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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 JUNE 15 JULY 16, 2024
2024 Health Care Edition
Joanna Meley, a certi ed nurse practitioner at direct primary care clinic Impact Family Wellness in Cedar Park, discusses treatment options with a patient.
COURTESY IMPACT FAMILY WELLNESS Providers, patients seek different model of care
forth with third-party payers, such as insurance. “I got to a point with our insurance where everything was like, bill, bill, bill, after you go to the doctor,” she said. “I pay this membership fee, and ... I can go in, and I know what it’s going to cost.”
subscription-based provider with clinics in Cedar Park, Liberty Hill and Thorndale—to ful ll her primary health care needs and avoid surprise bills. Called direct primary care, this model involves patients paying a monthly membership fee to their providers, and can eliminate some of the back and
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Years of receiving care from a traditional doctor’s o ce and receiving bill after bill from her health care provider left Cedar Park resident Mandy Botts looking for an alternative option for health care. Botts said she now uses Impact Family Wellness—a
CONTINUED ON 32
Also in this issue
Impacts: New hotel underway in front of The Crossover (Page 6)
Education: LISD moves dyslexia under special education (Page 15)
Health care: Read about the latest local developments (Pages 21 39)
Business: Liberty Hill company o ers ax-throwing targets (Page 44)
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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
The 7 Most Common Plumbing Problems & What To Do About Them Below are seven of the most common plumbing problems — along with tips on how to fix them:
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1. Leaky Pipes The Environmental Protection Agency found that leaks account for 10,000 gallons of wasted water every year, in every home. If you have trouble detecting a water leak, it’s best to enlist the services of a trained plumber from Honest Plumbing & Air who can conduct a thorough leak inspection and offer professional recommendations. 2. Drain Clogs Most bathroom clogs occur when dirt, skin flakes, and hair bind to the walls of the draining tubs, resulting in reduced water flow. Additionally, you can also use a hair catcher to prevent loose strands from pilling up inside your drain pipe. In kitchens, food waste is a major culprit. Because some of these items are hard, it becomes difficult for water to flow past the blockage and
If you have a problem, first check to see if the pilot light on your water heater is on. Keeping up with annual maintenance drains your water tank and flushes out amineral deposits which can extend the life of your unit. 6. Water Quality Issues The key is to filter out dangerous contaminants (such as pesticides, animal waste, and industrial chemicals) while taking preventative measures to purify your household water. Our Whole-House Water Softeners can generate safe, great-tasting water while reducing buildup in your pipes. 7. Low Water Pressure The cause of low water pressure is difficult to pinpoint. It could be debris piling up in your pipes, corrosion on your interior pipe walls, or perhaps a broken pressure regulator. Our plumbing pros can help you determine the cause of the low pressure and find the best solution. Call 512-265-6019 to schedule your appointment with the team at Honest Plumbing & Air.
A blockage can even happen when small roots of trees make their way into the sewer’s pipe joints, causing excessive blockage over time. Managing sewer system backups is essential to allow your home’s wastewater to flow freely through the line while minimizing property damage. 4. Running Toilets A running toilet can leak a whopping one gallon of water per hour! The problem could be a faulty flapper valve which controls the water passing from the tank to the bowl. If this is the culprit, a visit to the hardware store for a toilet repair kit should do the trick. Check the thin flexible tube inside the tank to see if it’s still attached to the overflow tube. You should also adjust your float, so your fill valve shuts off properly. If these strategies don’t work, give us a call!
