. For Neatherlin and her team, the answer lies in innovation, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

The spirit of the hippo

The hippopotamus may seem like an unusual mascot, but for Hutto ISD, it perfectly embodies the district’s strength and resilience. Known for its surprising speed and unmatched power, the hippo represents the district’s ability to adapt quickly while standing firm in its mission.

Within Hippo Nation, the hippo rises beyond mascot status to embody identity and pride. It reflects the community’s determination to provide students with every opportunity to thrive in academics, the arts, athletics, and careers. The spirit of the hippo embodies a message of strength and perseverance, paired with a readiness to protect and nurture.

Hutto ISD is much more than a growing school system. It is a district that embraces innovation while staying grounded in tradition and community spirit. By embedding CTE in elementary schools, fostering partnerships with local businesses, investing wisely in infrastructure, and celebrating fine arts, Hutto ISD is creating a model for future-focused education.

At A Glance

Who: Hutto ISD

What: A public school district committed to “inspiring excellence in academics, character, and community”.

Where: Hutto, Texas

Website: https://www.hipponation.org/