During its June 5 meeting, the Board of Trustees agenda included:

Meeting Agenda
Meeting Recording

Board Recognitions

The Board recognized the following:

  • UIL Academics Medalists
  • UIL Softball State Medalists
  • Solution Tree Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) – Akin Elementary
  • Leader in Me Lighthouse Recertification – Westside Elementary

Proposed Budget Navigates Impact of HB2, Funding Loss

Proposed Budget slide

🎬 9.C.1. Discussion of 2025-2026 Proposed Budget

The Board received a revised 2025–26 budget proposal shaped by new legislation and shifting state funding dynamics. The original budget, built under current law, projected a $19.6 million deficit, based on $435.7 million in revenue and $468.5 million in expenditures. Despite more than $15 million in strategic cuts to staffing and operations, the district still faces a structural gap driven by rising costs and stagnant base funding.

However, the expected signing of House Bill 2 (HB2) will bring changes to the school finance formula, adding both targeted funding and new financial challenges. While HB2 includes state-mandated pay raises for teachers and small increases for non-teaching staff, changes to funding formulas mean Leander ISD no longer qualifies for a crucial “hold-harmless” provision that protected the district, and a handful more, from revenue losses caused by earlier state-mandated reductions to the tax rate. For LISD, this change results in a $10.5 million loss in state aid that disproportionately impacts the district compared to most others.

This places LISD in a uniquely difficult position: of nearly 1,200 school districts in Texas, LISD is one of just 10 projected to lose funding under HB2. District leaders are actively advocating for a resolution, and conversations are ongoing with school finance consultants and legislators, who agree this loss appears to be an unintended consequence of the bill’s design. The ultimate authority to interpret and potentially correct the issue lies with the Texas Education Commissioner. While it is unclear when or if a resolution will come, the district does not expect formal guidance before the budget deadline July 1.

In the meantime, LISD is exploring solutions to trim the now $1.5 million needed to get back under the Board-approved 4.5% deficit ceiling. Strategies include shifting eligible software expenditures to bond funds – pending Bond Oversight Committee approval – and reallocating set-aside funds for a revised approach to pay structure. The district anticipates finalizing a budget that complies with the deficit limit when Trustees vote on June 19.

Previous Updates

Performance Data Shows Continued Gains in Reading & Math Across Grade Levels

🎬 9.A.2. Discussion of Leading Measures

Leander ISD administration presented a comprehensive update on its Leading Measures, showing progress toward student learning, staff development and strategic system goals. 

Student performance data highlighted significant gains in reading and math performance across multiple grade levels, with students showing measurable improvements in both proficiency and growth. These strides reflect the district’s dedication to advancing academic achievement and ensuring that every student is on a path to success.

Also influencing this data is the improved collaboration and instructional focus through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) for teachers and staff. Staff surveys then reinforced a greater confidence in applying deeper learning strategies aligned with the district’s Graduate Profile.

The district is also in the early stages of exploring a personalized learning platform that would allow students to track goals, store evidence of learning and build personal portfolios – all efforts aimed at increasing ownership of learning. 

These leading measures serve as early indicators of system health and help guide decisions that keep the district focused on student success, teacher growth, and continuous improvement.

Previous Updates

SHAC Recommends Wellness, Nutrition, Character Education Enhancements

SHAC presentation slide

🎬 9.A.1. 2024-2025 School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) Annual Report

Leander ISD’s School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) presented its annual report, offering recommendations that support student wellness, mental health and character development. Trustees reviewed proposals across multiple focus areas, all designed to promote whole-child well-being and align with district values.

Physical Activity and Nutrition

SHAC emphasized continued use of the CATCH curriculum, promotion of quality recess and expanded awareness of school nutrition programs. Recommendations included hosting at least one health-focused event per campus each year, reducing single-use packaging and improving transparency in snack menus and nutritional information.

Social and Emotional Well-being

The council supported expanding the Hope Squad peer support program and implementing the Stanford Safety First curriculum for substance use prevention. SHAC also called for consistent use of the Second Step program at elementary campuses and encouraged broader promotion of mental health resources via the Empowering Parents website.

Next Steps

SHAC also proposed integrating the district’s 10 Ethical Principles into the Graduate Profile to strengthen character education. Trustees will now review the recommendations and may direct administration on actions to take. The annual report underscores SHAC’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more supportive learning environment for all students.

Trustees Reorganize Board Office Positions

Board of Trustees

🎬 11.C. Consider Reorganization of the Board of Trustees

As part of its annual process to review and vote on its leadership positions, the Board named its officers.

  • Anna Smith moves into the role of president. She previously served in the role of vice president since December 2022.
  • Sade Fashokun moves into the role of vice president. She previously served in the role of secretary since November 2024.
  • Nekosi Nelson moves into the role of secretary, his first officer position since joining the Board in November 2024.

Hiring Announcement: Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction

Leander ISD; Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction; Announcing Lauren Meeks

Leander ISD is pleased to announce Lauren Meeks as the district’s new assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, after the Board of Trustees approved her hiring at Thursday night’s meeting.