Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, Oct. 5, e-edition of the Taylor Press.
The e-edition is emailed to subscribers and available at www.taylorpress.net.
DUCKS ADDED TO THE HALL OF FAME
One of the many highlights of homecoming each year is the induction of Taylor High School graduates into the Taylor High School Duck Hall of Fame.
This year the Ex-Students Association added four alumni to the distinguished list: world famous athlete Fred Kerley (class of 2013), anthropologist Peggy Leshikar Denton (class of 1970), educator Tim Crow (class of 1980), and Jessica Harkins Shahin (class of 1970) for her commitment to serving others.
PADAVIL TALKS BOND AHEAD OF VOTE
With early voting only weeks away, Taylor Independent School District officials hard at work in the community answering questions about an upcoming $82.5 million bond issue. At the Sept. 22 regular meeting of the City Council, Superintendent Devin Padavil made a presentation about the referendum to fund safety upgrades, district growth aging facilities. Early voting is Oct. 24 to Nov. 4. Election Day is Nov. 8. Before beginning, Padavil emphasized that this bond issue would not be causing a tax rate increase. According to Padavil’s presentation, the tax rate for the 2022 school year is $1.28 per $100 of property valuation, the lowest rate since 2008. At the meeting, Padavil said the number one focus of the district with this bond issue was for safety upgrades for schools, including fencing, secure entry ways and more.
NEW CEO TAKES HELM AT ERCOT
A new permanent leader of the main grid operator for Texas takes the helm this week.
In August, the board of directors of the Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) announced that Pablo Vegas will take over as the President and CEO for ERCOT effective Oct. 1.
Vegas has over 27 years of experience in the electric and gas industries and in management consulting. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President of NiSource and Group President of NiSource Utilities.
Additionally, Vegas served as President and Chief Operating Officer for American Electric Power (AEP) Texas. One of his many executive roles at AEP included President and Chief Operating Officer of AEP Ohio.
He is a trustee of the American Gas Association Foundation and a member of the Society of Gas Lighting and Young Presidents’ Organization.
Vegas received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
HUTTO TO STOMP OUT BULLYING
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. During October, students, schools and communities all over the world unite to “STOMP Out Bullying.”
STOMP Out Bullying is the leading national antibullying and cyberbullying organization for kids and teens in the U.S. A pioneer on the issue, STOMP Out Bullying is the most influential anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization in the country and beyond. Hutto ISD is offering a virtual parent/ caregiver informational presentation “Empowering Youth: Internet Safety for Caregivers” – Oct.
20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. through zoom. This virtual presentation helps caregivers navigate tricky conversations with youth about establishing healthy relationships and boundaries while they are online.
For more information, visit the Hutto ISD Facebook page.
CAMPUSES EARN PURPLE STAR DESIGNATION FOR MILITARY CONNECTED STUDENTS
Hutto Independent School District (ISD) is proud to announce that four campuses have received the distinction of being named a Texas Education Agency (TEA) Purple Star Designation campus. The award is for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years in recognition of being schools that excel in meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.
The campuses that received the designation are Benjamin “Doc” Kerley Elementary School (KES), Howard Norman Elementary School (HNES), Veterans’ Hill Elementary School (VHE) and Hutto Middle School (HMS).
