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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 10 FEB. 22 MARCH 20 , 2025
183A extension to open in 2025
across the western part of the county will soon bene t from an expansion of these toll o erings, with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority set to open additional 183A Toll lanes in 2025. The newly paved roadway will extend the Mobility Authority toll lanes from the current stopping point at Hero Way in Leander up to Hwy. 29 in Liberty Hill.
Forced to regularly navigate the Hwy. 29 tra c bottleneck and 6-mile stretch of stoplights on non- tolled US 183 from Liberty Hill to Leander, Burke said she’s eager for the next phase of 183A Toll to open. “I have a toll tag—I just consider it as part of my commute costs just like my gas,” she said. Burke is not alone in her need to use the network of toll roads in Williamson County. Commuters
BY HALEY MCLEOD
The “stopping and starting” of tra c along the US 183 service road is not an option for Christianne Burke, who travels roughly an hour each way from the city of Burnet to Burnet Road in Austin for work each day. “It’s a long commute, but if I didn’t take the toll it would be exponentially longer for me,” Burke said.
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Tra c volumes are expected to increase by roughly 25% along the 183A Toll corridor over the next 25 years. (Haley McLeod/Community Impact)
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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Impacts
2 PetVet365 Pet owners can bring their furry friends for a variety of care, including surgical and dental treatment as well as behavioral, preventative, and urgent care. The clinic has a fear-free certified staff, meaning vets and technicians learn about a pet’s likes and emotional history prior to their appointment to create a calming experience, according to the clinic’s website. • Opened Nov. 18 • 13920 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 101, Leander • www.petvet365.com 3 Seven Oaks Coffee Customers can find an assortment of menu items including lattes, baked goods and chai drinks. The company sells its coffee beans both in-store and online with dark roasts, light roasts and decaf roasts. Additionally, the indoor sit-down space features a small children’s play area. • Opened Jan. 21 • 5205 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 702, Leander • www.sevenoakscoffee.com 4 Whataburger The location was originally slated to open in fall 2024 but was delayed until Jan. 21. The business is located in Bar W Marketplace and is the second location in Leander for the food chain. Customers can find a range of items on the menu including burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and shakes. • Opened Jan. 21 • 19378 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Georgetown • www.whataburger.com 5 Frontier Direct Care The primary care clinic opened to Leander ISD staff members, allowing employees to access same- or next-day appointments. While the company’s clinics are typically open to the public, the new Leander location exclusively serves over 6,000 LISD employees and their dependents. • Opened Jan. 20 • 11840 Hero Way W., Ste. 200, Leander • www.frontierdirectcare.com
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183 levels to train, compete and learn from professional instructors. The Academy also has a location in Round Rock. Austin Badminton Academy offers membership programs for both kids and adults, with a variety of training and playing options. • Opened Dec. 17 • 11561 Hero Way West, Building 2, Leander • www.austinbadminton.com . AVERY RANCH BLVD.
Now open
ANDERSON MILL RD.