5. Water Heater Issues Signs of a declining water heater can include not having enough hot water, discolored water, and noises coming from your system,
down the pipes. Addressing drain clogs and stick stoppages ahead of time will help you avoid unexpected hiccups and extravagant repair costs. 3. Sewer Stoppage Statistics show that 400,000 sanitary sewer overflows occur annually in the United States. If your sewer line is significantly older, you are at a greater risk for problems. A blockage can occur in a city sanitary main, affecting nearby homes and businesses via floor drains.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Impacts
and more, a store representative said. The business is operated by Ashley Votruba and Angela Brown. • Opened April 20 • 13010 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 600, Cedar Park • Business website not available 3 Ma Bailey’s The facility offers short-term pregnancy and postpartum housing. Other services include a women’s clinic and support with newborn care, breastfeeding and recovery. • Opened April 28 • 747 Dews Road, Leander • www.mabaileys.org 4 Oak & Vine Liquor Owner Sam Rozani said the liquor store features fine wines imported from France, Italy and Spain. The store also sells low-intervention wines, vermouth, and spirits such as mezcal, tequila, single-barrel bourbon and amaro. • Opened May 22 • 601 W. New Hope Drive, Ste. 105, Cedar Park • Facebook: Oak & Vine Liquor 5 Relax Spa by Rosie The business offers assisted stretching and yoga-inspired therapeutic massage. Owner Rosie Zhou is a licensed massage therapist with 18 years of experience as a yoga practitioner, instructor and coach. She also has training through the National Association of Sports Medicine. • Opened May 1 • 1540 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 109, Cedar Park • www.rzrelaxspa.com
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Coming soon
6 Shogun Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar The restaurant serves steak, seafood and a variety of sushi rolls, plus noodles, rice and hibachi dishes. The building was previously occupied by Fuddruckers. • Opening in mid-June • 11023 Pecan Park Blvd., Cedar Park • www.ishogun.com 7 Einstein Bros. Bagels Coming to the Southbrook Station retail center, the
Cedar Park & Leander
said patients who establish care at the Leander location will be seen by Dr. Antoine Pham, who is board certified in internal medicine. • Opened April 1 • 2006 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 150, Leander • www.thrivepcp.com 2 Endo Cedar Park Dispensary And Wellness The shop offers a variety of CBD and THCA products such as vapes, lotions, gummies, candles, crystals
Now open
1 Thrive Medical Clinic The clinic offers a wide range of primary care services, including routine screenings, chronic disease management, sick visits, minor procedures, hormone therapy and vaccinations. Co-owner Dr. Brad Venghaus
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Coming soon
Relocations
In the news
8 Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott The 53,618-square-foot hotel will feature 99 rooms with king and queen beds, and an expanded lobby. Amenities will include a fitness center, an outdoor patio, a board room and laundry facilities, plus complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi. • Opening in early 2026 • 5920 183A Toll frontage road, Leander • www.fairfield.marriott.com
10 The Aesthetic Lab The spa offers custom facials, microneedling, dermal filler, neurotoxins, chemical peels, lash lifts, and medical and prescription weight loss services. Owner Alysia Johnson previously operated The Aesthetic Lab with a former business partner out of a location off US 183 in Leander, but relocated this spring and established a new PLLC for the business. • Relocated in May • 11620 Hero Way W., Ste. 230, Room 24, Leander • www.theaestheticlabatx.com
13 Volente Beach Resort The water park opened for the season April 27. All tickets provide access to the park’s four water slides, main pool deck and Pirate Ship Splash Zone, plus live music, multiple bars and sand volleyball. The water park connects to Beachside Billy’s, which offers options such as appetizers, sandwiches, salads, entrees and pizza. The seasonal water park will be open through the last weekend in September. • 16107 FM 2769, Ste. D, Leander • www.volentebeach.com
shop will offer a variety of bagels, egg sandwiches, and breakfast and lunch options as well as beverages such as coffee and shakes. • Opening in December • 145 S. Brook Drive, Leander • www.einsteinbros.com 9 Ivory Dental The general dentist office offers patient-centered care for adults and children. Services include preventative and cosmetic dentistry, emergency services for patients experiencing pain, and clear aligners. The practice is owned by Dr. Lakshmi Alapati. • Opening in mid-to-late June • 2875 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 160, Cedar Park • www.ivorydentaltx.com
clinic—also known as a direct primary care provider— offers disease management; treatment and care for diseases and acute illnesses; and women’s health care. • 12171 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 102, Cedar Park • www.impactfamilywellness.com
