Hays Consolidated Independent School District
Hays CISD makes it 100% possible!
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS: THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026
Elementary Schools 7:30 am - 3:00 pm ● Middle Schools 8:10 am - 3:45 pm ● High Schools 8:55 am - 4:25 pm
Hays CISD Welcomes Class of 2040 Among the More Than 25,000 Students Returning to School!
This year's pre-K class will become the Class of 2040 in 14 years. Conversely, this year's graduating Class of 2027 started pre-K in August 2013. Time passes quickly, which is why Hays CISD works to help students and families make the most of every moment - and 100% possible!
Did you know that this year's graduating class all started school either right before, or at the same time, Amazon's Alexa and Ring's first video doorbell hit the market? And they were all born before Apple invented and released the i-Pad, and prior to the releases of Instagram and Snapchat. Here's to dreaming of some pretty interesting things this generation will invent and improve! What will the students of the Class of 2040 look back on as they prepare to walk the stage? It is within the realm of possibility that those graduation ceremonies might be livestreamed to relatives living in colonies on the moon or Mars.
Whatever the future achievements of humankind, you can bet public schools, including Hays CISD, played a significant role. We are glad you are here! Welcome back to school.
Construction Underway on 4th Comprehensive High School
Construction is underway on the newest high school in Hays CISD. Voters approved construction for the campus in the 2025 bond election. This will be the fourth comprehensive high school in the district, joining Hays, Johnson, and Lehman High Schools. Live Oak Academy is the district's specialized, accelerated high school of choice for 10 - 12th graders.
High School #4 (as it's called right now because it is yet unnamed) is being constructed to serve 2,800 students. It's located in the northeast part of the school district immediately west of South Turnersville Road and east of Sunfield. An extension of Buda's Main Street will run to the campus.
Start Thinking of Names for the New Schools
With another high school and elementary school coming online soon, the district will need two new school names. The name suggestion process will be occur this school year, likely in the fall and be open to all Hays CISD residents, taxpayers, parents, students, and employees. Current district policy allows new school buildings to be named after:
A former District employee who made significant contributions or accommodations to better the educational experiences of District students, and left employment with the District in good standing.
An historical or geographical site in the community, but not the name of a subdivision with no historical significance.
Elementary #18 Construction Set to Start Soon
Construction of the district's 18th elementary school is tentatively set to begin in January 2027, so that it can open as early as August 2028. It was approved in the 2025 bond and will house up to 900 students. The design of the building will be substantially similar to the district's newest elementary campuses - Sunfield, Cullen, and Ramage Elementary Schools (using the current elementary school prototype blueprints). While no attendance zone has yet been created for this campus (and probably won't be until the fall before it opens), the campus is designed to alleviate projected and actual overcrowding at elementary schools in the northeastern part of the district.
New Attendance Zones for 2026-2027
In January 2026, the Hays CISD Board of Trustees voted to adopt the adjustments to the Hays CISD elementary school and middle school attendance zone maps to alleviate actual and projected overcrowding at Sunfield and Buda Elementary Schools and McCormick Middle School; and to aid with better capacity utilization at Carpenter Hill and Elm Grove Elementary Schools and Dahlstrom Middle School. No high school zones were affected in this proposal. The new maps take effect this school year.
The impact on current students was relatively limited because most of the territory proposed for change is not yet developed. Current students had the choice to either remain at their current schools or move to the new campuses. You can check out all current attendance zones in Hays CISD as the link below, using the district's interactive map.
There are Many Building Projects Underway in Hays CISD:
Multipurpose Activity Pavilions Opening Next Week!
The multipurpose fine arts and athletics activity pavilions approved by voters in the 2025 bond will open in early August for student use at all Hays CISD high schools. The pavilions will allow student groups space to practice, rehearse and perform under the shade of a covered top. Lighting will allow students to work on their programs for extended hours.
The pavilion at Lehman High School is pictured at left. Pavilions are also under construction at Hays and Johnson High Schools. High School #4 will have a pavilion as well when it opens later this decade.