6 Little Forest Equestrian The Leander business offers weekly horseback
1 Austin Badminton Academy The sports facility allows badminton players of all skill
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
riding lessons, horsemanship classes focused on communicating with and leading horses, and trail rides for individuals or groups of up to three people. The business also hosts birthday parties, events and workshops as well as camps for children during spring break and the summer. Owner Jenna Couchman started Little Forest Equestrian after working as a ranch hand in the Leander area for about eight years. • Opened Jan. 1 Tree Scouts Tree Service The business offers free consultations, tree trimming, tree removal, stub grinding, fertilization and general arborist services. Service areas include Leander, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Cedar Park, Dripping Springs, Georgetown, Round Rock and Steiner Ranch. • Opened Nov. 10 • 2408 Corriente Path, Leander • www.treescouts.com/tree-trimming • 4225 Oak Creek Road, Leander • www.littleforestequestrian.com
Now open
Coming soon
9 RayEye Vision Care Under the care of Dr. Ranjit Kaur, the business offers a range of optometry services from comprehensive eye exams and dry eye treatment to common eye disorders and eye emergencies. • Opened Dec. 14 • 15161 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 410, Leander • www.rayeyevisioncare.com
11 Black Rock Coffee Bar The coffee business has locations in California, Colorado, Arizona, Oregon, Idaho and Texas. Customers can enjoy a menu full of classic coffee drinks and specialty items including Irish Coffee, Mexican Mocha and Caramel Truffle. • Opening early 2025 • U.S. 183 Hwy. and Hero Way, Leander • https://br.coffee
Coming soon
7 Conejos Tex-Mex Cantina From the team behind Lucky Rabbit and The Rabbit Hole, Conejos Tex-Mex Cantina is slated to open in Leander in March in An Thinh’s former location. Customers can expect an elevated Tex-Mex experience with items such as fajitas, quesadillas, mezcal cocktails and margaritas. The restaurant will feature a scratch kitchen with all fresh ingredients, co-owner Bobby Hernandez said. • Opening late March
12 Leander Inspection Connection The business conducted state-certified vehicle inspections for cars, trucks, RVs, trailers and motorcycles, in addition to providing auto glass repair and replacement services. The company announced its closure via a sign on the front door. • Closed late 2024 • 101 N. US Hwy. 183, Leander
• 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Bldg. 3, Ste. 301, Leander • www.cnbanktexas.com
• 2082 N. US Hwy. 183, Ste. 150, Leander • No website or phone number available
Closings
10 An Thinh Asian Cuisine The eatery shut down operations in late 2024 after nearly four years in the community. An Thinh specialized in a variety of Asian cuisine, including Vietnamese dishes and fresh sushi. The restaurant also featured a full bar and would host community events such as karaoke nights. • Closed late 2024 • 2082 US HWY 183, Ste. 150, Leander
Relocations
8 Citizens National Bank The Cedar Park branch relocated from RM 620 to a new location off Ronald Reagan Boulevard. The community bank offers real estate loans, mortgages, banking services to small businesses as well as checking and savings accounts. The family-owned business is celebrating 125 years in 2025. • Opened Dec. 2
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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Impacts
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
3 Talay Thai Cuisine The Thai food truck o ers fried rice, tom yum, teriyaki chicken, pad thai, chicken wings and more. • Opened Dec. 5 • 112 CR 214 • 512-757-1645
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4 San Gabriel River Brewery The brewery is adding more than 800 square feet to its taproom and adding more than 40 new seats. • Opening March 15 • 500 Chaparral Drive • www.sangabrielriverbrewery.com
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Closings
Liberty Hill
• 12390 Hwy. 29 • 512-548-5110
5 The Aesthetic Edit The beauty procedure facility o ered hormones, botox, ller, hair restoration, weight loss treatment, tattoo removal and more.
Now open
2 Liberty Hill Jewelry The shop o ers custom designs for jewelry, jewelry repair, watch repair and battery replacement, appraisals, purchasing of precious metals and more. • Opened Feb. 7 • 1201 Loop 332, Ste. 300 • www.libertyhilljewelry.com
1 Ji y Lube The garage o ers oil changes, tire rotations, brake services, emissions testing, alignments and more. • Opened Jan. 28
• Closed Dec. 12 • 2921 RM 1869 • www.taeatx.com
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Government
Council seats up for grabs in Liberty Hill, Leander Liberty Hill and Leander will hold City Council elections May 3. Each city has the following council seats open for the upcoming election. Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla, Place 2 council mem- ber Michael Helbing and Place 4 council member Amanda Young will see their terms expire in May, and their positions will be on the ballot, accord- ing to the city. Additionally, the new Place 6 seat will be on the ballot for the first time after Liberty Hill voters supported the city adopting its own charter. Because officials are elected for three-year terms, the state dictates candidates must receive more than half of votes cast, not a simple major- ity, to win, according to the city.
Liberty Hill doubles wastewater fees Liberty Hill City Council approved updated wastewater impact fees, nearly doubling the amount of the fees, at its Jan. 22 meeting. The fees were previously set at $5,261 per living unit equivalent beginning May 22, but as of Jan. 22, the fees are set at $11,329, according to agenda documents. How we got here After reviewing the city’s previous capital improvement plan, the city’s capital improve- ments advisory committee recommend impact fees be raised from $4,000 per LUE to $5,260 per LUE, which council approved in May 2024. After reviewing an updated impact fee report in December, the CIAC determined council should adopt a wastewater impact fee of $11,329 per LUE, per the documents.