In the news
11 Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center The center, which serves as a centralized hub for agencies specializing in child abuse and neglect cases, will construct an outdoor playground and sport-coated surface following approval from Commissioners Court May 21. • 1811 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown • www.wilcocac.org 12 Impact Family Wellness The clinic celebrated its fifth anniversary in April. Owned by Monica McKitterick, the membership-based
Closings
14 Mouton’s Southern Bistro The owner said on Facebook the closure of the Creole- Cajun restaurant’s Leander location was due to “rising food and labor costs, coupled with stagnating sales.” The Cedar Park location will remain open. • Closed May 20
• 309 N. US 183, Leander • www.moutonsbistro.com
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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Impacts
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
In the news
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6 Isle Acre Farms Led by Pete and Becky Tamez, the farm began offering veggie-picking in May. The farm specializes in organically grown produce and offers a variety of vegetables including tomatoes, squash, carrots and onions. The business previously offered a farm stand. The veggie-picking farm is open May through July, and will close in August and
Liberty Hill
Class 101 College Planning The online-based Williamson County North branch began providing services that help local students in eighth through 12th grade prepare for college, including selecting colleges and majors; taking the PSAT, SAT and ACT; going on college visits; writing admissions essays; and applying for scholarships and financial aid. • Opened March 8 • www.class101.com/williamsoncountynorthtx
Now open
1 Clean Slate Waxing Lounge The spa offers waxing, facials and peels as well as eyebrow and eyelash services. The business is owned by registered nurse and esthetician Marilyn Landes. • Opened June 12 • 10 CR 279, Liberty Hill • www.cleanslatewax.com 2 Liberty Hill Athletics The facility, owned by Charles Himmer and Jordan Potts, offers a weight room and a sports court. • Opened June 1 • 987 N. US 183, Liberty Hill • www.libertyhillathletics.com 3 Health Different Chiropractic The clinic specializes in a noninvasive form of upper cervical chiropractic care that does not involve twisting or cracking the neck, owner Summer Bailey said. • Opened May 14 • 1900 Main St., Liberty Hill • www.healthdifferentchiro.com
September, before reopening in the fall. • 330 N. Bear Creek Road, Liberty Hill • www.isleacrefarms.com
Relocations
4 Care First Clinic Owned by Kaela Thurman, the business is a primary and urgent care provider. A clinic employee said the business expanded from five examination rooms at its old location at 12701 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill, to 12 with this new building. • Relocated May 20 • 12635 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.carefirstclinic.com
opportunities for Austin-area children with mental and physical disabilities.
• Expanding this summer • 1705 CR 285, Liberty Hill • www.hopehouseaustin.org
Closings
7 Get Dressed Marketplace Owner Karen Heine said the store, which offered discounted brand-name clothing, accessories and toys, closed after a year of operations due to low foot traffic. • Closed June 2
Expansions
5 Hope House The nonprofit will undergo an expansion to add three additional housing units to its 11-acre property. The organization provides long-term care and housing
• 1201 Main St., Ste. 200, Liberty Hill • www.getdressedmarketplace.com
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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
R Bank announces the retirement of President and CEO, Steve Stapp, marking the end of a remarka years, has led the bank from a ingle location with 12 employees to a successful institution operating rooted in the values of community-driven banking. R Bank announces the retirement of President and CEO, Steve Stapp, marking the end of a remarkable era of leadership. Steve’s tenure, spanning 16 years, has led the bank from a single location with 12 employees to a successful institution operating 10 locations with over 150 employees, all deeply rooted in the values of community-driven banking. After an extensive search that spanned several months, R Bank's Board of Directors has appointed thorough search process, led by Chairman Reese Ryan, involved evaluating numerous candidates to ensu Steve Stapp’s legacy is one of growth, community involvement, and unwavering dedication to personalized service. Under his leadership, RBank has become a pillar in the community, known for its commitment to fostering relationships and supporting local businesses. As he steps down, the bank is well-positioned for continued success under Todd’s leadership. Todd Engemoen Chosen as New President and CEO for R Bank as Todd Engemoen Chosen as New President and CEO for R Bank as Steve Stapp Announces his Retirement After an extensive search, R Bank’s Board of Directors has appointed Todd Engemoen as the new President and CEO.
