Georgetown ISD seeks applicants for district performance committee, ambassador program
Georgetown ISD community members may now apply for two opportunities to provide feedback and learn more about the district.
What's happening: The district is accepting applications for its District Performance Committee through Sept. 10 and GISD Ambassador program until Sept. 9.
How it works: Parents, community members and business representatives may apply to serve a two-year term on the District Performance Committee. Committee members will provide guidance on key GISD matters, including district improvement initiatives and the academic calendar.
Additionally, the district will launch the second cohort of its GISD Ambassador program to inform, engage and collaborate with GISD community members, according to district information.
GISD will accept 20 people to serve as ambassadors and meet seven times from September to May. Ambassadors will meet with district leaders to ask questions and learn about GISD’s priority work. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from GISD students and campus staff.
WilCo animal shelter receives no-kill designation for 2024
The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter achieved a no-kill year in 2024, according to a recent report.
Explained: The no-kill designation means that WCRAS, which is the only shelter that serves Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, Georgetown and unincorporated areas of Williamson County, saved at least 90% of the dogs and cats that came in last year.
The 10% margin is for animals that may require humane euthanasia due to severe medical or behavioral issues—not because of overcrowding.
Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization, releases an annual report which shows the number of no-kill shelters across the country.
Digging deeper: WCRAS is able to take in more strays than the national average while still maintaining the no-kill title, Animal Services Director Misty Valenta said at an Aug. 26 commissioners court meeting.
“We don't close our doors in order to change our numbers,” Valenta said. “We welcome the community in when they need help, including the pets that are lost.”
Austin airport CEO highlights $10B economic impact amid expansion plans
Austin airport CEO Ghizlane Badawi spoke at a Round Rock Chamber luncheon Aug. 28, outlining the multibillion-dollar expansion currently underway and the hefty economic benefit for the region.
The big picture: Badawi characterized the airport as the “economic engine for Central Texas,” noting that a 2018 Texas Department of Transportation study estimated Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s economic impact at $7.6 billion—a figure now projected at approximately $10 billion, Badawi said.
What’s happening?: Presently, under the expansion initiative—Journey with AUS—there are six projects under construction and five in design.
Looking ahead: City of Austin officials gave the green light to new lease agreement with airlines during an Aug. 28 council meeting. This means airlines will commit to the expansion program and lease the over 20 new gates airport officials expect to open in the early 2030s, according to an ABIA news release.