Dates to know
Last day to register: April 3
Early voting period: April 22-29
Election Day: May 3
SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Leander Place 1 council member Kathryn Pan-
talion-Parker, Place 3 council member David McDonald and Place 5 council member Chris Czernek will see their spots up for election, according to the city’s website. Leander City Council members are also elected for three-year terms, and the seats are also at-large, according to the website. Note: Deadline for candidate filing was Feb. 14, after press time.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SAM SCHAFFER
Leander decreases Lakeline speed limit Leander City Council approved an item Feb. 6 decreasing the speed limit on North Lakeline Boulevard from Crystal Falls Parkway to Stinnett Drive, from 45 mph to 40 mph. Dig deeper The speed limit change comes after city staff received concerns about traffic speed and pedestrian safety, City Engineer Emily Truman told council. The previous 45 mph speed limit was instituted when the road was built, accord- ing to agenda documents. Since then, new developments, including a residential subdivision, commercial projects, multifam- ily projects, new crosswalks and more have been added to the area, making a 45 mph speed limit unsafe.
Leander City Council approved an order for a new tra c signal at Ronald Reagan Boulevard on Jan. 16.
SAM SCHAFFER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
New traffic signal coming to Ronald Reagan Blvd. A traffic signal is set to be installed at the inter- section of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Palmera Ridge Boulevard in Leander after City Council approved a task order Jan. 16. The approval of the task order comes after a 2023 study recommended adding a signal and reconfiguring pavement markings at the
intersection where Palmera Ridge Boulevard turns into Vista Heights Drive at Ronald Reagan Boule- vard, according to agenda documents. Dig deeper The $113,318 task order provides that RPS Infrastructure will perform engineering and design for lane reconfigurations, street markings and pedestrian amenities. The company will also conduct bidding and construction phase services for the city, according to the design proposal. RPS is expected to complete the project within five to six months, according to the city.
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Education
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Leander ISD will make around $17 million in budget cuts to reduce its projected $34.4 million budget shortfall for scal year 2025-26. The district will cut about $12.8 million in posi- tions across its campuses and $3 million in adminis- trative positions at its central o ce, Superintendent Bruce Gearing said. LISD announced the cuts to sta members in a letter from Gearing on Feb. 5. The district’s growing budgetary constraints come amid stagnant funding from the state and cuts to federal funding, Gearing said. “We should not be in this position,” Gearing said. “The state had $4.5 billion appropriated for public education last session, and they left it sitting on the table. ... We have to fund public schools.” With the 2025 state legislative session underway, the House and Senate have both drafted budgets that would increase funding for public education by about $4.9 billion. Gov. Greg Abbott announced providing teacher pay raises as his third emergency item at the State of the State address Feb. 2. “Public education funding is at an all-time high,” Abbott said at the Feb. 2 event. “But improving education requires more than just spending more money. It requires high-level instruction and better Leander ISD to cut more than 200 sta positions
Some of the positions slated to be cut include: elementary school teachers 35 middle school teachers 47 high school teachers 72
SOURCE: LEANDER ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
LISD announced the district will make $17 million in budget reductions, including cutting over 200 positions.
CHLOE YOUNG COMMUNITY IMPACT
teachers, as it works to reduce its budget shortfall. LISD is hoping to reassign a ected sta members to open positions vacated through natural attrition, which is when employees choose to leave their role. “These reductions are going to be very painful, and we’re going to have to work through a lot in the coming months,” Gearing said. How we got here District o cials have expressed frustration over a lack of state funding as LISD’s nancial concerns continue to amplify. Gearing highlighted how the state’s basic allotment of funding per student has not increased from $6,160 since 2019 despite an increase in in ation. In November, Abbott said he was committed to “fully funding” public schools and raising teacher salaries; however, e orts to do so failed following
four special sessions in 2023. The Texas Senate passed a $1 billion voucher-like proposal in February this is headed to the Texas House. The district is projecting reduced enrollment growth over the next decade. To combat this, district o cials have discussed opening enrollment to students living outside of LISD’s boundaries. The district projects a $400,000 net increase in revenue if an additional 100 students attended LISD, said Melody Maples, LISD executive director of the O ce of Educational Access, at a Jan. 9 board of trustees meeting. Next steps The district has not identi ed which positions will be cut, Gearing said, but will decide on potential cuts over the next few weeks. Hannah Norton contributed to this article.