Other Expansions & Additions On Track
As a fast-growth school district, Hays CISD has held several bond elections in recent history to ask voters for permission to add new facilities, expand existing schools, and perform essential maintenance and upgrades.
You can track the projects and progress of the district's growth at the Facilities and Bond Oversight Committee (FBOC) page online. Use the "Bond History" tab and drop-down menus.
Special thanks to all of the volunteer community members who serve on the FBOC, safeguarding quality and transparency regarding bond projects.
A Message from Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright
Greetings Hays CISD Family!
Welcome back to another exciting school year! I love August - seeing friends and colleagues, teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members who are all eager to seize the opportunities a fresh beginning offers. We have much for which to be proud that we have accomplished through the years and much to look forward to in this upcoming school year. It's a chance to build on our achievements, make improvements, learn new things, make new memories, and appreciate the moments of our lives as they unfold.
This will be my last start to a school year in my nearly 40 years as a public school teacher and administrator. As you know, I announced my retirement in June which will take effect next February. I will forever be grateful for the time we have spent together and for the enduring warmth of knowing that once a member of the Hays CISD family - you're always a member. That's one of the most important values I believe our district embraces that sets us apart from others. We enjoy strong bonds of community that reinforce the classroom and character lessons we teach.
Our mission is that we make it 100% possible! We strive to do that for 100% of our students, 100% of the time. It is something that is in the DNA of every one of us who answers the call of service to be part of public education. I'm proud of public education. It's the backbone of what makes our democracy and economy quite often the envy of the world. It is responsible for the Texas miracle and it allows the opportunity for anyone - from any background or circumstance - the opportunity to rise up and reach dreams.
Public education is often caught in the machinery of politics, which can cause real-world challenges and make headlines. Being part of the public debate is appropriate. As a public institution, public education belongs to all of us and we should be talking about how to make it better and keep it strong for our future generations. Just remember that for every headline you may read, there are thousands of daily interactions happening on our campuses that will go unnoticed by the masses, but not by the individual children who benefit - the "ah ha" moments that open up children to greater understanding, the break-throughs teachers make that advance learning, and the smiles students get from bus drivers, custodians, and child nutrition staff that let the students know it's all going to be just fine. Here's to all of the great things that 2026 - 2027 has to offer!
Dr. Eric Wright
Hays CISD Superintendent of Schools
Let's Get Going:
Registration is Underway
Welcome back and a big Hays Howdy to students and families. If you haven’t already done so, it's time to register for the 2026-2027 school year. You can find out all of the information you need to register online at: https://www.hayscisd.net/registration.
Virtual Academy Opens
Hays CISD now offers a virtual school academy for high school students who want to take all or some classes online, while keeping on-campus access to extra-curriculars and specialty courses. Learn more online at the Hays CISD virtual learning page and apply for the program following instructions located within the "Forms" tab of the student online registration system. If you have questions, email: HaysVirtual@hayscisd.net.
Hays CISD is Open to Out-of-District Transfers
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Hays CISD will accept enrollment applications for students who do not live in Hays CISD. Non-resident transfer students are subject to the rules of the program and can apply to attend Hays CISD schools using the student online registration system.
Schedules and Back-to-School Events
Back-to-school is an exciting time! Hays CISD campuses have autonomy to create exciting back-to-school activities. Be sure to check with your child’s campus for specific information about back-to-school event schedules.
August 4, 2026 | Deadline for returning students to be registered and new students to be enrolled to receive school bus service on the first day of school. Students who complete registration or enrollment after this date will not have bus service until August 17th. |
August 4, 2026 | Transportation (bus) assignments will display in parent and student portals (in the desktop versions of the portals, not the mobile version). For a full transportation experience, download the Smart Tag app to check the status of a bus, get push notifications for late buses, check whether students are on or off the bus and which stop they used, and much more. The Smart Tag app will not be accessible until this date. |
August 9, 2026 | Deadline for returning students to be registered and new students to be enrolled to ensure they are assigned to a teacher and can participate fully in elementary school meet-the-teacher events. |
August 4-11, 2026 | Elementary school teacher assignments will display the morning of meet-the-teacher night. Secondary school schedules will display the day of each campus's back to school event. Use the drop-down button below for specific dates and times. |
Hays CISD Strengthens Finances Amid Statewide School Funding Concerns
District Adopts at 2026-2027 Surplus Budget
School Supplies:
Hays CISD School Supply Lists:
Elementary Schools: Hays CISD mostly uses standardized school supply lists based on grade levels for elementary school students. The lists are available as PDFs at the Hays CISD School Supply Central web page. A few campuses or classes may have additional supply lists they use locally. Follow information provided to you by the campus regarding additions or changes to the district's standard supply lists.