"We are thrilled to welcome Todd Engemoen as our new President and CEO," said Reese Ryan. "His depth of experience and alignment with our core values make him the perfect choice to lead R Bank into the future. We extend our deepest gratitude to Steve for his exceptional leadership and dedication." Todd Engemoen, a native of Austin, brings over 15 years of comprehensive banking experience to his new role. Todd attended Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. His impressive career has seen him with him serving most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of another banking institution prior to strategic planning, operational excellence, and customer-centric initiatives, making him exceptionally well-equipped to lead R Bank in Todd Engemoen, a native of Austin, brings over 15 years of comprehensive banking experience to his new role. Todd attended the University of Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. His impressive career has seen him hold pivotal positions in the financial services industry, with him serving most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of another banking institution prior to joining R Bank. Todd’s extensive background includes strategic planning, operational excellence, and customer-centric initiatives, making him exceptionally well-equipped to lead R Bank into its next chapter. Todd Engemoen, a native of Austin, brings over 15 years of comprehensive banking experience to his new role. Todd attended the University of Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. His impressive career has seen him hold pivotal positions in the financial services industry, with him serving most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of another banking institution prior to joining R Bank. Todd’s extensive background includes strategic planning, operational excellence, and customer-centric initiatives, making him exceptionally well-equipped to lead R Bank into its next chapter. "I am honored to step into this role and build upon the foundation that Steve has established," said Todd Engemoen. "R Bank is known for its commitment to doing the right thing for our customers, employees, and communities. I look forward to continuing this tradition, building relationships with our customers and communities, while driving our mission forward." Todd's appointment marks a new chapter for R Bank, bringing a wealth of expertise to the leadership team. His deep roots in the Austin area, experience, and strong educational background have equipped him with a unique perspective on the local community's financial needs. Todd's strategic vision and innovative approach are expected to drive R Bank's growth and enhance its service offerings to better serve its valued customers. Steve Stapp's legacy is one of growth, community involvement, and unwavering dedication to personalized service. Under his leadership, R Bank has become a pillar in the community, known for its commitment to fostering relationships and supporting local businesses. As he steps down, the bank is well-positioned for continued success under Todd's leadership. Reflecting on his retirement, Steve Stapp shared, "It has been an incredible journey leading R Bank and working with the best bankers and individuals in the community. Our success is built on the relationships we've created, and I am confident that Todd will continue to build on this legacy." "I am honored to step into this role and build upon the foundation that Steve has established," said Todd Engemoen. "R Bank is our customers, employees, and communities. I look forward to continuing this tradition, building relationships with our custom forward." “I am honored to step into this role and build upon the foundation that Steve has established,” said Todd Engemoen. “R Bank is known for its commitment to doing the right thing for our customers, employees, and communities. I look forward to continuing this tradition, building relationships with our customers and communities, while driving our mission forward.” R Bank remains steadfast in its mission of being the bank that goes above and beyond for customers and communities. With Todd Engemoen's leadership and the continued support of the Board of Directors, R Bank is positioned for continued growth and success. Todd's appointment marks a new chapter for R Bank, bringing a wealth of expertise to the leadership team. His deep roots background have equipped him with a unique perspective on the local community's financial needs. Todd's strategic vision and growth and enhance its service offerings to better serve its valued customers. Paid Advertisement R Bank announces the retirement of President and CEO, Steve Stapp, marking the end of a remarkable era of leadership. Steve's tenure, spanning 16 years, has led the bank from a ingle location with 12 employees to a successful institution operating 10 locations with over 150 employees, all deeply rooted in the values of community-driven banking. Todd Engemoen Chosen as New President and CEO for R Bank as Steve Stapp Announces his Retirement "We are thrilled to welcome Todd Engemoen as our new President and CEO," said Reese Ryan. "His depth of experience and choice to lead R Bank into the future. We extend our deepest gratitude to Steve for his exceptional leadership and dedication." Reflecting on his retirement, Steve Stapp shared, “It has been an incredible journey leading R Bank and working with the best bankers and individuals in the community. Our success is built on the relationships we’ve created, and I am confident that Todd will continue to build on this legacy.” “We are thrilled to welcome Todd Engemoen as our new President and CEO,” said Reese Ryan. “His depth of experience and alignment with our core values make him the perfect choice to lead R Bank into the future. We extend our deepest gratitude to Steve for his exceptional leadership and dedication.” After an extensive search that spanned several months, R Bank's Board of Directors has appointed Todd Engemoen as the new President and CEO. The thorough search process, led by Chairman Reese Ryan, involved evaluating numerous candidates to ensure the right fit for the bank's vision and values. Todd Engemoen R Bank remains steadfast in its mission of being the bank that goes above and beyond for customers and communities. With Todd Engemoen’s leadership and the continued support of the Board of Directors, R Bank is positioned for continued growth and success.
