During its April 10 meeting, the Board of Trustees agenda included:

Meeting Agenda
Meeting Recording

Spotlight on Learning: Rutledge Elementary

Rutledge Elementary students spotlighted how they’re blending innovation, creativity and leadership to foster empowerment. From VR science lessons to hands-on inquiry labs and strong emotional support, Rutledge is all about preparing kids to thrive – now and in the future – equipped with the skills and confidence.

Way to go, Ranchers!

Board Recognitions

Special thanks to Cedar Park High School students Krya, Reid and Lulu for helping celebrate stand-out individuals and accomplishments around #1LISD.

The Board recognized the following:

  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Achievement: ProStart
  • Texas High School Wrestling Coaches Association (THSWCA) – 5A Boys Head Coach of the Year – Cedar Park High School’s Richard Eckley
  • Central Texas Football Coaches Association (CTFCA) – Athletic Trainer of the Year – Vista Ridge High School’s Jose Carrillo
  • Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) – Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting & Meritorious Budget Award – Financial Services
  • National Library Week, April 7–11

Bond Refunding to Save More Than $20 Million; Future Bond Sale Planned for Authorized Funds

Bond Plan of Finance for 2025

🎬 7.C.4. Consider All Matters Incident and Related to Bond Plan of Finance

The Board approved the 2025 Bond plan of finance, which included the proposal to issue up to $300 million in new bonds to fund projects from the 2023 voter-approved bond package. 

The plan also included refinancing existing debt – specifically two bond sales from 2015 – to achieve an estimated $21.4 million in debt service savings. This strategic move continues the district’s efforts to reduce reliance on capital appreciation bonds and enhance financial stability.

Leander ISD’s strong credit ratings from Fitch (“AA+”/Positive) and S&P (“AA”/Stable), along with consistent tax base growth and strong financial reserves, support the district’s capacity to move forward with this plan. The proposal maintains the current Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate of $0.33, ensuring no projected tax rate increase to property owners.

While the Board approved the parameters order to authorize potential bond issuance, district leaders emphasized that no bonds will be sold without careful consideration of market conditions. Given recent fluctuations in the bond market, the finance team will closely monitor interest rates and economic indicators to ensure any issuance aligns with the district’s long-term financial goals and minimizes taxpayer impact.

Bond pricing is tentatively scheduled for May, with closing expected in June, pending favorable market conditions.

Previous Updates

Bond 2023: Project Funds Allocated & Released for Early Childhood Center

Early Childhood Center layout

🎬 7.C.1. Consider Approval of the Bond Oversight Committee Recommendation to Reallocate Bond Funds to the Early Childhood Center Project
🎬 7.C.2. Consider Approval of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) #1 for Early Childhood Center Project

The Board approved a recommendation of the Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) to reallocate bond funds to go toward the 2023 Bond Early Childhood Center (ECC) project. The BOC met in March and voted in favor of bringing this recommendation to the Board.

In October 2023, the Board originally approved BOC’s recommendation to designate $60 million for this project. Due to inflation, refined design scope and additional sitework, final estimates showed a gap of $4 million, bringing the project’s new total to $64 million.

At Thursday’s meeting, the Board also approved the first Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contract for the ECC, allowing for the release of Bond funds already allocated for this project as part of the May 2023 bond. The facility is scheduled to open in the 2026–27 school year.

GMP #1

  • Early Childhood Center: $47,762,700

As a resource to the #1LISD community to learn more about these projects and track their progress, the district has created a Bond & Construction Projects page. Specific project pages include an overall scope of the project, the status of the project, a timeline, information about contractors and vendors, and more.

Bond & Construction Projects

Previous Updates

Board Withdrawals Application for Permit for Vandegrift Emergency Access Road; Alternative Emergency Plans Developed with Local Agencies

Emergency Access and Response Planning

🎬 7.C.3. Consider Withdrawal of Application for a Permit with the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Related to the Vandegrift Emergency Access Road

Leander ISD will no longer pursue a permit application with US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to build a secondary access road to Vandegrift High School and Four Points Middle School. For the past 15 years, the district has been engaged with USFWS, seeking construction for the road to provide emergency access. The Board voted to withdraw the permit application.

Due to road improvements along Ranch Road 2222 that provide two dedicated turn lanes into the campus complex, drivers are experiencing fewer delays. Furthermore, better traffic management with roundabouts on McNeil Road and Ribelin Ranch Road has provided enhanced safety and efficiency. The City of Austin has also allowed LISD to run buses through the vacant 3M corporate campus, which mitigated bus traffic from contributing to the congestion.

In 2017, LISD voters approved $3 million for road improvements in a bond election. The Bond Oversight Committee approved reallocating some of the funding to pay for legal expenses to bring the project to fruition. In lieu of constructing the secondary access road, the district intends to use remaining money to create a better connection between Four Points MS and Vandegrift HS. District staff and local emergency management agencies have worked collaboratively to develop emergency access plans.

Previous Updates

Strategic Plan goal: Safe & Innovative Learning

Safe & Innovative Learning Environment goal

🎬 7.A.1. Safe and Innovative Learning Environments Formative Review

Throughout the 2024–25 school year’s Board Meeting calendar, LISD is presenting a formative review of one goal within the five-year Strategic Plan and the District Improvement Plan. In this meeting, district administrators reviewed the Safe & Innovative Learning goal to provide safe, supportive, inclusive, and innovative environments to inspire each individual learner.

The update highlighted several major efforts underway across the district, including ongoing modernization of school facilities, expansion of early childhood infrastructure, and adherence to all current TEA safety requirements. The district plans to submit an application to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to officially establish the Leander ISD Police Department by later this spring.

Technology access also continues to improve, as well, with full implementation of Chromebooks at the middle school level expected to save approximately $700,000 annually in bond funds. In addition, with the districtwide rollout of interactive panels, teachers are increasingly comfortable with these classroom tech tools – 74% report confidence using them effectively – thanks to expanded training and implementation tracking.

Looking ahead to 2025–26, Leander ISD plans to strengthen student voice in decision-making and improvement efforts around feeling a sense of belonging.