WILLIAMSON COUNTY
GEORGETOWN — Williamson County commissioners have approved the transfer of $250,000 from landfill funds to a nonprofit supporting the needs of the Hutto Independent School District, officials said.
The Hutto Education Foundation provides grants and scholarships to Hutto ISD teachers, students and graduates.
According to officials, the money comes from the solidwaste funding agreement established in 2011 between the county, the city of Hutto and Hutto ISD. The school district splits tipping fees with the city and invests its portion in an endowment for pupils.
“The future of Hutto (ISD) is really, really bright with all of the investments that Hutto Education (Foundation) pours into our kids,” said Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin.
Established in 2006, the endowment utilizes earnings on investments to create scholarships, enabling Hutto students to pursue education at either a twoor four-year college, university or accredited technical school, officials said.
“We also have a returning recipient program where, if a student receives a scholarship as a senior, they can apply each year they are in college, even if it’s toward a master’s degree,” said Claudia Cardwell, foundation director. “We realize it’s easy to start school, it’s easy to get those initial funds, but it’s very difficult to continue on that journey and find funding to help.” Last year, the foundation had 14 returning scholarship recipients.
For 2026, HEF plans on making changes to its returning recipient application — anyone who previously applied for scholarship funds as a senior at Hutto ISD can reapply. HEF will also hand out $50,000 in scholarships to high school graduates and returning recipients, a $20,000 increase from the previous year, officials said.
With the funding approved by the commissioners Dec. 16, the foundation wants to establish three new scholarship opportunities: the Rykker Bradley Memorial Scholarship, Commissioner Ron Morrison Scholarship and the Williamson County Commissioners Court Investing in Tomorrow Scholarship.
“These funds help HEF support Hutto ISD students through scholarships, technology and classroom resources across the district,” officials said in a previous news release. “Hutto ISD is grateful for the continued collaboration with Williamson County and the Hutto Education Foundation, whose shared commitment ensures students benefit directly from investments made in the community they call home.”