10
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY PARKS KUGLE
Williamson County o cials held a groundbreaking ceremony May 14 for a new administration building. Located on a 170-acre tract of land near the corner of Southwestern Boulevard and SE Inner Loop in Georgetown, the 120,000-square-foot building will house many county o ces and departments, according to a county press release. Plans for the new headquarters show a three-story building with parking circling the structure. Slated to cost $90 million, construction is expected to be completed in late 2025. The project is funded by short-term debt approved in 2021, according to previous Community Impact reporting. County admin building begins
Why it matters
The groundbreaking marked the construction of the sixth courthouse in Williamson County’s 176-year history, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said. The fth courthouse—located on the Georgetown Square—cost $137,000 and broke ground in 1910. Though the historic courthouse has been renovated and expanded, the new headquarters is designed to meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, Gravell said. The historic courthouse will remain in the possession of Williamson County and will house other county departments, Gravell said, although o cials are still determining the speci c plans for the building. “It’s time for us ... to plan for the next 100 years, starting with a new center of county government,” Gravell said.
Williamson County o cials broke ground on the new 120,000-square-foot administration building May 14.
PARKS KUGLE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Williamson County administration building site
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WILLIAMSON COUNTY PROPERTY
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Government
Google Fiber bringing high-speed internet Within the next two years, the Cedar Park community will have the opportunity to receive Google Fiber’s high-speed and high-bandwidth internet services. Google Fiber is planning to offer plans with connection speeds up to 8 gigabits per second to residents and business owners throughout the city, according to a May 9 news release. The service will come with no data caps, equip- ment fees or annual contracts. Sorting out details During its May 9 meeting, council unanimously approved a nonexclusive public rights-of-way license agreement with Google Fiber Texas, LLC. The agreement will allow the company to install, maintain and operate a fiber-optic infrastructure network in the city’s public rights of way, accord- ing to the release.
Cedar Park to remodel old library building Upon completion of the new public library in the Bell District, Cedar Park leaders are planning to repurpose and remodel the existing facility at 550 Discovery Blvd. into a new space focusing on mixed programming. Zooming in The new space will be called RE|CREATE and will provide a variety of programs under the direction of the city’s parks and recre- ation department, according to city docu- ments. Other opportunities include senior programming, homeschool and education classes, and children’s playtime, according to the documents. During its May 23 meeting, City Council approved a $300,000 agreement with Dahlin Group to provide architectural services for design and construction of the project.
“Cedar Park is now more globally connected than ever, boasting a diverse community of residents and businesses,
and our City Council is committed to providing our community as many options as possible for their infrastructure needs.”
JIM PENNIMAN MORIN, MAYOR OF CEDAR PARK
Per the release, Google Fiber will pay a license fee equivalent to 1% of gross revenues back to the city in exchange for its use of public rights of way. Stay tuned Google Fiber construction is expected to begin before the end of 2025, a company representative said, with services available in early 2026. Cedar Park will be the fourth city in Texas to receive the Google Fiber services, after Austin, San Antonio and Round Rock.
12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
City replaces part of wastewater plant Liberty Hill City Council approved a $55,800 contract during its May 22 meeting for the replacement of a part essential to the daily function of the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Zooming in Called a programmable logic controller, or PLC, the part is an electrical device used to manage various stages of water and waste- water treatment with little to no human intervention. PLCs can complete tasks such as turning pumps on and off to fill tanks and reservoirs, and pacing chemicals to meet regulations, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Officials said the infrastructure needs to be replaced because the technology is out- dated and no longer able to be supported.
Bryson Farmstead plan leads to noise concerns A proposed plan to redevelop the Bryson Farmstead property in Leander has left several neighboring community residents concerned about increased noise. What happened The Leander Chamber of Commerce recently submitted a planned unit development, or PUD, application to the city, which includes proposals for the redevelopment of the 6-acre Bryson Farmstead property, located near the intersection of 183A Toll and San Gabriel Parkway. As part of the proposal, outdoor activities on the property would take place between 9 a.m.-11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and national holidays; and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. Any outdoor sound would be allowed as long as it’s in compli- ance with the city’s noise ordinance. The planning and zoning commission denied
PLEASANT HILL RD.
