Leander ISD’s 30th elementary school now has a name: “Donald Lewis Hisle Elementary.”
At the March 28 board meeting, Trustees approved the naming committee’s recommendation to name its newest school after long-time Trustee, Donald Hisle, who served on the LISD Board for 23 years before retiring in 2018.
The school will open Fall 2024 and will be located in the northwest part of the district near Devine Lake Park off of San Gabriel Parkway and Bagdad Road in Leander [map]. Hisle Elementary School will provide enrollment relief to Bagdad and Plain elementary schools. The LISD Board approved its attendance zone during the February 15 meeting.
During his tenure as a Trustee, Hisle’s leadership helped oversee the district’s growth from 8 schools to 42 schools and from less than 10,000 students to nearly 40,000 students.
Committee Chair Jennifer Gross, a parent of students zoned to the new school, cited Hisle’s selflessness and continuous commitment to the district as a significant factor in the committee’s unanimous decision to recommend Hisle.
“From the beginning, regardless of how difficult of a process this was, we always came back to Mr. Hisle’s name, ” Gross said.
Hisle’s contributions to LISD extended beyond the boardroom to active involvement in district events and activities, while also serving on the board of the school district’s education foundation, LEEF.
Board President Gloria Gonzales-Dholakia, Ph.D., commended the committee’s diligence in reviewing the 600-plus submissions, representing more than 70 unique nominees, and giving the time and attention each nomination deserved.
“I want to thank the committee for volunteering their time and being part of such an important process,” she said. “As our committee chair shared, we know how tough this can be because of the seemingly endless list of incredible people who have walked the halls of our school district to make it what it is today.
“I was fortunate to see firsthand Donnie’s dedication to LISD,” she added. “It demonstrated his belief in the power of public education, volunteering his time and constantly showing up for the students of our district.”
To view updates and track the progress of the new school as it finishes construction, visit the Bond page.
Niki Prindle, an established district leader, will serve as the school’s principal. Stay tuned for additional information on opportunities to meet the principal, teachers and staff of the new school and a chance to weigh in on the school’s mascot and colors.
