During its May 8 meeting, the Board of Trustees agenda included:

Meeting Agenda
Meeting Recording

Spotlight on Learning: Winkley Elementary

Students and staff from Winkley Elementary took center stage to share a preview of their first annual Learning Exhibition. Designed to replace traditional student-led conferences, the event highlights academic growth, student voice and learner ownership – all core components of LISD’s Graduate Profile.

Wolverines from kindergarten through fifth grade introduced themselves to the Board before inviting attendees to engage with their work. Leaders praised the campus-wide effort to create authentic learning experiences that empower students to reflect on and share their learning journey.

Way to go, Wolverines!

Board Recognitions

Special thanks to Vandegrift High School students Josh and Maile for helping celebrate stand-out individuals and accomplishments around #1LISD.

The Board recognized the following:

  • CapMetro Art on the Bus: North Elementary School
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) District of Distinction
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Achievement: Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Achievement: Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Achievement: FFA
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Achievement: Journalism & Broadcast
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Achievement: SkillsUSA
  • National Nurse Week, May 5–9
  • Teacher and Substitute Appreciation Week, May 5–9
  • University Interscholastic League (UIL) Girls Golf State Medalist

Board Approves Employee Compensation Package for 2025-26 School Year

Compensation plan

🎬 7.C.3. Consider Approval of 2025-26 Total Compensation Recommendation

Facing a challenging budget environment and a projected deficit for the upcoming year, Leander ISD continues to seek ways to support staff while remaining fiscally responsible. The Board approved the 2025–26 compensation proposal, which builds on the district’s ongoing commitment to attracting and retaining highly skilled and talented staff.

Although no across-the-board general pay increase is included, the district will use the TASB recommendations to implement targeted adjustments for more than 2,900 employees – 51% of LISD staff – to address internal equity and market gaps, totaling approximately $3.5 million.

With major school finance bills still in limbo during the legislative session, the Board also authorized the superintendent to amend the 2025-26 compensation and benefits plan after the start of the fiscal year to accommodate changes – including pay raises resulting from new legislation.

The compensation plan also includes authorization for a one-time employee appreciation payment of $1,000 for eligible full-time employees and $500 for eligible part-time employees later in the year provided a set of guidelines are met, including that such a payment would not create a financial hardship for the district.

For more details, review the initial presentation at the April 24 meeting.

Previous Updates

Long-Range Plan Framework: Innovative Academies, Programming

LRP presentation

🎬 7.C.2. Discussion of Long-Range Planning Framework- Innovative Academies

Leander ISD leaders continued their conversation around the Long-Range Planning (LRP) Framework with a focus on Innovative Academies and programming – forward-looking educational models designed to enhance student experiences, support a range of evolving needs, and ensure responsible use of district resources.

With some campuses under-enrolled and others approaching capacity, the district is exploring a variety of strategies to better align facility utilization, staffing, and student experience. This includes exploring new and innovative approaches that may offer additional learning opportunities and program possibilities for students.

The concept of “innovative programming” allows the district to think flexibly and respond to challenges incrementally. Some ideas could be implemented sooner, while others will take additional consideration and long-term planning.

No specific decisions were made at this meeting, but trustees discussed how best to move forward with identifying potential strategies that balance present needs with future possibilities.  Trustees expressed apprehension about implementing new programs in light of state legislative uncertainties and budget limitations, emphasizing the need for flexible, cost-conscious planning. 

District leaders acknowledged the financial tradeoffs involved and committed to further analysis before making decisions.

Previous Updates

Early College HS Building Design Reflects Student Input, Collaborative Approach

Early College HS design

🎬 7.C.1. Early College High School Campus Design Update

The Board received an update on the design progress for a future building for Leander ISD’s Early College High School, slated to be located on the Austin Community College (ACC) San Gabriel campus. The school currently operates out of a complex of portables at ACC. 

The program, now in its third year, is designed to support historically underserved students and is already seeing strong outcomes in student persistence and college credit completion.

As part of the 2023 bond, the district funded the design phase for a permanent ECHS facility. The Board received a detailed walkthrough of the proposed three-story campus, which includes collaborative learning spaces, science labs, a makerspace and areas for student life and extracurriculars. Students and staff – including ECHS junior and aspiring architect Pranav Cherukuri – actively participated in the design process with Pfluger Architects, ensuring the building reflects the school’s mission and culture.

Board members expressed appreciation for the student-led approach and the intentional design that promotes college readiness, access and holistic learning. They also raised questions about the facility’s 500-student capacity, long-term adaptability and alignment with ACC’s master plan. Some trustees voiced concerns about financial constraints and pending legislative changes that could impact future bond elections. 

Despite funding uncertainties, trustees commended the collaborative work between Pfluger Architects, LISD staff and ECHS students while also reiterating their support for the program’s goals. They requested continued updates, including a final cost estimate and contingency plans should future bond funding be restricted.

More About ECHS

Early College High School (ECHS) is an innovative academy, open-enrollment high school that allows students an opportunity to receive both a high school diploma and either an associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours toward a baccalaureate degree. 

Previous Updates

Student Leaders Present Bold Solutions to Improve LISD Experience

Members of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council

🎬 7.A.1. Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) Student Empowerment Board Report

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) presented key issues and recommendations resulting from the group’s work this year. Originally formed in 2020–21, SSAC offers students an opportunity to share their voice and give input to help shape the future of Leander ISD. 

SSAC’s membership includes representatives from all six comprehensive high schools and Early College High School. In their end-of-year report, SSAC students showcased student-led research, collaboration and advocacy focused on enhancing the student experience across Leander ISD.

These student leaders broke into smaller teams to tackle the problems that they identified related to the student experience in LISD: 

  • Sustainability
  • Flex Time
  • Academic Inclusivity
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Restrooms

Each group used a continuous improvement framework to study issues, gather data and propose practical, student-informed solutions.

Legislative Update: Major School Finance Bills Remain in Limbo

Legislative Committee Update

🎬 7.B.1. Legislative Committee Update

Trustees on LISD’s legislative committee shared an update reflecting the fast-paced and still-unsettled state of the current Texas legislative session. Although major school finance bills remain in limbo, district leaders emphasized the importance of monitoring the cumulative impact of multiple proposed bills that could significantly alter how public schools operate.

The committee celebrated recent wins, including the passage of a parent empowerment bill championed by LISD advocates over three sessions – an example of the district’s continued leadership in public education policy. Trustees also acknowledged the strong advocacy efforts of community members and board representatives, encouraging families to share their personal stories with legislators as the session nears its end.

With key decisions still pending, the district remains actively engaged in legislative efforts to protect and strengthen public education across Texas.

Previous Updates

Leander ISD Welcomes 3 New Principals

Leander MS: Announcing Principal Robert Gillis
New Hope HS: Announcing Principal Christina Lane
Stiles MS: Announcing Principal Tim Cornett

Leander ISD is pleased to welcome three new principals – Robert Gillis at Leander MS; Christina Lane at New Hope HS; and Tim Cornett at Stiles MS – after the Board approved the recommendations at Thursday’s Board meeting.

Leander MS
New Hope HS
Stiles MS