During its March 27 meeting, the Leander ISD Board of Trustees agenda included:
- Spotlight on Learning: Reagan Elementary
- Approval of Budget Deficit Parameter Adjustment for 2025-26
- Update on the Texas 89th Legislative Session
- Strategic Plan goal: Empowered Staff
Spotlight on Learning: Reagan Elementary
Reagan Elementary teachers and students showcased empowerment and even how a focus on empowering staff translates to empowerment of the students.
Teachers shared how they collaborate to refine their craft, while students explained how they have a better understanding of ownership of learning through goal-setting and progress-tracking.
Reagan Elementary’s growth mindset allows reflection and student voice to play a key role in driving success. This approach to learning creates confident, self-motivated students ready to tackle new challenges.
Way to go, Rays!
Board Approves Budget Deficit Parameter Adjustment for 2025-26
🎬 7.C.2. Discussion and Consider Adoption of the 2025-2026 Amended Budget Assumptions
The Board approved changes to the budget assumptions used to shape the 2025–26 budget, including an adjustment to the parameter that determines the allowable budget deficit the district can propose to the Board.
The deficit adjustment – an increase from a previously set 3% to 4.5% – was a major mechanism used to accomplish the modified plan discussed at the March 13 meeting. In dollar terms, this percentage difference changed from an allowable deficit of nearly $13 million to one of nearly $19.5 million.
The modified plan included revisions to the planned assistant principal reductions; the implementation of the TASB pay study; and the continuation of the International Baccalaureate program with changes to how it is currently administered.
The budget will continue to take shape over the coming months with an eye on any funding impacts at the state level during the ongoing legislative session this spring.
Previous Updates
- March 13, 2025: Budget Discussion Leads to Modified Plan Forward Pending Parameter Adjustments by Board
- Feb. 13, 2025: Budget Development for 2025–26
- Feb. 7, 2025: A Message From LISD’s Board of Trustees Executive Officers
- Feb. 5, 2025: Important Update on Budget and Staffing for 2025-26
- Jan. 23, 2025: Budget Assumptions Approved for 2025–26 Fiscal Year
- Dec. 12, 2024: Preparations Underway for 2025–26 Budget
- Oct. 10, 2024: Budget Process for 2025–26 Starts with Identifying Priorities
Update on the Texas 89th Legislative Session
🎬 7.B.1. Legislative Committee Update
As the Texas 89th Legislative Session continues this spring, LISD leaders provided an update highlighting the district’s advocacy efforts and the potential impact of pending education-related bills.
Thousands of bills float between each chamber – the House and the Senate – and ultimately, a bill will need to pass both with differences reconciled before reaching the governor’s desk for final approval. At this stage, it’s too early to tell what a bill’s final shape will look like, but the district’s legislative committee is paying close attention to those impacting public schools.
Outlined in the Board’s Legislative Priorities, a specific approach this session is to target increased funding for special education and the safety and security allotment. LISD spends well over the state-provided funding in both of these areas. For example, in the last school year, for special education services, the district spent $39 million more than the funding it received – more than twice as much as the revenue coming in.
A bill tracker has been added to the Legislative Priorities page to help see those related to education. The Board encouraged the community to stay engaged by reaching out to their representatives and participating in advocacy efforts, underscoring the importance of public education voices in shaping policy outcomes.
Previous Updates
- Feb. 13, 2025: Dynamic Student Speaker Shines During Legislative Committee Update
- Dec. 12, 2024: Engagement with Community Shapes Advocacy Priorities for 89th Legislative Session
Strategic Plan goal: Empowered Staff
🎬 7.A.1. Empowered Staff 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 Empowered Staff goal to attract, grow and retain a collaborative community of first-rate employees who are empowered to meet the needs of each and every student.
The presentation highlighted streamlined recruitment strategies, including targeted campaigns and enhanced outreach efforts. District leaders emphasized expanding pipelines through partnerships with universities and alternative certification programs to attract top-tier talent.
To boost onboarding and retention, LISD has implemented more robust support structures. This includes regular check-ins with new hires, mentor programs and expanded wellness resources to promote staff well-being.
Professional development continues to be a priority. The district showcased its leadership growth programs, such as the Aspiring Assistant Principal Academy and the Grow Our Own initiative, which offers pathways for instructional assistants to become certified teachers.
In addition, LISD reaffirmed its commitment to employee recognition and engagement, with new programs designed to celebrate staff contributions and foster a positive, collaborative work culture. These efforts reflect the district’s dedication to building an empowered, thriving workforce.
Previous Updates
- Dec. 12, 2024: Strategic Plan goal: Impactful Family Engagement
- Sept. 5, 2024: Empowered Learning Starts with Strong PLCs
- Aug. 22, 2024: Strategic Plan goal: Empowered Student Learning – Part 1
