HUTTO — A ribbon cutting attended by dignitaries, parents, educators and other community members Sept. 4, heralded the official debut of Hutto Independent School District’s third middle school.
Gus Almquist Middle School opened its doors to 900 students for the 202425 school year in August.
“We’ve been enjoying this beautiful building for the last several weeks,” Principal Ryan Burns said. “We’re excited tonight to finally cut this ribbon and open the campus to the public.”
The school is named after a longtime Hutto community supporter and school board member known for advocating for Hutto ISD’s independence from consolidation with Pflugerville.
In honor of the namesake, the district invited Almquist’s surviving family members to speak and cut the ribbon.
“We thank the school board, the superintendent, the principal, staff — y’all have been wonderful,” said Paula Almquist Martin, Almquist’s only surviving child. “Y’all have created a beautiful school.”
Designed by VLK Architects and built by Drymalla Construction Co., the middle school is 160,000 square feet with a 1,200-student capacity. The two-story building includes a robotics lab, art classrooms, fine-arts studios, a library with a digital learning space, a collaboration area and various athletic facilities.
“Although today we are celebrating the successful opening of Gus Almquist Middle School, we are also celebrating the learning that has come to life with it for decades to come,” Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin said.
Construction cost an estimated $67 million and used funds from a 2019 bond, officials said.
The growing school district is working on a modernization project for Hutto High School and plans to turn the Ninth Grade Center into a standalone high school, officials said.
“We look forward to watching the Hippo pride continue to grow as we remain diligent in being fiscally responsible and discerning in future growth, as we are innovating today and shaping tomorrow for the next generation,” school board President Billie Logiudice said.
