Jeni Neatherlin officially took her place as Hutto Independent School District’s superintendent Tuesday night.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity to be the head Hippo and to lead Hippo Nation at a time of fast pace and change and growth,” Neatherlin said to the Press.
Trustees unanimously voted to extend a contract to the former Granger Independent School District superintendent at a special meeting Aug. 27. By law, the board had to wait 21 days to hire after naming Neatherlin the finalist Aug. 6.
Neatherlin will be paid a salary of $247,000, according to her contract.
“You have a great challenge before you, as you lead our district, but you also have great people who are willing to get the work done, who are dedicated to learn what they don’t know … all in effort to impact student growth,” board President Billie Logiudice said to Neatherlin before the trustees finalized their votes.
“You will find a community who welcomes you in, who is engaged and who is filled with Hippo pride. We look forward to making great things happen together for our next generation.”
Along with herself, Neatherlin’s daughter, Trinity, is also a new Hippo, having joined the cheerleading team at Gus Almquist Middle School.
“Thank you for welcoming me to Hutto and embracing us and just showering us with love and praise,” Neatherlin said at the meeting. “I’ll tell you this, Hippo Nation, we are going to do some really cool things.”
As the board welcomed Neatherlin, recognition was given to Cara Malone, the assistant superintendent of Talent Management and Personnel Support, who served as interim superintendent for four months after Raul Pena stepped down.
Malone represented Hutto ISD at an Apprenticeship Degree Network conference at the University of Oxford in early August, during which K-12 and higher education representatives discussed teacher apprenticeship programs and their goals.
Hutto ISD brought on 50 teacher apprentices who are working toward their degrees and certifications as they shadow and work alongside current teachers.
“Some people turn away from difficult situations, but there are a few who, without hesitation, dive hard in to make a difference. You are one of those few special people,” trustee Amy English said to Malone. “The task you faced was daunting. … Thank you for your hard work, your passion and reminding us what true dedication looks like.”