curriculum.” The overview
LISD will cut more than 200 positions from its budget next school year, including around 150
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Education
Leander ISD to open 2 new elementaries In August 2028, Leander ISD plans to open Elementary School No. 31 at the intersection of CR 175 and FM 2243, and Elementary School No. 32 on Travisso Parkway. The district is continuing to explore opening enrollment and repurposing facilities as it expe- riences declining enrollment in the southern portion of the district and growing enrollment in the north. The details The design of Elementary School No. 31 is nearing completion and will be similar to Hisle Elementary, which opened in August, Superinten- dent Bruce Gearing said. The campus’ estimated opening is expected to coincide with the comple- tion of road work in the area, he said. Voters approved $71.4 million for Elementary School No. 31 and $79.9 million for Elementary
LISD to provide child care for district staff Leander ISD will begin offering tui- tion-based child care for its staff members next school year. What’s happening The new child care service will be available for 3- and 4-year-old children of full-time employees, LISD announced in a newsletter in January. The district is surveying staff members to determine tuition rates, enrollment pro- cedures and location, according to district
Elementary School No. 31
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School No. 32 in the district’s 2023 bond election. What else? LISD would need to approve a policy around May or June to open enrollment to students living outside of the district’s boundaries beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Chief Operations Officer Jeremy Trimble said.
information. Also of note
In 2026, LISD is planning to open an early childhood center at San Gabriel Parkway and Halsey Drive. The new center is expected to serve around 600 pre-K students.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY CHLOE YOUNG
LHISD discusses legislative priorities Liberty Hill ISD Superintendent Steven Snell discussed the district’s legislative priorities at a Jan. 27 special meeting. What you need to know In the 2025 legislative session, the district will ask state lawmakers to “prioritize public schools first” by increasing the basic allotment of state funding per student, Snell said. Additionally, the district is seeking funding increases for special education, school safety, and transportation. LHISD is asking the state to fully fund its allotment for fast-growing schools. Additionally, the district is advocating for local control of elections and ballot language, as well as reforming the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test.
Liberty Hill ISD considers new elementary school At a Jan. 27 special meeting, Liberty Hill ISD officials discussed potentially opening Elementary School No. 9 in the Saddleback at Santa Rita Ranch neighborhood. Superintendent Steven Snell said the school could open in 2027 or 2028. The background The district has considered several sites for the new school, including Butler Farms and El Dorado neighborhoods, Snell said. The site off Ronald Reagan Boulevard was “the most viable to start building” due to the neighborhood’s infrastruc- ture, he said. The Saddleback neighborhood has around 200 homes currently and is expected to have 900 homes once built out, Snell said.
LHISD Elementary School No. 9
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Also of note For Elementary School No. 9, LHISD may use the same design as one of its existing elementary schools or create “the most affordable design” based on the site’s geography, Snell said. In case you missed it In August 2026, LHISD plans to open Elementary School No. 8 off CR 142 in the Lariat neighborhood. The district will build the school to accommodate 1,000 students instead of 800.
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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Liberty Hill ISD is considering cutting dozens of positions and reducing budgets. At a Jan. 27 special meeting, district o cials proposed making the rst phase of budget cuts, which would include eliminating 66 sta positions as well as reducing campus budgets by 10% and department budgets by 12%. LHISD is aiming to make $5.5 million in cuts to pass a balanced bud- get of $99.5 million for scal year 2025-26, Chief of Schools Travis Motal said. The context Without making any cuts, the district is pro- jected to face a $17.7 million budget shortfall in FY 2025-26 and a $26.7 million shortfall in FY 2026-27, Liberty Hill ISD considers making over $5M in cuts
Liberty Hill ISD board members voiced frustration over the district’s nances as it considers making cuts.
