TAX ABATEMENT ZONE CONSIDERED FOR DATA CENTER
HUTTO – City council will consider the approval of a tax abatement agreement with Hutto Data Center Campus LLC, a joint venture between Skybox Datacenters, LLC and Prologis Inc. at their July 20 meeting. The venture owns about 220 acres in the 1,400 acre Hutto Megasite located along State Highway 79.
Texas Open Meetings Act requires public notice for this type of meeting at least 30 days in advance, and council posted the intention to meet June 20.
At a previous meeting, council approved the creation of Hutto Tax Abatement Reinvestment Zone No. 1, to support the proposed abatement agreement. The reinvestment zone covers the Hutto Data Center property (3399 County Road 132, just off US 79) which is in Hutto’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The center is planning $10 million of improvements, including constructing the facility and a road. The tax abatement will be contingent on the improvements being made, according to city documents.
STUDENTS, STAFF DIFFER IN OPINION ON SCHOOL CLEANLINESS
A survey performed by Hanover Research shows a distinct difference of opinion when it comes to school restroom cleanliness. The survey was performed during the 2022-23 school year.
“It’s a survey, and we take the data for what it is and respond accordingly,” said Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas, district superintendent.
Parents, staff and students all seemed pleased with the overall environment at the schools. Almost 70% of respondents answered that the schools had clean common spaces and were well-maintained in a way that supports student learning.
However, while 68% of staff and 72% of parents who took the survey answered that their schools had clean bathrooms, only 23% of students agreed.
“This was in last year’s survey as well. In speaking to the principals, it has everything to do with the custodians that we have there during the day,” Estrada Thomas said. “Normally, we only have one daytime custodian at the elementary schools and they spend the majority of their time at the cafeteria during the long lunches so the bathrooms do get neglected during the day.”
Estrada Thomas said that the schools will look at adjusting some custodian schedules so a nighttime crew member can come in earlier and clean the bathrooms during the afternoon.
REGISTER NOW FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Hutto students return to campus for the start of the 2023-24 school year Aug. 10. Online registration is currently open for new and returning students in pre-school through grade 12. Returning students must complete their registration by Aug. 4.
To enroll in Pre-Kindergarten, students must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2023. Kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2023 to enroll.
Parents who do not have access to the internet can contact the campus registrar at their student’s school to schedule an in-person appointment for registration assistance.