Bryson Farmstead
183A TOLL
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the PUD application on May 9, citing noise con- cerns and the intended uses for the property. The application was supposed to go before council on May 16 but was pulled from the meeting agenda. Officials said over 100 residents submitted com- ments to the city expressing their concerns about noise and a possible increase in traffic surrounding the neighborhood. Next steps The chamber agreed to make the PUD proposal more detailed and bring it before council at a future meeting.
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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY CHLOE YOUNG
LISD shifts dyslexia services to be under special education
A new state law requires school districts in Texas to provide special education services to students with dyslexia and heightened the requirements for who can evaluate them. While proponents of the law say the change is designed to improve services for students, Leander ISD officials and some educational organizations have expressed concerns that the changes may put a strain on staff members and result in additional costs for districts. House Bill 3928, passed in 2023, removed the ability for districts to provide instruction to dyslexic students through a Section 504 plan for students with disabilities. By the end of the 2024-25 school year, districts must transition all students needing dyslexia instruction to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, said Kimberly Waltmon, assistant superintendent of special programs and services for LISD. Prior to the change, some dyslexic students received instruction under
special education while others did so through a Section 504 plan. Some students may continue to receive accommodations for dyslexia under a Section 504 plan, such as more time to take tests, while any students needing to be pulled out of their classes to receive dyslexia-specific instruction must now do so through special education, said Steven Aleman, senior policy specialist for Disability Rights Texas. Of the 2,236 dyslexic students in LISD, 52% received services through a Section 504 plan in the 2023-24 school year, Waltmon said. Districts may now need to re-evaluate dyslexic students to determine if they require specially designed instruction under special education, Aleman said. Additionally, the law outlines new requirements staff must meet to evaluate students and participate in their special education Admission, Dismissal and Review committee meetings, or ARD meetings. According to the new law, qualified staff must now meet one of the following criteria to evaluate students and participate in their special education ARD meetings: Be a licensed dyslexia therapist Have “the most advanced dyslexia-related certification” Meet additional training requirements adopted by the State Board of Education can evaluate students are unclear and could present challenges for the district, she said. The district’s most highly trained dyslexia providers may be restricted to evaluations and ARD meetings, Waltmon said. Additionally, the district’s dyslexia specialists, who provide instruction to students, may no longer participate in case manage- ment without being certified in special education.
Dyslexic students receiving services in Leander ISD
Special education Non-special education
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
The context
Diving in deeper
The TEA has encouraged districts to provide dyslexia services under special edu- cation after the agency was subject to a cor- rective action plan from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs in 2018, said Karlyn Keller, division director of school Medicaid services and student solutions for the Texas Association of School Boards. The department’s evaluation included concerns about dyslexic students being excluded from special education. Compared to a Section 504 plan, a special education plan gives parents and students more protections through robust documen- tation and provides greater accountability, special education advocates said.
A dyslexia therapist is the gold standard for evaluating students under the law, but districts have flexibility for their staff to acquire national creden- tials or receive additional training provided by the Texas Education Agency, Aleman said. There were 1,039 licensed dyslexia therapists in Texas as of August, according to the Texas Depart- ment of Licensing and Regulation. Meanwhile, nearly 330,000 public school students in the state have dyslexia, according to the TEA. Becoming a licensed dyslexia therapist requires a master’s degree and at least 900 hours of coursework and training, according to the TDLR. While Waltmon said she believes it will be beneficial to serve all dyslexic students under special education, the new requirements on who
requirements—will continue to advocate for more special education funding. Although the recent changes did not come with any funding, they have costs to districts, TCASE Director of Governmental Relations Andrea Chevalier said. “We’re already underfunded in special education,” Chevalier said. “Now, we’re sending people to training and getting them certified.”
provide more clarity on the new personnel requirement in the draft version of the handbook, which is expected to be finalized by the end of June, Waltmon said. Additionally, TASB, Disability Rights Texas and the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education—which opposed HB 3928 due to its heightened personnel
Going forward
The State Board of Education is working to revise its dyslexia handbook to detail how the new law should be enforced, Aleman said. LISD is asking the SBOE to
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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Education
Leander ISD raises sta pay by 2.5% for 2024 25 At a May 9 meeting, the Leander ISD board of trustees approved increasing employee pay by 2.5% next school year following an hourlong debate over whether to provide 2% or 2.5% raises. The overview This move will increase the overall compensa- tion budget by almost $8.13 million, according to district information. The approved plan also allows the board to approve a one-time retention payment of $1,000 for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees at a later date. District administrators recommended raising employee pay by 2% at an April 25 meeting—lower than pay raises in previous school years—as the district projects a $15 million budget shortfall for scal year 2024-25.
