Hays County — School districts across the state are undergoing audits to ensure the safety of their students, including those in Hays County. After the tragedy that struck Robb Elementary School in Uvalde last May, Gov. Greg Abbott instructed the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) to conduct in-pers...

BUDA — If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, look no further than in your own community. The city of Buda held its first volunteer fair on March 4. More than 30 vendors, including local nonprofits, organizations and city boards and commissions, set up shop at city hall. According to Buda Ci...

School districts, mobile vaccine clinic also receiving funds HAYS COUNTY — Local organizations across Hays County are set to receive a helping hand through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. On Feb. 28, the commissioners court received a presentation from Ardurra Senior Project Manager Eric Boeh...

Recent cyberbullying incident also raises questions Buda — More funds and resources will be provided to Hays CISD to address a variety of mental health concerns. During the rescheduled board of trustees meeting on Feb. 24, the board approved an item that will provide the district with funds for ment...

'That is not normal for a community of our size and scope' BUDA — The Hays County community is continuing to fight the fentanyl crisis. This time, it enlisted the help of state representatives. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) joined various Hays CISD and law enforcement officials on Feb. 23 at Johnson High ...

KYLE — A new athletic coordinator and head football coach was named for Lehman High School. On Monday, Feb. 13, Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright announced that Christopher Castillo would assume the positions and that the board of trustees approved the hiring decision. “Coach Castillo is goin...

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON KYLE — After recent concerns regarding gas smells at Negley Elementary, Hays CISD chief communication officer Tim Savoy has provided some clarification. A concerned resident told The Hays Free Press that multiple children in affected classrooms were being sent home with nausea a...

Voters to see $367 million bond on May ballot BUDA — The bond process is a strenuous one, especially for a district that is growing as fast as Hays CISD, but the board of trustees has officially settled on a package that voters will see on the May ballot. In August 2022, two months after a $115 mill...

In 2022, four Hays CISD students died from fentanyl poisoning. In the months since, the families of Noah Rodriguez, Kevin McConville and Garrett Garcia (pictured above) have worked to educate the community on the dangers of this illicit drug. A digital billboard spreading awareness, spearheaded by N...

By Brittany Anderson HAYS COUNTY — Hays County leaders are continuing to find ways to fund mental health initiatives for its youngest residents.   During the regular Hays County Commissioners Court meeting on Oct. 11, the court discussed using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for behavioral hea...