This update is a part of our ongoing response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. As this situation continues to change daily, the contents of this article may be outdated. Please visit our COVID-19 webpage for the most up-to-date information. 

Learning will continue even as our buildings remain closed as Leander ISD responds to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. In order to maintain equity and in consideration of the mental fatigue remote learning has on families, students, and teachers, second-semester grades for the 2019–20 school year will not be calculated for student grade-point average (GPA) or class rank. 

The Board also granted Superintendent Bruce Gearing authority to readjust policy DEA (Local) and to require all LISD staff to be available for work April 6, even though most employees will do so in a remote capacity. In doing so, the district will no longer offer premium pay, which was its practice for hourly employees that actively worked while school facilities have been closed since March 13. 

“I am still in awe of our Leander ISD family,” Board President Trish Bode said. “That especially includes our parents and students. We are in uncharted territory. But we are better when we are together, even when we’re virtual, as long as we remain focused on serving our more than 42,000 students.” 

Review the complete meeting agenda. Watch the meeting video. This was the third Board meeting held virtually, using Zoom, by the Board. 

The special meeting occurred just hours after Gov. Greg Abbott announced an executive order to extend social distancing restrictions, including the closure of school buildings, through May 4. 

During the meeting, Trustees engaged in deep discussion on the district’s temporary updates to EIC (Local), which will do the following:

  • class rank will be based on the semester average after the end of the third grading period (first semester) for current high school seniors;
  • all student grades for the spring or second semester of the 2019–20 school year will be pass or incomplete, and
  • GPA will be calculated based on the semester average after the third grading period in the 2019–20 school year for all LISD high schools.

In considering the proposal, Trustees debated the impact of their decision as it relates to students who are competing for college admission; teachers and students who are dealing with health concerns; and the direction of the district continuing remote learning. 

LISD will be sharing additional information about its Phase 2 for remote learning, which will include the addition of new material to prepare students for grade-level advancement. In the announcement, the district will provide details on loaning Chromebook laptops to elementary students (grades PreK–5) who have limited or no access to a device at their homes. The district will also advise staff members on new procedures for working while buildings are closed.

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