HIPPO NATION UNIVERSITYTASA/TASB CONFERENCE 2020 PRESENTATION

Presenters: Celina Estrada Thomas, Ph.D., Superintendent and

Terrence Owens, Board of Trustees Vice President

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Welcome and Introductions

Mr. Terrence Owens, School Board Vice President

Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas, Ph.D., Superintendent

The Hippo Nation University Graduate Experience

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Hutto ISD…A central Texas

gem

Established in the late 1800’s

Value words: uniqueness and belonging

8400 students and counting

Fast growth district

85 square miles; deep ag. roots; only 25% built out

Diverse student demographics; mirror the state

Collaborative relationship with our City

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Hippo Nation University

School Board initiative and vision for the district and community.

Hutto ISD established HIPPO NATION UNIVERSITY (HNU) in 2018 to provide community members a unique, comprehensive overview of the inner workings of a public school district.

Our ultimate goal is to create a resource pool of informed citizens from which the District accesses for leadership opportunities.

HNU serves as comprehensive initial overview for those interested in serving as a HuttoISD school board trustee.

The program is interactive allowing participants to ask questions openly in a safe, collaborative environment among the leaders in their respective areas.

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Logistics

Led by the Executive Leadership Team

Meet monthly from 9:00 am to noon for 7 months

Attendance “required” for graduation; one absence permitted

District provides agenda topics but monthly agendas are enhanced by the participants inquiries and personal areas of interest

In a legislative year, we include information about working with our representatives and advocating for our school district.

Culminates with a graduation ceremony

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Recruitment Process

Word of mouth by school board members, community, and school personnel

Social media

Previous HNU graduates recruit others

Personal invitations

Vetting process and selection criteria

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HNU Session TopicsDATE / LOCATION TOPIC PRESENTER

Saturday, September 19

Virtual

District Overview and Strategic Plan Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas, Superintendent

Saturday, October 17

Hippodrome

District Instructional Program

Efforts to Attract and Retain Staff from Human Resources

Dr. Robert Sormani, Associate Supt. for Instruction & Innovation

Lisa Patterson, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Saturday, November 14

Board Room

The Basics of School Finance Part I Mr. Glenn Graham,

Chief Financial Officer

Saturday, January 16

Boardroom

School Finance Part II

Bond Oversight Committee Work

Mr. Glenn Graham, CFO

Mr. Henry Gideon, Assistant Superintendent for Operations

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HNU Session TopicsDATE / LOCATION TOPIC PRESENTER

Saturday, February 20HHS & EWCHEC (East Williamson County Higher Education Center)

Career and Technical Education Programs in HISD

EWCHEC

Mrs. Melissa Wright, Ex. Dr. for Teaching and LearningTravis Clark, CTE CoordinatorDr. Robbin Ray, Temple CollegeLissa Adams, Provost TSTC

Saturday, March 27Meet at Transportation Facility

District Operations

Tour of Facilities

Mr. Henry Gideon, Assistant Supt for OperationsDr. Celina Estrada Thomas,Superintendent

Saturday, April 17Board Room

Board Operating Procedures and School Board Member Roles and Responsibilities

Ms. Billie Logiudice, Hutto ISD Board of Trustees President

Thursday, April 22Board Room7:10 pm

Attendance at the Board of Trustees Meeting and Recognition of the HNU Graduates

Superintendent

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Hippo Nation University Graduates

HNU CLASS OF 2019 HNU CLASS OF 2020

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Hutto ISD Benefits from Informed Community Members

Former graduates are running for school board

Technology Plan Committee

Return to School Task Force Committee

Bond Oversight Committee

Facilities and Long-Range Planning Committee

Bond Election support

Adding School Finance Committee in 2020-21

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