CHLOE YOUNG COMMUNITY IMPACT
Changes being considered The district proposed cutting 66 positions, including: 14 emergent bilingual paraprofessionals SevenSTEM elective teachers Seven gifted and talented teachers Five behavioral interventionists
which would deplete its remaining fund balance. In 2026, the district is planning to open its eighth elementary school, third middle school and the o cial campus for its second high school. What they’re saying District o cials have expressed frustration over a lack of state funding amid increasing costs. “It’s just sad that we’re in this position,” Place 1 board member Chris Neighbors said.
LHISD may consider taking the following measures to lower expenses:
Increasing fees for facility rentals and programs Implementing activity fees for athletics and ine arts Offering sponsorship opportunities, including advertisements and naming rights for donors
SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY CHLOE YOUNG
O cials discuss repurposing facilities, opening enrollment
Leander ISD o cials are considering several changes that could impact the future of district facilities and enrollment. At a Jan. 9 board of trustees meeting, district o cials provided an update on the work of its Long-Range Planning Committee during the 2023-24 school year. The presentation focused on ways LISD could repurpose its campuses, attract more students and provide di erent educational experiences. What happened Last school year, the district’s Long-Range Plan- ning Committee of district o cials, sta , parents and students explored how LISD could best utilize its facilities by repurposing them, said Jayme Spexarth, principal of Stiles Middle School. Some scenarios included reducing grade levels at certain campuses, combining schools, opening an intermediate school and repurposing campuses to serve as a district multipurpose facility, accord- ing to the presentation. The district has not made any decisions related to the ideas and scenarios shared during the meeting, Superintendent Bruce Gearing said in a video posted on the district’s website Jan. 10. What else? District o cials continued discussions about opening enrollment to students living outside of LISD’s boundaries. The district has considered opening enrollment as it faces a mounting budget shortfall. If an additional 100 students attended LISD, the district estimates receiving a $400,000 net increase in revenue, said Melody Maples, LISD executive director of the O ce of Educational
How campuses were ranked Campuses were ranked on how optimal they were for repurposing based on several factors, including: Location Current and future student capacity Enrollment Seats available in adjacent campuses Cost per student Age of the facility and/ or the year it received renovations
The Leander ISD board of trustees discussed how the district could consider optimizing its facilities, opening enrollment and creating innovative academies at a Jan. 9 meeting.
CHLOE YOUNG COMMUNITY IMPACT
Access. The district would receive $6,160 in state fund- ing for each student who transferred in and would implement a fee to o set application costs, Maples said. LISD may need to spend around $60,000 to hire an additional sta member, she said. One more thing LISD is considering opening innovative acade- mies that could provide specialized instruction or programs.
The LRPC recommended opening Elementary School No. 31 as a traditional campus in 2028 near FM 2243 and CR 175 once future roadwork is completed, Trimble said. Meanwhile, Elementary School No. 32 could be opened as an innovative academy as it has not yet been designed, he said. Stay tuned District administration will use the tools developed by the LRPC to bring recommendations to the board at a later date, Gearing said.
19
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Education Private School Guide
2025
Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: baking, fencing, art, D&D, LEGO League, cooking, LEADER, CAD and 3D printing, coding, tech Enrollment: 10-45 Tuition: $2,500 per year • Address provided upon tour request • www.innovationlearninglab.com Lake Travis STEM Academy Type: STEM school Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: robotics, destination imagination, formula one in schools Enrollment: 50
Tuition: available upon request • 1220 Cottonwood Creek Trail • www.sapientiamontessori.com
Private schools Private schools are not funded by state education, but by tuition payments and other nonpublic sources. Charter schools Charter schools are different than both private and traditional public schools. In Texas, charter schools are public schools open to any student, and these schools may not charge tuition, according to the Texas Education Agency.
