LISD bond election props range from $11.7M to $727.2M

Leander ISD Board of Trustees called for a bond election to keep up with growth, take care of existing schools, and replace equipment and technology.

Early voting began on Monday and runs until Oct. 29. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Three propositions are on the ballot for voters to consider. Proposition A includes $727.2 million worth of new construction, renovation, and equipment replacement projects. Proposition B includes $33.3 million to replace existing technology devices, including student and staff laptops, over the next three years. Proposition C includes $11.7 million in renovation and lighting/sound upgrades to LISD high school and district performing arts centers. 

LISD worked with a community committee of over 150 volunteers to identify and prioritize the district’s needs over the next three years. The proposed projects impact every student and school in the district and can be financed without a tax rate increase and will be paid for by layering in debt payments using tax collections from rising property values. 

Propositions A, B, and C will be placed separately on the ballots, after state, city, and county election items. Voters can select “For” or “Against” on all three propositions.

 

LISD anticipated enrollment growth

Leander ISD is working to keep up with the anticipated increase in student enrollment and minimize the need to rezone school attendance lines, which can be a disruption for families and neighborhoods. 

The data from the district demographer indicates that in the next 10 years, LISD will grow by 12,400 additional students, with the construction of 20,600 new homes and nine more school buildings. 

This bond addresses projects to cover the next three years.

  • The bond proposal includes the construction of five traditional schools – four elementary schools and one middle school. It also expands Vista Ridge and New Hope high schools and adds classroom capacity for high school students by constructing a new School of Choice in the district.
  • LISD owns enough land to accommodate the new schools and will continue to use incoming student enrollment/housing data to determine future school locations.

The High School of Choice will serve 400-600 students in a standalone school, offered to students across the district. It will feature a career and technical education (CTE); science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); or other identified program of study. The LISD Board will select the program for the school based on the administrative recommendation, considering student interest, collaboration with the business community, and feasibility. 

 

All LISD schools impacted

Every classroom is impacted through technology modifications and the replacement of technology devices, LISD states on its website.

  • Technology modifications to classrooms will bring existing classrooms up to the same standard as the three newly constructed LISD schools.
  • Using a five- to seven-year replacement cycle, the bond will provide updated laptops and devices for all classrooms, students, teachers and staff. As an internet service provider for more than 45,000 students and staff members, the bond also includes projects to replace fiber, equipment, and broadband facilities to improve connectivity, speed, and reliability.

According to LISD, this bond proposal focuses on projects for existing facilities and impacts every school.

  • Capital renewal and infrastructure replacements are included for 13 existing schools.
    • Capital Renewal of an existing facility involves the replacement of major building sub-systems including but not limited to roofing, elevators, air conditioning, lighting, electrical, plumbing, fire protection systems, built-in specialties and equipment, and interior finishes that are at the end of the expected service life. 
  • New or renovated career and technical education (CTE) and fine arts classroom spaces are included for Cedar Park, Leander and Vista Ridge high schools. 

This bond package will provide updated equipment and technology.

  • Equipment renovations of all 28 elementary school playgrounds, including new or replacement shade structures, are also provided. 
  • All high school band equipment purchased at least 10 years ago will be replaced.
  • New light and sound equipment for all middle school cafetoriums, all high school auditoriums, and both district Performing Arts Centers (PAC) is included. 
  • New furniture for 17 schools will be purchased.