During its Nov. 7 meeting, the Leander ISD Board of Trustees agenda included: 

Meeting Agenda
Meeting Recording

Spotlight on Learning: Tarvin Elementary

During the Spotlight on Learning, Tarvin Elementary School students and staff showcased innovative strategies for bringing the district’s Graduate Profile to life. The school emphasizes student empowerment through inquiry-based learning and co-constructed environments, using tools like learning walls, thinking routines, and continuous improvement strategies. 

Highlights included activities like “Story Walk” and “Tug of War,” which demonstrate their commitment to dynamic, student-centered learning.

Trailblazers lead the way!

2025-2026 Academic Calendar Development

Academic Calendar Planning

The Board reviewed the early stages of the 2025–2026 academic calendar development process. The district emphasized stakeholder input from families, staff, students and community members to ensure alignment with statutory guidelines and operational needs.

Key features of the proposed calendar include a Wednesday start to the school year on Aug. 13, 2025, and an end date of May 22, 2026, before Memorial Day. Teachers will have 187 workdays, with 172 instructional days for students. Built-in professional development days and early release times will provide opportunities for teacher collaboration and continuous improvement. The calendar also maintains traditional two-week breaks for winter and one-week breaks for fall and spring.

This collaborative and strategic approach aims to balance operational requirements with the needs of the community and staff.

Counseling Services Update Highlights Comprehensive Support

Student and Family Support Team (SFST)

The Counseling Services department presented its annual update to the Board, highlighting efforts to support student well-being and academic success. 

The department’s initiatives align with the district’s strategic goals and involve a comprehensive team, including school counselors, social workers, and licensed therapists. Key services focus on fostering smooth transitions for students entering middle and high school, engaging families through workshops and events, and leveraging tools like Naviance for career exploration and academic planning.

The Student and Family Support Team (SFST) has played a crucial role in providing individualized therapy, case management, and crisis response, with a sharp focus on cultural responsiveness and equity. Feedback from families underscored the transformative impact of these services, crediting SFST staff with helping students navigate significant challenges. The presentation also revealed increasing trends in referrals and highlighted ongoing efforts to remove barriers to mental health care access.

Through proactive family engagement, robust counseling programs, and high-quality mental health services, the Counseling Services Department remains dedicated to empowering students and families across the district.

Bond Oversight Committee Recommendations for Tech, Transportation

Bond Oversight Committee

The Board approved recommendations of the Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) to reallocate project savings to go toward Technology and Transportation projects. The BOC met earlier in October and voted in favor of bringing these recommendations to the Board.

Additional information on the Bond Oversight Committee’s process & membership

Technology

The BOC recommended reallocating bond project savings to go toward upgrades to Information Technology Services’ vehicle fleet.

The funds cover the purchase of three new fleet vehicles: two Ford Transit service vans and one Ford E-450 box truck. These vehicles are critical to IT operations, serving as shared transportation for staff and for delivering essential items such as student and staff laptops, network equipment, and other technology supplies to campuses. 

The replacements will modernize the fleet, which currently includes vehicles from 2008 and 2009 that are no longer efficient. 

The Board approved the use of bond project savings.

Transportation

The BOC recommended reallocating bond project savings to replace outdated underground fuel tanks at the Central Transportation Facility.

The current tanks, installed more than 20 years ago, are beyond their recommended service life and no longer allow for direct fuel deliveries. This forces drivers to refuel at the district’s North Transportation Facility, leading to increased mileage and time inefficiencies. 

The project involves replacing the underground tanks with above-ground models, similar to those already in use at the North Transportation Facility. Above-ground tanks offer improved accessibility, simplified maintenance and reduced risks associated with underground monitoring

The Board approved the use of bond project savings to go toward the purchase of these three service vehicles.

Previous Updates

Hiring Announcement: Chief Human Resources Officer

Leander ISD Chief of Human Resources Officer; Announcing Dr. Casey O'Pry

Leander ISD is pleased to welcome Casey O’Pry, Ed.D., as the new chief human resources officer after the Board approved the recommendation at Thursday’s Board meeting