Middle and High Schools: Hays CISD does not have a standardized school supply list for middle and high school students. Middle and high school students should come to class the first day with basic supplies including pencil, pen, and paper. Teachers assign additional supplies.
Consider Donating Supplies
Back-to-School time can be very exciting! It can also be very stressful, particularly for families who may be experiencing difficult financial times. Because of generous support from people like you, the district can provide school supplies and backpacks to students in need. You can drop off donated school supplies and backpacks at the Hays CISD Clothes Closet at 3839B E. FM 150 in Kyle (next to Simon Middle School) or at the Hays CISD Central Office at 21003 IH 35 in Kyle. The supplies are collected and distributed to individual students and campuses. Donations are tax-deductible. To coordinate large batch school supply donations, please contact Elizabeth.Arredondo@hayscisd.net. To request assistance with school supplies, please use the online help form, or contact the counselor at your child’s campus.
Texas Sales Tax Holiday Weekend
This year’s state Sales Tax Holiday is August 7th through the 9th. As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. Read more about this State of Texas program for parents and school children on the website of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Send Us Your First Day of School Photos
We’re continuing a fun idea - something we started years ago - First Day of School Facebook photos! Send us your best first day of school picture, and we’ll share it with everyone on the Hays CISD Facebook page. We will start posting the photos in the morning on the first day of school. You can submit your child's photo (.jpeg preferred) by emailing it as an attachment to photos@hayscisd.net.
Some photo editing may be required. By submitting a photo to Hays CISD you are acknowledging your photos may be used in Hays CISD publications, including the district website and social media.
Cool New Things Happening in Hays CISD:
Air Force JROTC Coming to Johnson High School
Hays Consolidated Independent School District (Hays CISD) is pleased to announce that its application has been approved and the paperwork has been signed to start an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program at Johnson High School beginning in August 2026. The district has been working to achieve approval for this program since 2017, during the planning phase for Johnson High School – a full two years before construction on the campus was even completed in 2019. It generally takes a number of years, depending on the length of the wait-list, to earn approval for an Air Force JROTC program.
Contact the campus for information about signing up for the program.
Hays CISD Part of Central Texas Healthcare Academy
Austin Community College, in collaboration with the Central Texas Health Partnership, now offers a new dual credit program that trains high school students in five exciting careers that support the region’s growing healthcare industry.
The program is currently only for students enrolled in Hays CISD or Pflugerville ISD. Students can save time an money on college while getting ahead in High School. Tuition is free. Students get hands-on learning and make real-world connections. They can choose from these five career paths: professional nursing, diagnostic medical imaging, surgical technology, health information technology, and paramedic.
Learn more about the Central Texas Healthcare Academy online.
Hays CISD is a New Balance School District
Hays CISD is excited to announce that it will become a New Balance school district beginning July 1, 2026. This means BSN Sports and New Balance will serve as the official apparel, uniform, and accessory providers for all Hays CISD high school athletic programs. It’s the first school-district-wide agreement for New Balance in Texas. The deal begins with the three current high schools in Hays CISD that have athletic programs – Hays, Lehman, and Johnson, and will extend to the district’s fourth comprehensive high school when it opens in 2030.
Get Ready for the Fall Season Excitement!
Student Health Matters:
Child Nutrition Menu Price Chart
Elementary Schools | Middle/High Schools | |
Reduced Price Breakfast | $0.30 (until September 1, 2026, then free) | $0.30 (until September 1, 2026, then free) |
Paid Breakfast (Students) | $1.25 | $1.35 |
Reduced Price Lunch | $0.40 | $0.40 |
Paid Lunch (Students) | $2.70 | $2.90 |
School Safety:
See Something, Say Something, Do Something!
