Leander ISD continues to make a huge impact in the lives of its students. Just in the last few months alone there has been significant decisions to improve and advance the educational opportunities of all its students. From facility improvements to innovative programs to student successes Leander ISD continues to grow, prosper, and flourish.
If you are new to the area, or are looking to make the Leander community your new home, Leander ISD serves the master-planned hill country community of Travisso. Though, very large, the district’s numbers are impressive. By size, it’s the largest in Williamson County. With approximately 200 hundred miles of ground to cover it is also one of the fastest growing districts in the state. LISD serves over 40,000 students and employs over 5,000 people with a $477 million operating budget. There are 26 elementary schools, eight middle schools, six high schools and two alternative schools within the district’s boundaries totaling 42 individual campuses.
However, it’s no secret that the Leander ISD is on the forefront of education and student achievement. With a reputation for academic success it continues to pave the path for excellence. So, here’s a brief up-to-date list of a few noteworthy programs and facility improvements that will benefit Leander ISD students today and in the future.
Leander ISD facility improvements
Safety is a top priority for Leander ISD officials. With the new school year underway the district is committed to improving emergency procedures and preparedness on all campuses. Specifically, LISD is working to ensure all emergency procedures are consistent across the board. And, that everyone knows what to do during an emergency situation. According to the Community Impact newspaper, to move their plan forward the district will use seven percent of last year’s $454.5 million voter approved bond package. In addition to standardized training, the district is planning to install secure vestibules at those schools that currently do not have them. They are also evaluating the need for additional security cameras in their high schools and middle schools and working to build active relationships with additional community organizations.
In addition, on Sept, 21 the Leander ISD board approved an $8.1 million plan to speed up the purchase of 50 new buses and retrofit 60 existing buses. Funds for the project will come from 2017 bond money that was slated to cover 66 new buses. Parental concern over the lack of air conditioning on district buses prompted the decision. As a result of the board’s action all 126 general education route buses will have air conditioning by summer 2019.
Innovative programs that are making the grade
The district’s INCubatoredu program teaches students both start-up skills and real world concepts. This cutting-edge program uses local entrepreneurs and business people that act as mentors to guide students through business models. Which is great for students in Austin since the city took the #2 spot on the list of the Top U.S. Cities for Entrepreneurs and Start-ups in 2018. Business.org publishes the list. Briefly, here’s how it works. Students work in teams to formulate a business plan for a product. Then, with the guidance of their mentor they work throughout the school year to ensure the product’s success. During the process students learn valuable hands-on skills such as filing an LLC, opening a bank account, and marketing. They also gain valuable experience and life skills from industry professionals. The success of the program relies on volunteers to make it work. To volunteer email incubatoredu.vrhs@leanderisd.org to learn more.
Empowered Parenting is a series of six one-hour free workshops created by the Leander ISD Counseling Services Department. They provide both parents and students with useful information and help to strengthen the partnership between the district and parents. Each workshop features a guest speaker and a main topic. Mark your calendar for Nov. 27 when the topic for discussion is Depression and Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents. Location and dates vary. The workshops continue through the month of April. Check the district’s website for the complete schedule.
Leander ISD student successes continue to thrive
Leander ISD recently announced that 22 students district-wide were named as distinguished semifinalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. Students earn the recognition based on their score on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The district’s website also reported that an additional 75 LISD seniors were named National Merit Commended Students. And, 32 students were recognized as National Hispanic Scholars by the College Board. Those students receiving the recognition earn the opportunity to compete for prestigious scholarships in the spring.
And, on another note the Leander ISD high school marching band program placed four schools in the top 20 in the nation. Those high schools making the score include # 8 Leander, #10 Vandergrift, #12 Vista Ridge, and #18 Cedar Park. HornRank, the national scholastic marching band rankings website complies and publishes the rankings.
Want to know what’s happening at Leander ISD? For all the latest and up-to-date school district news visit the district’s website. They do a great job of providing information to parents, students, and the public.
Plan a Visit to Travisso Today
Among the backdrop of the Texas Hill Country Travisso offers state-of-the-art floor plans by award-winning premier builders. Homebuyers can choose from one and two-story floor plans ranging in size from 1,900 to over 5,000 square feet with prices starting in the 300s to over one million. And, there’s much more including resort style amenities, the 2017 #1 Clubhouse in the state, and an outdoor landscape perfect for hiking and biking. Plan to visit Travisso in Leander today and explore our new model homes and neighborhoods. For additional information call our Information Center at 512-243-8583.
