HUTTO —“Whatever you do, don’t get in trouble in Williamson County.”
Growing up in Pflugerville, James Matlock heard this saying often. So when he and his family came to Hutto, Matlock was determined to make a change in the community.
“When I moved to Wilco, I wanted to have my hands on the pulse of my kids to make sure my kids had the best opportunities for them,” Matlock said. “That’s why I ran for school board. Having four kids in the district, I wanted to do all I could to be a part, not only of their day-to-day lives, but their education as well.”
Matlock was elected to the Hutto Independent School District board of trustees in 2021. With a Master’s Degree in accounting and financial management plus a job as an auditor, Matlock views monitoring the financial operations of the district as a personal responsibility.
“We all have our niches on the school board, which makes us unique,” he said. “One of mine is the finances, making certain we’re good stewards of taxpayer dollars and making sure we’re doing what’s in the best interests of the children.”
Matlock and wife Caxcy have two children currently attending Hutto schools, and two more who are pre-school age. The couple’s oldest child has special needs, and that was a consideration in their move to Hutto.
“The special education programs the district has were a determining factor, as well as really looking at the small town feel,” he said. “Seeing familiar faces at the grocery store or little league game, it adds a level of safety. I always have a friend or a familiar face somewhere.”
That same safe feeling is found on school campuses when parents get involved, and Matlock has seen an increase of parents becoming engaged with the schools since he’s been on the board, he said.
“Post-COVID, we’ve seen a lot of dads step up to programs we have for mentors and watch dogs and coaches,” Matlock said. “As we see the increased involvement from parents and mentors, we are seeing disciplinary problems decrease. We know that when students feel safe, they feel safe to learn.
It equates to increased outcomes and improved grades.”
Running for office pushed Matlock past his comfort level, which he says is a crucial skill students, especially black students, should learn as well.
“One thing we do as a district is each school has Black History Month programs,” he said. “I don’t want kids to shy away from that history. It’s part of you, but not a plateau to what you can do.
Growing up in Hutto will be a part of who my kids are, but it’s not a plateau to wanting something more for themselves.
Don’t let where you are now limit what you can do.”