Hays HopeLine
Hays HopeLine, now powered by STOPit™, is a convenient and confidential way for students and parents to report bullying, harassment, concerns about addiction or fentanyl, or any other personal or mental health crisis. Use the web-based link above, or download the app from the Apple or Google Play stores.
Learn about David's Law and how the Hays HopeLine complies with its provisions.
iWatch Texas
The Texas Suspicious Activity Reporting Network iWatchTexas website is a place you can report suspicious activities or behaviors that may indicate criminal, terroristic, or school safety-related threats.
This site is not designed to report emergencies. If this is an emergency, call 911.
Every report will be reviewed by analysts. Although not required, providing your contact information will allow follow-up questions, and if you prefer to report by telephone, please contact 844-643-2251.
The report should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
988 Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Bullying
Bullying is not tolerated in Hays CISD. Report bullying using the Hays HopeLine feature on this page. To learn more about bullying, visit the Hays CISD Bullying page.
Keep Your Contact Information Up-To-Date
Hays CISD emergency communication systems (email, text, phone calls) use parent and student contact information stored in our student information database. If you change email addresses or phone numbers, be sure to tell your campus attendance office so they can update your contact information in the TEAMS system. This will help ensure you get emergency information. Learn where to find information about Hays CISD in the handy "Stay Connected" district channel guide (Spanish).
ID Badges are Key for Safety on Campus
The district will continue to rigorously enforce the requirement that students, staff, volunteers, and visitors wear ID badges that are clearly visible while on campus. The IDs must be prominently displayed at the neck or chest level at all times during the school day with no exceptions. This is a critical first-line security measure that allows people on campus to know right away whether someone belongs on campus or may be a threat. Please help us keep campuses safe by reinforcing the ID requirement.
Hays CISD Hires New Company for School Pictures
Earlier this year, the district conducted a search for a new school photo company. After revieing bids, the district has selected Wheelhouse Pix. The company remains a family-owned business and has been operating for 65 years, capturing amazing photographs. Parents should be on the looking for information from their child's campus this fall, complete with schedules and pricing options for school pictures.
Athletic Participation Fees
Beginning with the 2026 - 2027 school year, Hays CISD implemented a sliding-scale student athletic participation fee, in parity with fine arts participation fees already in existence in the district. The athletics fee program was part of a larger package of necessary, districtwide local budget changes.
Cell Phone Use Still a No-Go at School in Texas
Beginning in 2025, the state of Texas banned the student use of personal communication devices, including cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and other devices, during the school day.
In compliance with the law, Hays CISD enforces a bell-to-bell ban on the use of personal communication devices, prohibiting them during the instructional day. Devices must remain powered off and stored out of sight from the first bell to the final dismissal bell, including during lunch and passing periods.
Policy Rules and Details
Prohibited Items: Cell phones, smartphones, flip phones, earbuds, smartwatches, tablets, gaming devices, smart glasses, and certain other devices capable of communication or internet access.
Storage Requirements: Upon arrival on school property and prior to the start of the instructional day, students shall: 1. Power off all personal communication devices; 2. Secure the device(s) in a backpack, purse, locker (if assigned), or other district-approved storage location; and 3. Ensure the device remains unused, unseen, and inaccessible for the duration of the school day.
Exemptions: Allowed only as specifically authorized by law, an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, physician directive, or other campus administrator approved accommodation.
Read the full district personal communication procedure online.
Consider School Technology Protection Plan
The Hays CISD Device Protection Plan covers accidental damage, loss, and theft for district-issued student devices like Chromebooks and iPads. Costs are based on lunch qualification status (Regular: $40, Reduced: $20, Free: $10), and the plan must be purchased within 60 days of the school year or enrollment. You can buy it online via the Hays CISD RevTrak Store.
