Leander ISD, in partnership with the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF), hosted its Pathways and Possibilities event on Friday, Oct. 3 at Vista Ridge High School. Formerly known as State of the District, the event was reimagined to bring community members, businesses, district leaders and students together to explore how collaboration can help shape the future of our workforce. 

Guests heard directly from Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D., as he kicked off the morning highlighting some of LISD’s recent achievements. Building on LISD’s recognition as the 2023 AP Large District of the Year, Gearing shared that the district continues to excel in advanced academics. During the 2024–25 school year, more than 5,750 students took 13,000 AP exams, with 84% earning a score of 3 or higher, qualifying them for college credit.

Gearing also highlighted the district’s continued excellence beyond the classroom. From award-winning fine arts programs to championship athletic achievements, including Vandegrift High School’s UIL Lone Star Cup win, he emphasized that LISD’s commitment to providing an exceptional student experience extends across academics, arts and athletics.

During the event, a few proud #1LISD alumni joined Gearing to reflect on how their time as students in Leander ISD helped them choose their own path and opened the door to new possibilities for their future: 

  • Christian Bradshaw, LISD Transition Services Graduate, H-E-B Plus Leander 
  • Jade Corriveau, Rouse HS Alum, Hyundai of Leander 
  • Tyler De Los Santos, Glenn HS Alum, City of Cedar Park Public Works 
  • Shresth Shivasankar, Leander HS Alum, Leander Chamber of Commerce 

De Los Santos spoke about his experience in a paid apprenticeship program with the City of Cedar Park Public Works Department, which offers LISD high school seniors valuable work experience and a provisional water plant operations certification. After graduation, he accepted a full-time position with the City. “This program opened a lot of doors for me,” De Los Santos said. “I made a lot of good relationships and gained some great experiences while getting my foot in the door.”

Gearing concluded the event with a call to action for local businesses to partner with the district in preparing students for their futures. Partnership opportunities include serving as industry mentors, hosting skills workshops, offering internships or job-shadowing experiences, and more.

To close the morning, guests connected with students from Vista Ridge’s AVID, Floral Design, and Fashion Design programs, showcasing the diverse opportunities available to LISD students to explore their interests and create their own learning experiences.

A huge thank you to LEEF, the Cedar Park, Leander and West Austin Chambers of Commerce for helping make this event a success!