Hutto High School

Hutto High School (Photo: Billy Hathorn / Wikimedia)

Hello everyone! Last time we wrote, Hutto Independent School District (HISD) had called for an increased Maintenance and Operations tax rate, triggering a Tax Ratification Election (TRE). This TRE has been listed on the ballot as Proposition 1, and is the only thing on the ballot. Early voting has come and gone, and the official election day is this coming Saturday, September 1st.

Early voting was a huge success. See here (link will open virtual version of The Hutto News). The relevant article, by Editor Elizabeth Page, is midway down the front page on the right side. According to Williamson County officials

 During the first day of early voting held at Hutto High School Aug 15, 293 voters cast ballots in the tax ratification election, which (sic) a record for the first day of early voting in any county election

This was huge. Only 742 voters turned out for last year’s failed TRE. From HISD Superintendent Dr. Doug Killian

We’re hoping to get a high voter turnout because we want to hear from folks. With 10,700 registered voters, I think about a thousand voters would be reasonable. We want to have a good statement about what’s next.

As of the close of early voting at 6pm on August 29th, 990 votes had been cast.The officials at HISD are crediting this increase in turnout to the efforts of Hippos United!

In other news, Proposition 1 won the full endorsement of the local Hutto Chamber of Commerce. The Hutto Chamber moved the issue up the chain to the Great Austin Chamber of Commerce. On August 27th, the Austin Chamber issued this press release (.pdf), offering their full support.

From the release

‘Hutto ISD has made difficult spending cuts, restructured central administration, invested in critical staff to improve student success in college and career and embarked on an effort to create a Human Capital strategy,’ said Tony Befi, IBM Vice President of POWER Systems and Storage Management and the Greater Chamber’s 2012 Education/Talent Council Chair. ‘Now is the time for Hutto ISD citizens to vote by September 1 in favor of their school district.’

Voters in Hutto have one more opportunity to answer Tony Befi and Dr. Doug Killian’s calls to head to the polls. Voting on the official election date will take place at Hutto Elementary School from 7am to 7pm.

Hippos United will be outside the polls on Saturday with signs, urging voters to cast their vote FOR Proposition 1.

Our internal opinion here at Hippos United is that large turnout favors our effort;  more voters means a higher likelihood of Proposition 1 succeeding. We are very pleased with the efforts of our volunteers and the response from our community.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated time, resources, money, or praise to our efforts in support of HISD. It has meant the world to us, to our community, and to our children’s futures. Thank you so much Hippos!

Hippos United is a non-profit organization, staffed by volunteers to address political and community issues in the city of Hutto, Texas. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @HipposUnited, or visit our website.