HUTTO – A lone finalist has been chosen to lead the herd at the Hutto Independent School District, home of the Hippos.
Jeni Neatherlin was named by trustees as the lone finalist for the superintendent position Tuesday, Aug. 6. By law, the board must wait 21 days after naming the finalist before voting her in, so Neatherlin will be official on Aug. 27.
“We’re incredibly excited to be a part of Hutto and the community and we just thank you for this opportunity. I promise you every single day you will be proud you made this decision today,” Neatherlin said. “I will make you proud. Thank you, Hutto.”
The announcement comes about three months after Raul Pena stepped down. The district received 25 applications, officials said.
Neatherlin will be coming to Hutto from the Granger Independent School District, where she served as superintendent since 2021.
“I’ve had my eye on Hutto for a long time because I actually lived here a long time ago,” said Neatherlin, whose daughter, Trinity, will be starting school as a new Hippo this week. “It’s one of those communities that’s just full of good people. And it has growth and it has a lot of opportunities and excitement.”
The educator started her career as an English teacher and head coach, before being promoted into administrative roles. She holds a master of education administration degree from Lamar University. Her career has taken her to positions in Midland, Llano and Salado and her 23 years in education have been peppered with state, regional and national recognition for her achievements in student success, officials said.
“Neatherlin has worked in both big schools and small schools, and has led drastic academic turnarounds at all of her campuses and districts,” according to prepared release from Hutto ISD. “She has passed school bonds, oversaw the construction of new schools, and leads with passion and love. She recently fought for Senate Bill 68, legislation that allows students to take Career Investigation Days, not just college days, which became law in 2023,” Some of Neatherlin’s other accomplishments include: · As Granger ISD’s superintendent: Improved literacy scores over 124 percent; Granger Middle School was named a 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Middle School; nominated as Region 13 Superintendent of the Year.
· Llano High School (as principal): Named on U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools list three out of her four years there; facilitated instruction that led to Advanced Placement Scores in 2020 that were more than 30 percent above state average and more than 20 percent above the global average; achieved increases in college entrance exam scores above the national and global averages.
Neatherlin said she hopes to create an enduring legacy for Hutto schools.
“I hope that they say we gave every kid a quality education, great experiences, opportunity, and that I loved them and they knew it,” she said. “If you ever see me out, please come say hello because I’m a service leader and I’m all about making sure that I’m connected. I want to be a part of the Hutto community.”