Plan Costs and Purchasing
Regular lunch price: $40 per school year
Reduced lunch price: $20 per school year
Free lunch price: $10 per school year
Purchase window: Within 60 days of the first day of school or your student's enrollment date.
Where to buy: Secure your plan directly on the Hays CISD RevTrak Store
Coverage and Limits
Accidental damage: Covers up to two damage/repair claims per year.
Loss or theft: Covers a maximum of one full replacement claim per year.
Exclusions: Cases and chargers are not covered under this protection plan.
Restrictions: Parents and students cannot attempt independent repairs or use outside repair services.
Additional Resources:
Initiative Aims to Help With Gun Safety
As part of the most recent legislative session, Texas lawmakers have asked districts to share information from Keep 'Em Safe Texas, which has many resources to assist with making homes safe with regards to firearms, including a Safe Gun Storage Checklist, tips for ammunition storage, gun safety coloring sheets for children, informative videos, detailed descriptions of gun storage devices, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
Statewide Firearms Survey
The Texas School Safety Center is inviting parents and guardians across the state to participate in a brief statewide survey about safe firearms storage campaigns in Texas. The information from this study will help improve future safety resources for schools and families. This project is funded by the National Institute of Justice and it is being led by the Texas School Safety Center and WestEd.
Check Your Campus Drop Off & Pick Up Traffic Plans; Be Careful on the Roads
Many Hays CISD Campus Traffic Patterns are Changing for 2026-2027
With information from our friends at the National Center for Safe Routes to Schools
There are many improvements happening not only at Hays CISD schools, but also with the road infrastructure around them for 2026-2027, a number of normal pick-up and drop-off patterns are changing at Hays CISD campuses. Look for full details from your child's campus. Parents and caregivers who drive on campus and in neighborhoods near schools can play an important role in enhancing safety by following safe driving practices. Drivers are often in a hurry and distracted which can lead to unsafe conditions for students and others walking, bicycling and driving in the area.
Campuses will include individual traffic plans on their websites. Be sure to check your campus for this year’s drop-off and pick-up plans. These may have changed from last year.
School zone traffic lights in Hays CISD will be on and enforced one week prior to the start of school.
In general, drivers should always:
Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits especially in school zones.
Comply with local school drop-off and pick-up procedures.
Avoid loading or unloading children at locations across the street from the school. This forces youngsters to unnecessarily cross busy streets.
Prepare to stop for a school bus when overhead yellow lights are flashing.
Stop for a school bus with its red overhead lights flashing, regardless of the direction from which the driver is approaching.
Watch for children walking, bicycling, and gathering near bus stops.
Don’t use cell phones, including in school parking lots, while a vehicle is in gear.
The district enjoys a strong relationship with all of its law enforcement partners - officers, deputies, and troopers are parents too. They will be watching school zones and enforcing traffic rules to make sure children are safe.
One last tip: Remember to allow yourself extra time for parent drop-off and pick-up during the first week of school. We will have many parents learning the routines at their new campuses. We look forward to a great year!
Become a Bus Buddy! New Volunteer Program to Help Students During First Days of School
The Hays CISD Transportation Department and the Hays CISD VIPs (Volunteers in Public Schools) Office is excited to announce a new program in Hays CISD designed to help students navigate their first couple of days on the school buses. The program is called Bus Buddies. The district is looking for 60 volunteers to serve at Bus Buddies during the first couple of days of school this year (August 13th and 14th). Buddies would ride the afternoon bus routes to help elementary school students get home safely. Volunteer bilingual Spanish speakers are a plus!
Bus Buddy volunteers will need to be (or register as) official district volunteers (which includes a background check performed by the district's volunteer system) and must attend a virtual Bus Buddy orientation session on August 6, 2026, either at noon or 6:00 p.m. Volunteers can sign up to participate in Bus Buddies and select their preferred campuses online.
Students Now Required to Complete Community Service for Graduation
Students in the Class of 2027, or after are required, to earn 40 volunteer service hours prior to their graduation. The specific graduation requirements are listed in policy EIF (Local). Students will submit documentation and verification of their service hours through the SchooLinks platform. In addition to volunteer service from organizations outside of the school district, the district volunteer program also has volunteer opportunities available. Students with questions should contact their high school counselors.