Summit Christian Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: sports, fine arts, music, theater, media club, National Honor Society Enrollment: 300 Tuition: $11,088-$14,835 per year
• 2121 Cypress Creek Road • www.summiteagles.org
Cedar Park
Tuition: $15,000 per year • 3315 El Salido Parkway • www.ltstemacademy.org
Far Northwest Austin
Apogee Cedar Park Type: microschool Grades served: pre-K-9 Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: Up to 50 Tuition: $1,400 per month • 12129 N. FM 620, Ste. 650 • www.apogeecedarpark.com
Challenger School Avery Ranch Type: traditional Grades served: pre-K-8 Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: 400 Tuition: available upon request • 15101 Avery Ranch Blvd. • www.challengerschool.com Harmony School of Endeavor Grades served: Pre-K-12
Nature’s Schoolhouse Type: microschool Grades served: K-5 Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: cooking, gardening, fort building, outdoor science, team sports Enrollment: 20
Tuition: $13,684 per year • 2001 W. New Hope Drive • www.naturesschoolhouse.com
BASIS Cedar Park/BASIS Cedar Park Primary School Grades served: K-11 Extracurricular activities: cheer, chess , debate, gaming, literary magazine, flag football Enrollment: 1,300 • 165 N. Lakeline Blvd. • www.enrollbasistx.com Cedar Park Montessori Type: Montessori Grades served: pre-K-6 Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: art, chess, computing, dance, multi-sports, piano, soccer, STEAM, Spanish Enrollment: Not disclosed Tuition: available upon request • 400 E. Whitestone Blvd. • www.cedarparkmontessori.com Guidepost Montessori at Brushy Creek Type: Montessori Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: sports, music, dance, art Enrollment: 150 Tuition: varies by program and need • 3017 Polar Lane • www.guidepostmontessori.com Innovation Learning Lab Type: homeschool center Grades served: ages 7-20 (ages 5-6 with older sibling)
Extracurricular activities: Drone Team, VEX Robotics, academic competitions, e-sports, soccer, volleyball, basketball, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor
The Goddard School of Cedar Park Type: traditional Grades served: infants-kindergarten for full day, after school and summer camp for school-aged children Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: music classes, optional private lessons, chess, sign language, yoga, soccer shots, dance, martial arts Enrollment: not provided Tuition: varies per age, call for more information • 1905 El Salido Parkway, Cedar Park • www.goddardschool.com/schools/tx/cedar-park/ cedar-park The Master’s Christian Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: martial arts, theater, music Enrollment: 60 Tuition: $4,200-$11,750 per year • 3003 Blue Ridge Drive • www.mymasters.academy Sapienta Montessori School Type: Montessori Grades served: pre-K-6 Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: art, chess, computing, dance, multi-sports, piano, soccer, STEAM, Spanish Enrollment: Not disclosed
Society, art clubs Enrollment: 980
• 13415 Ranch Road 620 North • www.hspaustin.harmonytx.org
Hill Country Christian School of Austin Type: religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: Bible club, chess club, coding, DECA, drumline, history club, pep squad, run club, robotics, student counsel, theater club Enrollment: 734 Tuition: $12,887-$20,755 per year • 12124 Ranch Road 620 N. • www.hillcountrychristianschool.org
NextGen Academy Type: Montessori Grades served: Fifth-eighth grade Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: life skills workshops Enrollment: 80 Tuition: $25,000 per year • 13915 US-183 • www.nextgenacademy.school
20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School Type: religious-based
Extracurricular activities: art club, drama club, little authors club, gardening club Enrollment: 25 Tuition: $13,500 per year • 1400 Spivey Road • www.oakridgelearning.com Primrose School of Crystal Falls Type: preschool, daycare Grades served: Pre-K-K Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: soccer, gymnastics Enrollment: 185 Tuition: starting at $1,562 per month • 1781 Osage Drive • www.primrosecrystalfalls.com
Grades served: Ninth-12th grade Religious orientation: Catholic
Far Northwest Austin
Extracurricular activities: football, soccer, cheer, dance, track, cross country, basketball, volleyball, robotics Enrollment: 420 Tuition: $14,436 per year
• 9300 Neenah Ave. • www.saviochs.org
Leander
Abacus School of Austin Crystal Falls Type: pre-school, daycare Grades served: Pre-K-K Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: cooking, gymnastics, piano, karate, dance Enrollment: 200 Tuition: $1,400 per month • 1720 S. Bagdad Road Harmony Science Academy Leander Grades served: Pre-K-sixth grade Extracurricular activities: STEM clubs, sports clubs, academic clubs, arts clubs, after-school care (set to open in August for 25-26 school year)
Valor Leander Grades served: K-ninth grade
Holy Family Catholic School Type: religious-based
Extracurricular activities: women’s volleyball, boys’ flag football, basketball, soccer and track and field, chess club, running club, theatre club, choir club, garden club Enrollment: 380 • 906 Crystal Falls Parkway • www.valoreducation.org/valorleander
