On June 13, the Leander ISD Board of Trustees received an update from the Long Range Planning Committee. While keeping the focus on student learning and an anchor in our core beliefs, the committee was charged with identifying a long range facilities plan while considering the following criteria; student access to learning experiences, facility optimization, fiscal responsibility, and changes in population over time.
The recommended plan utilizes a variety of approaches to prioritize fiscal responsibility and strengthen the student experience. Maximizing the use of district facilities through strategic rezoning and modified utilization as well as deferring future construction were identified as options to maintain fiscal responsibility. In order to strengthen the student experience, the committee recognized that establishing long term stability, accessibility to choices, and the honoring neighborhood school concept were needed.
In the update, the committee also presented information on the Schools of Choice core team; including their timeline to research possible school of choice options and gathering feedback from the community. Once complete, the committee will provide recommendations to the Board in July 2022.
The committee consisted of three Board of Trustees and five district administrators who met seven times in the last five months. At the culmination of their work the benefits highlighted of this long-range plan were; High School 8 and an elementary school in Area D would be postponed indefinitely, construction of multiple schools deferred, and areas to host Schools of Choice were identified.
Next steps…
- June 23 – Administration will bring information to the Board for discussion regarding the Citizens’ Facility Advisory Committee (CFAC) process, timeline and updated charter.
- July 21 – An update to the Schools of Choice and draft rezoning process and timeline will be presented to the Board.
