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Fate of $522 million bond package to be decided by Hutto ISD voters Saturday

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:32:41 GMT

Editor's Note: The above video is previous KXAN coverage on Hutto ISD's bond packageHUTTO, Texas (KXAN) — One of the fastest-growing school districts in Central Texas has asked voters to consider a $522 million bond package. This to help it accommodate a student population expected to nearly double by 2032.Hutto ISD's bond package has three propositions listed, the most costly being Prop A at $471.5 million.As listed on the district's website, this would green-light two additional elementary school campuses, add-on to existing schools, and buy land to build future facilities.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas, superintendent of Hutto ISD, said such measures are needed to keep up with an expected population boom in the region once several major economic developments are complete.“You have housing developments going up, developments going up. Samsung that’s just bringing in enormous growth, secondary and tertiary companies that are following Sams...

Dripping Springs ISD $223M bond focuses on district growth

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:32:41 GMT

Editor's Note: The above video is previous KXAN coverage of the Dripping Springs ISD bond.DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) -- Dripping Springs ISD voters will vote on a $223 million bond to address growth within the district.It includes both a focus on the district’s growth, capital improvements and renovations on DSISD’s oldest campus and campus security, as well as ADA updates on all district campuses.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.The 2023 bond package includes things like:Build Elementary School No. 6Expand Sycamore Springs Middle SchoolBuild New Facility for Special Education 18 ProgramSecurity Updates for all CampusesClassroom PortablesIn November, voters decided not to pass three bonds for Dripping Springs ISD. Those proposals totaled $481 million. According to the district, enrollment grew from roughly 4,500 to 8,500 students in the last decade. The district also expects enrollment to essentially double again, to 16,000, in the next decade.

Voters to decide on Eanes ISD $131 million bond

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:32:41 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Eanes ISD Board of Trustees called a May 6 bond election for voters to consider maintenance and efficiency projects, safety and security upgrades, new technological devices for students and staff and stadium upgrades.The total bond package is about $131 million, which will be broken down into three propositions. Voter Guide: What you need to know ahead of the May 2023 local elections Proposition A: $117.773 million for safety and security upgrades, repairs and refurbishments at all Eanes ISD campuses. Other projects include energy-efficiency projects, network replacements, a new learning management system, library modernization, roof and HVAC repairs, parking lot pavement and fine arts equipment replacements.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.Proposition B: $2.411 million for Chaparral Stadium projects including safety upgrades, pole lighting replacements, a new video board and track surface replacement.Proposition C: $11.245 million for digital de...

Hays CISD proposes growth, security upgrades in $367M bond

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:32:41 GMT

Editor's Note: The above video is of previous KXAN coverage on the Hays CISD bond.HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Hays CISD has four propositions totaling more than $367 million on the May ballot. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hays CISD puts $367M bond on May ballot Proposition A: academics and growth ($208,814,047)Proposition B: theater and fine arts, athletics and CTE ($102,857,074)Proposition C: technology ($3,980,000)Proposition D: outdoor multipurpose pavilions ($52,173,445)'We would run out of space'The district said the money is needed to help keep up with the ongoing growth."We’re projected to grow as many as 1,000 a year for the next decade. If we did nothing, it would just be a matter of years before we would run out of space,” said Hays CISD spokesperson Tim Savoy.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright said increasing capacity is one of the district's main focuses. He said recently, their student projections for 2030-2031 went from ar...

San Marcos CISD proposing more safety measures in $166M bond

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:32:41 GMT

Editor's Note: The above video is of KXAN's previous coverage of San Marcos CISD's propositions.SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) - San Marcos CISD has four propositions on the ballot totaling $166 million.Proposition A: attendance credit electionProposition B: upgrades to all 12 campuses ($147,724,645)Proposition C: turf replacement ($984,563)Proposition D: district natatorium ($17,478,750)Safety and security measuresSan Marcos CISD Chief of Communications Andrew Fernandez said their Proposition B includes several new safety measures at all 12 of their campuses.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.“We want to add cameras, we want to fix the cameras we currently have. We’re also wanting to have first responder communication testing,” Fernandez said. “So what that means is when first responders walk into our buildings, we want to make sure their radios work.” RELATED COVERAGE: San Marcos CISD board approves school marshal program Along with safety, the districts said it is tackli...

Austin Police oversight vote: What you need to know

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:32:41 GMT

Editor's Note: The above video is previous KXAN coverage on Austin's police oversight propositions.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Saturday, voters will decide on two different measures related to police oversight. Voter Guide: What you need to know ahead of the May 2023 local elections Proposition A, drafted by advocacy group Equity Action, got on the ballot first.The Voters for Oversight and Police Accountability (VOPA) brought forth Proposition B after that happened.See election results after polls close at 7 p.m.Breaking down the ballot measuresOne petition was put forth by the advocacy group Equity Action. It calls for, among other things, the Office of Police Oversight to have more access to certain police files.After City Council moved to send that measure to voters, Equity Action claims canvassers "fraudulently" tried to get people to sign a "weaker" oversight petition.KXAN uncovered that The Voters for Oversight and Police Accountability (VOPA), a group backed by the Austin Police As...

Vinyl records have made a major comeback, and the Austin Record Convention has felt it

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:32:41 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- They're everywhere. At bookstores, on merch tables at concerts, there are even entire shops and conventions dedicated to them. And in the last decade, they've made a major comeback - surprising those who thought the digital age would take over, but being welcomed by collectors and antique lovers. The item in question: vinyl records. If you've been in touch with the music industry, purchased recorded music, or been to a concert in the last decade, you've probably noticed a major resurgence in vinyls, especially over the last year or so. A new report from the the Recording Industry Association of America, or RIAA, shows the growth in detail, and an article from Fortune boils it down: Over the past decade, vinyl records have made a major comeback. People purchased (US)$1.2 billion of records in 2022, a 20% jump from the previous year. Not only did sales rise, but they also surpassed CD sales for the first time since 1988.Jay L. Zagorsky/FortuneZagorsky writes in the ar...

Double homicide, one injured St. Louis Shooting

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:32:41 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- After a shooting, two people are dead and one is injured. It happened last night around 11:30 p.m. on Cherokee Street between Oregon and California Avenues.Two victims were taken to the hospital, where they later died. The third victim was shot in the leg. Homicide is investigating the scene.

Cherokee Street festival celebrates Mexican culture with 100+ vendors

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:32:41 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Mexican restaurants like Hacienda in Rock Hill saw a lot of people for Cinco de Mayo. And the fun is far from over. More than a hundred businesses and vendors will be set up along Cherokee Street for today's big festival celebrating Mexican-American culture.

Webster Groves 22nd Annual Run for ALS begins 7 a.m

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 19:32:41 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- It's a completely student-run event. It really helps bring the community together. The 22nd year officially begins at 7 a.m.The Webster Groves high school marketing two class is hosting the 22nd annual run for ALS. The run started in 2001 to help their teacher's husband, Jim Schoemehl, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  More commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, this is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.  There is currently no cure. A diagnosis comes with heavy financial burdens to cover the cost of testing, medication, and equipment to help with the rapid onset of paralysis.  That's why fundraising is so important for those fighting the disease.  Every year, a local suffering from ALS is chosen.  This year's run will help a Bosnian immigrant who moved to the United States more than 20 years ago with his wife and two sons. The run begins at 7 a.m. Later, we'll...