Grades served: Pre-K-eighth Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: football, soccer, robotics, cheer, track, cross country, basketball, volleyball
Enrollment: 600-plus Tuition: $9,438 per year • 9400 Neenah Ave. • www.holyfamilycs.org
Liberty Hill
Enrollment: 750 • 3250 Hero Way • www.hsaleander.harmonytx.org Invictus: An Acton Academy Type: Montessori Grades served: Pre-K-sixth grade Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: 26 Tuition: $1,250 per month • 10000 W. SH 29 • www.invictusleander.org
Divine Savior Academy - Santa Rita Ranch Campus Type: religious-based Extracurricular activities: sports, dance, music, art, drama, clubs, student council, national honor society Enrollment: 350 Tuition: starting at $12,921 per year • 23857 Ronald Reagan Blvd. • www.santaritaranch.divinesavioracademy.com Grades served: Pre-K-ninth grade Religious orientation: Christian Fellowship Academy Type: traditional / religious-based Grades served: K-12th grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: art, P.E., music, speech, STEM classes
Enrollment: 67 Tuition: starting at $6,000 per year • 3600 FM 1869 • www.fellowshipacademylh.org
Fortis Academy Type: traditional, religious-based Grades served: Pre-K-12th grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: soccer, volleyball, flag football, basketball, theatre Enrollment: 256 Tuition: starting at $3,200 per year • 15611 Hwy. 29 • www.fortisacademy.net This list is not comprehensive.
Oak Ridge Academy Type: microschool Grades served: K-sixth grade Religious orientation: None
15% OFF Additional Services When Boarding 3+ Nights
1300 Bagdad Rd, Leander, TX, 78641 512-260-0400 • Leandervetclinic.com
21
LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD
Williamson County authorizes $250M for SH 130 expansion
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organi- zation, or CAMPO, authorized $250 million in Texas Department of Transportation resources for the widening of SH 130 spanning 15 miles between Gat- tis School Road to the south and I-35 to the north. In a nutshell CAMPO does not approve funding, but rather routinely makes amendments to its transportation improvement program for projects that include federal funding or are of regional significance. Total construction cost is estimated at $300 mil- lion and will be funded by toll operations, TxDOT spokesperson Bradley Wheelis said in a statement. Adding a lane in either direction, the roadway will be expanded from a two-lane to a three-lane highway. Construction is expected to begin in 2027. How we got here As the region’s eastern corridor experiences rapid commercial and residential growth, SH 130 is
increasingly being seen as “the new I-35.” Major global companies such as Samsung and Tesla have established massive facilities along the tollway in recent years, solidifying the area as a hub for economic activity. Meanwhile, TxDOT is transforming a 21-mile stretch of SH 130 into a “smart corridor,” paving the way for driverless semitrucks to navigate the roadway more efficiently. Terms to know CAMPO is a regional transportation authority that coordinates transportation planning and funding decisions for the Austin metro area and surrounding counties. It is responsible for devel- oping long-term road network plans for the region, and allocating federal and state funds to projects within its jurisdiction, which includes the counties of Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell and Burnet.
The roadway will be expanded from a two-lane to a three-lane highway. Construction is expected to begin in 2027. Estimated total cost for the project is $300M.
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130
35
79
45 TOLL
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Mobility For a Healthier Heart The Mobility Authority’s multimodal transportation
solutions support heart health while keeping you connected to the people and places you love. This Heart Health Month, explore the Mobility Authority shared use paths, bridges, and sidewalks to walk, bike, or run your way toward a healthier heart.
Learn More at www.MobilityAuthority.com/shared-use-paths
22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY ELLE BENT
Austin airport o cials said that 2023 was the busiest year ever for the airport, the second year in a row to break the record.
GRANT CRAWFORD COMMUNITY IMPACT
Austin airport tra c holds steady year over year
Join us for an Open House! Tuesday, February 25, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Passenger tra c at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport remained nearly steady in 2024 compared to 2023, slowing the last two years’ record-breaking totals, accord- ing to data released by airport o cials Feb. 4. The details With a total of over 21 million departing and arriving pas- sengers passing through ABIA, 2024 marks the airport’s second busiest year. Both 2022 and 2023 broke records for busiest year at the airport, and the growth since 2018 only slowed due to the pandemic in 2020. Compared to 2023, passenger tra c declined by 1.5%. The bus- iest airline for ABIA in 2024 was Southwest Airlines, with over eight million passengers, up 5.2% year over year. This is similar to 2022 and 2023. ABIA o cials also welcomed eight new nonstop destinations in 2024 and a brand new airline, Viva Aerobus.
