Hays CISD

Democrat Alex Villalobos and Republican Anthony Hipolito are vying to become sheriff in the Nov. 5 election. KUT asked each candidate about school threats, the fentanyl crisis and law enforcement's presence on campus.

Central Texas schools are finding ways to cut down on spending in the face of budget deficits. Reshuffling staff and delaying the opening of a new school are just a few of the steps districts are taking.

School breaks mean there is less help available in the case of an overdose, and families should stay alert.

Trustees voted Monday to spend over $4 million to buy the new buses. They also approved a plan to spend nearly $400,000 to retrofit district buses that do not currently have seat belts.

Hays CISD currently has 102 buses without seat belts. The district is receiving several new orders of buses this year and will consider a bond measure that would go to voters in May 2025 for additional funds.

The teacher was seriously injured in the crash and is seeking more than $1 million in damages.

Austin ISD is one of just a four entities in the entire state that took advantage of a Texas Education Agency grant program over a decade ago to get seat belts into school buses.

Two people were killed in the crash last week. Jerry Hernandez, 42, faces a charge of criminally negligent homicide.

One adult and one child died after a Hays CISD school bus carrying pre-K students crashed in Bastrop County Friday afternoon.

This summer has been brutal in Texas. Hays CISD is taking precautions to help keep students safe, while also preparing for a warmer future.