Hutto Independent School District is preparing for the opening of its second comprehensive high school, Creekside High School, slated for next academic year. In a September 10 presentation, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dustin Barton outlined an initial attendance‑zone plan that would use Highway 79 as the dividing line.
Proposed north‑south split
According to Barton, students who live north of Highway 79 would be assigned to Creekside High School, while those residing south of the highway would continue at Hutto High School. The district is still gathering community input and expects to refine the proposal through September, with a final recommendation to be presented to the board in October.
Transition options for current students
The district does not intend to force all students to change schools immediately. Barton said eleventh‑grade students currently enrolled at Hutto High may be allowed to finish their senior year at the existing campus. Likewise, athletes on varsity teams will remain at Hutto High because Creekside will not be eligible for postseason competition in its inaugural year.
Students participating in career‑technical education (CTE) or fine‑arts programs that are not offered at Creekside will also be permitted to stay at Hutto High. This approach aims to minimize disruption for students whose academic pathways rely on specialized courses.
Transportation considerations
Transportation services will continue for students who remain at Hutto High for programmatic reasons. However, Barton noted that students who choose to stay purely by personal preference might not receive bus service. “We still have 800 students—800 seniors that we have to provide transportation for to high school that live north of 79,” he said, adding that the district will create new bus routes to serve those students.
Next steps and community involvement
The district plans to hold additional public meetings and solicit written feedback throughout September. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed boundary map and share concerns or suggestions with the district office. The final recommendation, incorporating community input, will be brought before the Hutto ISD Board of Trustees in October for a vote.
By proactively addressing attendance zones and transportation logistics, Hutto ISD hopes to ensure a smooth transition to the new high school while preserving educational continuity for current students. Parents, students, and community members are invited to stay engaged as the district finalizes its plans.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