In other airport news ABIA is welcoming three new businesses to the Barbara Jordan Terminal. • Half Moon Empanadas Opened Jan. 29 • Antone’s Opened January • HKG Duty Free Opening soon
Unmatched Academic Results Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth-grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Avery Ranch (PS–G8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–G1) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin
SOURCE: AUSTIN BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMMUNITY IMPACT
What else? ABIA o cials are working on a multi-year expansion program designed to upgrade facilities and increase capacity to address the record-breaking passenger tra c in recent years. The Journey with AUS expan- sion program includes several projects, such as a new baggage handling system, facilities and passenger gates, various air eld upgrades, and the construction of new taxiways and a second terminal.
Scan to schedule a tour
An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade
© 2025, Challenger Schools · Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
23
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
From the cover
183A extension to open in 2025
The details
Current situation
183A Phase 3 toll extension Bridges Shared-use path Nontolled frontage road lanes
The northwest region of Williamson County continues to see “unprecedented growth,” according to county o cials, with projections from the Federal Highway Administration, or FHWA, indicating considerable population increases by 2040 in both Leander and Liberty Hill, 271% and 44%, respectively. As a result, tra c volumes along the 183A Toll corridor are expected to increase by 183% over the next 25 years, according to FHWA gures. Commuters in the area currently spend around 36 minutes on average traveling each way to work, which is 1.3 times higher than neighboring commuters in the Austin area, according to Census Bureau data. Local transportation o cials have dubbed the extension of 183A Toll lanes a “proactive congestion relief” project. The $259 million expansion, expected to open to vehicles early this year, aims to alleviate tra c and provide a more reliable transportation option. being completed roughly seven years ahead of schedule. She explained that the “o the charts” growth in the area and regional planning done by the county has a orded the Mobility Authority means to push the project forward. Toll roads are funded by the revenue they generate, so the Mobility Authority cannot get too far ahead of growth, Long said. Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long said this third phase of toll roads is “I don’t see a whole lot of slowdown anytime soon,” she said, referring to western Williamson County. “Cedar Park, 25 years ago, was the hotbed for growth over here, and it’s just
continued to arch its way up [north].” As the tollway’s opening draws near, some residents question the potential impact the pay-for-play roadway may have on local commuters’ wallets. Tolls will cost around a dollar for each of the ve fare collection points on the tollroad extension. Those not wishing to pay toll costs are still able to use the 183 frontage roads. “Nobody loves to pay for their roadway experience, but we pay for it anyway. We pay for it through the gas tax,” Long said. “I think we are realists in that we recognize that the gas tax is a diminishing source of revenue, and so we have to look at all options. And tolls have to be a part of the conversation.” Regional transportation plans have included a toll alternative to US 183 since 1985, she said.
Pedestrian overpass Pedestrian underpass
Entry/exit ramp toll point
Main lane toll points
258
213
29
260
O
259
“One of the things that Williamson County has done that is unique and di erent from some of our neighboring counties is we have
South Whitewing Ramp: $0.76
North Whitewing Ramp: $1.02
183
endeavored to get out in front of the tra c, rather than waiting until a roadway is failing,” CYNTHIA LONG, WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Whitewing Mainline Plaza : $1.29
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WHITEWING DR.
LARKSPUR PARK BLVD.
G
Local sales tax revenue surges Sales and use tax revenue can be a strong indicator of a city's economic growth, especially when paired with increases in housing and commercial development.
GREEN VALLEY DR.
Leander
Liberty Hill
$11,530,217
$12M
270
279
$10M
BRYSON RIDGE TRL.
San Gabriel Ramp: $0.76
183A TOLL
$8M
$6,422,252
183
$6M
L
$3,032,393
$4M
$2M
$765,695
San Gabriel Mainline Plaza: $1.09
$0
H
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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