New faces in new leadership roles, new construction, new policy updates and new attendance zoning maps will be coming to Leander ISD after the Feb. 27 Board of Trustees meeting.
Meeting launches with national, state recognitions of stellar students
Trustees recognized the following national and state award winners (photo gallery):
- All-State Choir and Band students;
- 2019 Sudler Shield Award Winner, Vandegrift High School band;
- Texas Special Olympics powerlifting team, Leander Lazers;
- State Marksmanship Champions, Lone Star NJROTC;
- UIL State Cheer third place, Vandegrift High School; and
- Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International, LISD finance department.
Board approved three new hires in district leadership
After the district announced a leadership reorganization earlier this year, two current and one new leader will assume roles to support student and school success across the district.
The Board approved the hirings of Fort Bend ISD Assistant Superintendent Devin Padavil, Ed.D. as an area superintendent; Chrysta Carlin as the assistant superintendent of pathways and innovation; and current Canyon Ridge Middle School Principal Kimberly Waltmon as the executive director of special programs, which includes special education, 504 and dyslexia services.
“All three of these high-energy individuals have been amazing examples of what this district is all about – educating and supporting our kids,” said Trustee Elexis Grimes. “We are excited to have them join us in these roles and look forward to working with them to positively impact our students.”
Elementary attendance zoning changes for 2021-2022 moves to scenario stage
The Board approved an attendance zoning charter that prioritizes relieving overcrowding and keeping students zoned to schools close to their homes for the 2021-2022 school year. The approval came after community feedback from more than 1,600 people.
With 1,300 new students entering LISD schools every year and the expectation of one new school opening every year, the district is moving towards its plan for Tarvin Elementary School, opening August 2021. The facilities team will publish a scenario map and send it to potentially impacted schools in the next week.
Construction, policy updates approved
The board approved construction funding for security upgrades at middle and high schools who have not received their renovations, approved by voters in the 2017 bond. They also improved capital renewal plans for the next 10 years.
“The district continues to be forward-thinking in its maintenance and construction planning to ensure maximum benefit to our students and maximum value for our taxpayers,” said Trustee Grace Barber-Jordan. “We have many projects ahead in the next 10 years and we look forward to the continued support of our community as we create more space and opportunities for our students.”
As the board continues its review of all district policies, they adopted changes to the following student policies:
- FD (Admissions)
- FFAC (Wellness and Health Services – Physical Examinations)
- FFAF(Wellness and Health Services – Care Plans)
- FFH (Student Welfare – Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation)
- FL (Student Records)
- FNA (Student Rights and Responsibilities – Student Expression)
- FNE (Student Rights and Responsibilities – Pregnant Students)
- FNG (Student Rights and Responsibilities – Student and Parent Complaints/Grievances)
- FO (Student Discipline)