Leander ISD sets up grant fund for sta Leander ISD employees will soon be able to apply for grants through a new district fund. The gist The board of trustees approved transfer- ring $2 million from the district’s general fund balance to launch the Empowerment Grant Fund at an April 25 meeting. The one-time grants will fund programs and new initiatives by sta members as the district’s budget tightens amid a lack of state funding, according to district information. In their own words “We need to be able to empower our sta , and that means not just our teachers but all of our educators across the system to be able to do what they need to do,” Superintendent Bruce Gearing said.
Compensation increase details
Recommended Approved
Compensation increase
+2% $6.5M
+2.5% $8.13M
Cost Retention payment for full-time employees One-time cost out of fund balance Total cost
$1,000
$1,000
$5.5M
$5.5M
$12M
$13.63M
SOURCE: LEANDER ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
What they’re saying Place 1 board member Trish Bode expressed concerns over increasing costs amid state funding cuts. With a 2.5% raise, the district could not ll all of the 30 new positions it selected after receiving over 300 requests for new positions, Chief Finan- cial O cer Pete Pape said. School board president Gloria Gonzales-Dhola- kia spoke in support of the 2.5% raise as it kept the district within its budget threshold, or 3% of its revenues, and said the district already had many vacant positions.
Leander ISD names future police department chief
“I am excited and honored to join the LISD community, and look forward to fostering positive relationships and
Lucretia “Shā” Rogers will become Leander ISD’s rst chief of police. The board of trustees approved Rogers’ hiring as the district’s executive director of safety and security at a May 9 meeting. Rogers will transition into the role of police chief once the district receives state approval to launch its own police department, according to district information.
What you need to know Rogers has worked for Houston ISD’s police department as the assistant chief of police since 2018, following time as a criminal investigator and campus police o cer, according to district information. She was previously a patrol deputy for the Precinct 4 Constable’s O ce and the Brazos County Sheri ’s Department in Bryan.
creating a safe and nurturing environment for our students, sta and community.” SHĀ ROGERS, LISD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SECURITY
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Liberty Hill ISD considers tax rate increase, vote Liberty Hill ISD may ask voters to approve an increase to the district’s tax rate for fiscal year 2024-25 as it projects a $8.5 million budget shortfall. District officials discussed the revenue for the district and the cost to taxpayers associated with various tax rate increases during a budget workshop at a May 6 special meeting. The district is projecting a $8.5 million budget shortfall for FY 2024-25 and a $2 million shortfall this fiscal year, Chief Financial Officer Rosanna Guerrero said. By the numbers The district is projecting to adopt a maintenance and operations tax rate of $0.6669 per $100 valua- tion, which would cost homeowners $3,082 in taxes a year based on the area’s median home value of $462,264, Guerrero said. While this proposed rate is lower than the FY 2023-24 M&O tax rate of $0.6692 due to
District selects design for elementary school Liberty Hill ISD will build its eighth elementary school to accommodate 1,000 students—200 more than its existing elemen- tary campuses. The two-story school, which is slated to open in 2026 in the Lariat master-planned community, will have 54 total classrooms. This comes as several elementary cam- puses designed for 800 students reach or exceed capacity.
Tax rate options
Additional revenue for district
Additional annual cost to homeowners
Maintenance and operations tax rate
$0.6969
$4,575,742
+$138.68
$0.7269
$6,228,481
+$277.36
$0.7869
$9,511,486 +$554.72
SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
compression from the state, Guerrero said the district is looking at several tax rate increases, which may require a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE. The district would need to hold a VATRE to adopt a M&O tax rate higher than $0.6669, Guerrero said. A M&O tax rate above $0.6969 would require the district to begin paying recapture back to the state if it is approved through a VATRE and an attendance credit election. Composed of both the M&O rate and an interest and sinking rate, the district has decreased its overall tax rate by $0.375 since 2019.
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