Visit the 40 to Finish page for more information about student volunteer hours.
Class of 2027 College Application Bootcamp
Starting the college application and financial aid process early in your senior year will help ensure you have multiple postsecondary opportunities available to you by graduation.
Attend the Hays CISD College Bootcamp August 4, 2026, 2:00-4:00p Hays CISD Performing Arts Center, 979 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle, TX 78640.
Become a Hays CISD Parent or Community Member Volunteer
Community engagement is an important component of the success of Hays CISD. From an active mentoring program to a successful Education Foundation, to participation on district committees and membership with PTAs and booster clubs - there are a number of opportunities for parents and community members to be involved in our schools.
To become a volunteer, you must register in the district’s VIPs (Volunteers in Public Schools) system. With the Hays VIPs system, the district will be able to communicate with volunteers, help them track their service hours, and easily conduct the required criminal background check necessary to become an approved volunteer. As a volunteer you can select the schools where you want to volunteer and the types of activities that interest you. Once you set up your account you will be able to login and choose specific volunteer activities from the schools where you want to volunteer and record your hours after volunteering. To receive your official volunteer badge, please contact your campus volunteer coordinator.
Join Your School PTA
Whether a parent, family member, educator, or community member, your PTA membership will impact the lives of millions of Texas children. Thank you for joining us in ensuring every child has a representative voice.
Hays CISD Moving Forward with Innovative Housing Program for Teachers & Staff
Hays CISD in partnership with with 501(c)(3) nonprofit Public-Private Development Corporation (PPDC) and Upward Communities, will soon be able to offer teachers and staff access to a brand-new neighborhood designed specifically for Hays CISD employees at special, below-market rental rates for eligible district employees. As Hays CISD continues to grow, access to attainable housing for teachers and staff is an important ingredient in the district’s mission, helping support workforce stability, recruitment, and retention for years to come. The new 362-home community will be located on more than 100 acres in the City of Uhland, with the first houses completed as early as the start of the 2027-2028 school year. For more information, visit the district's Hays Homes webpage.
Communication is Key:
Teachers & Staff Working Hard; Send a Hays High Five!
Hays CISD is proud of its staff, particularly those who go above and beyond to provide outstanding service to students, families, and the community. If there is someone who has provided you with excellent customer service, send them a "Hays High Five". Anyone can nominate a Hays CISD employee and that employee will receive a small token of appreciation, along with your kind words.
Stay Connected
"Stay Connected" is your guide to staying informed about Hays CISD. Find out where to get important information and how to sign up for alerts.
Hey Hays?!
Hays CISD is committed to listening and responding to your ideas, concerns, questions, and praise. “Hey Hays?!” is a web-based feature that allows you to communicate directly with district leaders, leave a comment, or check out the places you can find information about the district. Join the conversation. Hays CISD is committed to building a user-friendly school district. We pledge to do our best to keep bureaucracy at bay and make your experiences with the district easy, enjoyable, and satisfying. A lot happens every day within our 221 square miles and at our 28 campuses. Procedures, processes, and practices abound. Some work well; and, well, some don’t. If you had a bad experience with one of our systems or processes, or you question the way we do things - we want to know. Help us spot ways we can make your life easier.
Get the New Hays CISD App
Hays CISD has a new smartphone app that went live in Spring 2025. If you haven't already done so, be sure to delete your old app and download the new app that looks like the icon pictured here. The new Hays CISD App is from the "Apptegy" developer.
We're on a Mission
At Hays CISD, we strive for the best - with no exceptions. We are 100% committed to excellence and success. We want all students to be excited, engaged, and inspired. We want all parents to feel welcome, included, and supported. We want all teachers and employees empowered to make a difference. We want all community members, taxpayers, and business partners to be involved and informed. To that end, the district is in the possibilities business, believing that knowledge spurs inspiration, which sparks dreams that lead to success. Those key words as an acronym spell 'KIDS,' which is why we do what we do and who we do it for. Thank you for helping us make it possible for every child.
