LISD board calls $772.2 million bond election for new schools, upgrades

Staff Reports

Voters will determine how the Leander ISD keeps up with rapid student enrollment growth after the LISD Board of Trustees called for a November bond election at its August 5 board meeting. 

Over the next 10 years, the demographer report expects LISD to add more than 12,000 students, requiring the district to build nine new schools: seven elementary schools, one middle school and one high school.

Voters will have an opportunity to vote on a $772.2 million bond proposal to put a significant dent in the demand by building four new schools, renovate 12 old schools, and replace old fine arts equipment and technology. 

After months of careful deliberation, trustees called a Nov. 2 bond election after receiving recommendations from a community-led committee earlier this summer. Through three ballot propositions, the bond:

  • addresses enrollment growth, 
  • repairs aging facilities, and
  • replaces outdated technology  

The bond includes projects that impact all students and does not affect the tax rate. 

Projects included in the bond

  • four new schools (three elementary and one middle);
  • renovations and major maintenance at 12 schools;
  • additional classrooms for modernization at Cedar Park, Leander, and Vista Ridge high schools;
  • replacements of old lighting and sound equipment, as well as old instruments for high school fine arts programs;
  • new playground equipment and shade structures (when needed) at all elementary schools; 
  • new 18+ plus program building for students in special education qualifying for services after their 18th birthday; 
  • new building for New Hope High School, a school of choice program that allows students to self pace earning high school credits; 
  • an additional school of choice for high school students; 
  • technology infrastructure projects to improve quality and reliability of internet services; and
  • new laptops and technology devices to replace old equipment used by students and teachers.

“I appreciate the trustees’ thoughtful, deliberate discussion this year as we listened carefully to our community members and planned a way forward,” said board president Trish Bode. “The CFAC recommendations reflect the essential needs of our students as we plan for growth and strive to offer outstanding learning environments for each and every student.”