Education
ACC proposes free tuition for high school seniors Pending the outcome of a proposal from its new chancellor, some enrolled and prospective Austin Community College students could soon qualify for free tuition. What’s happening? In February, ACC Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart will propose to the college system’s board of trustees a measure to create a zero-cost tuition program for high school seniors, with the goal of expanding the program to include students at all levels who live in the college system’s service area. If approved, it will go into effect this fall, a Jan. 10 release from ACC states. In October, Lowery-Hart described the commu- nity college’s affordability as its source of power and importance as a regional education partner. ACC has not increased tuition rates in the last decade.
LISD board rejects attendance zones
How it works Under the program, $85 per credit hour would be funded for each student for a period of three years, covering several fees paid by students: Resident tuition $67 General fee $15 Success fee $2 Sustainability fee $1 $85 per credit hour allocations Fees that would not be covered include: • Out-of-district fees • Tuition for nonresident and international students • Course- and program-specific fees • Textbook costs
Leander ISD trustees voted against admin- istration’s zoning recommendation for Ele- mentary School No. 30 at a Jan. 18 meeting. The vote comes after a monthslong process that began in September and included three zoning proposals, community feedback and multiple district meetings. The outlook Four of the six board members present voted in opposition due to concerns that the recommended zoning scenario increased the functional capacity at North Elementary, underutilized Elementary School No. 30 and overutilized Whitestone Elementary. Leander ISD released a fourth zoning sce- nario for Elementary School No. 30 in early February, accounting for updated functional capacities at elementary campuses.
SOURCE: AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
About the program High school seniors could receive up to three years of free tuition, with enrolled ACC students qualifying for two years, the release states. Funds for the program would come from monies already available within the college system’s budget.
District adopts overview policy for police department The Leander ISD board of trustees made prog- ress toward building its own police department by adopting a new policy at its Jan. 18 meeting.
Police officer authority
• Protect people and property in the district • Enforce laws and serve search warrants • Arrest suspects • Collaborate with other law enforcement agencies
Also of note According to the policy, the police chief will develop regulations to prevent racial profiling. Additionally, use of force will only be authorized when reasonable and necessary. Parents or students may request body camera footage and video recordings from vehicles in response to disciplinary action.
The policy provides more details on the depart- ment, including police officer authority, training and regulations, and comes as the district is work- ing on an application to create the department with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
• Enforce and investigate violations of district rules, regulations and policies • Carry weapons • Fulfill all other duties as directed by the police chief or superintendent
SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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