After seven years as principal at Knowles Elementary, Lara Labbé-Maginel will lead staff and students at Leander ISD’s newest elementary school, ES 29. LISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring during Thursday’s meeting.
“Lara is a proven leader who is driven to meet the needs of each and every student,” said Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D. “By building strong relationships with students, staff and parents, I know she will create powerful learning experiences at our newest elementary school.”
Labbé-Maginel’s accomplishments as an administrator include building systems focused on student growth. She also piloted the Second Step curriculum, which the district later implemented across other campuses. Prior to her leadership at Knowles, Labbé-Maginel spent most of her career in neighboring Pflugerville ISD. She led Wieland Elementary as its principal after serving as assistant principal at Caldwell Elementary. Starting her public education career in Austin ISD, Labbé-Maginel first became a classroom teacher before holding several other positions with increased responsibility.
“I am honored to be selected as the principal of Elementary School 29,” Labbé-Maginel said. “I am looking forward to getting to know the students and families and bringing together our school team. Through this opportunity, we can create a community that contributes to the best academic environments and experiences to help each student excel and succeed.”
A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Labbé-Maginel received a Bachelor of Business Administration. She later earned her master’s degree in education from Concordia University.
The naming process for ES 29 will begin later this month. The Board approved the zoning for the school last year. Located in the Bryson community in Leander, the school will relieve overcrowding at Plain and Larkspur elementaries. Construction began in May, with opening scheduled for Fall 2022.
