-
An important message from LHISD Interim Superintende...
Liberty Hill ISD staff and families, The last 24-48 hours have been emotional for us all. Our thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected by the rain, high waters, damage, and loss of loved ones. We grieve with those families trying to navigate this awful time of loss and lift them up with our prayers. Liberty Hill ISD has been in constant communication with local leaders and emergency personnel to offer support, shelter, vehicles, manpower, and any other resources needed during this emergency response effort. We are coordinating with other school districts that have experienced the loss of students and staff by sharing our staff to support their communities. The Alamo Heights school district had over 300 students at Camp Mystic when the flood waters rose early Friday morning. We are mobilizing some of our counseling staff to help their community in the coming weeks. Thank you to all of our first responders and volunteers for their sacrifice and dedication to ensuring the safety of our entire community and school district. We want everyone to be safe and take the necessary steps to ensure your loved ones are cared for. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please see below for the local Red Cross and shelter information. Red Cross Information: 512-928-4271 Emergency Shelter Information: City of Liberty Hill Cross Tracks Church, 101 Church St. in Liberty Hill (The Red Cross has set up at this location) City of Georgetown First United Methodist Church Georgetown, 410 E. University in Georgetown Georgetown Recreation Center, 1003 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown City of Leander North Elementary School, 1840 Pleasant Hill Road, Leander Updated information is posted on the @PreparingWilco Facebook and X social media accounts. There is more rain forecasted ahead, so please stay vigilant and be ready to respond if bad weather comes your way. Visit the Williamson County Emergency Management Website Sign up for Central Texas Emergency Alerts Check for closed roads and bridges: ATX Floods / Drive Texas - Turn around, Don’t Drown If there is anything our school staff can do for you, please reach out and let us know by emailing us at communications@libertyhill.txed.net . Thank you, Travis Motal Interim Superintendent Liberty Hill ISD
Saturday, Jul 05 2025
-
Liberty Hill High School Student Selected to Partici...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (NASA) – Parker Pevehouse, a junior at Liberty Hill High School in Liberty Hill, TX has been selected to participate in NASA’s Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) summer experience, Moonshot. Nominated by their state legislator, Pevehouse was selected as one of more than 750 high school juniors from across Texas to be part of this unique NASA program. During the school year, selected students completed a 20-week interactive, online curriculum including five distance-learning modules each containing web-based STEM assignments. The summer experience with NASA will include working virtually in teams, briefings and interaction with NASA experts, virtual tours of facilities at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, and applying their newfound knowledge working as a team to plan and design a mission to the Moon and Mars. Pevehouse’s summer experience will conclude with a presentation of his proposal and a virtual closing ceremony available to parents, members of the Texas Legislature, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Rotary National Award for Space Achievement, and Johnson Space Center senior management. The state of Texas, in partnership with Johnson Space Center and the Texas educational community, developed HAS in 1999 to encourage more students to pursue studies and careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). More than 14,000 students from across Texas have applied to the program since its inception 26 years ago. With this program, NASA continues the agency’s tradition of investing in the nation’s educational programs. HAS is directly tied to the agency's education goal of attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines critical to NASA’s Artemis program, which will establish the first long-term human presence on the Moon. HAS is an authentic STEM learning experience for Texas high school juniors to engage with NASA’s missions and become the next generation of explorers. HAS is directly tied to the agency's STEM engagement goal of attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines critical to NASA’s Artemis program, which will establish the first long-term human presence on the Moon. For additional information, contact High School Aerospace Scholars at jschas@mail.nasa.gov . To learn more about HAS visit: https://www.nasa.gov/has
Tuesday, Jun 10 2025
-
LHISD Board of Trustees Welcomes Tarah Staton as New...
Liberty Hill, TX — Liberty Hill Independent School District is excited to announce that the Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Tarah Staton as the new Principal of Rancho Sienna Elementary. With extensive experience in both secondary education and leadership, Staton brings a proven record of instructional excellence and campus culture development. She most recently served as principal of Florence Middle School (Florence ISD), a role she's held since June 2023. Previously, she was assistant principal at both McNeil High School in Round Rock ISD and Wagner Middle School in Georgetown ISD. Additionally, Staton started her career in education in the state of Washington where she taught English Language Arts and social studies for over 11 years, and upon moving to Texas, she has served as an adjunct professor at Southwestern University and taught at Liberty Hill High School, demonstrating her long-standing ties to the community. Throughout her career, Staton has led the development and implementation of comprehensive systems for instruction, intervention, and data tracking. She has designed effective professional learning communities (PLCs), facilitated campus learning walks, and used instructional data to inform and improve professional development. Staton has also overseen campus improvement planning, worked to align instructional goals across grade levels, and introduced new elective offerings to meet student interests. Known for her strong leadership in culture-building, she has championed Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) frameworks, established safety and threat assessment protocols, and created programs to support both student growth and teacher mentorship. Her leadership consistently reflects a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence in education. “I am fired up to be a Wrangler and bring my experience and leadership to Rancho Sienna,” said Staton. “I look forward to collaborating with the incredible staff and families to build on the campus’s strong foundation and cultivate a champion mentality—where every Rancho student is challenged to meet and exceed their potential in academics and in character. Wreck ‘Em!” Staton earned a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education with certifications in Social Studies and English Language Arts, a Master’s in Education Administration, and holds a Texas Principal Certification. She also achieved National Board Certification in English Language Arts. Her husband Chris works in finance and together they have two children, Karlee, who is an eighth grader at Santa Rita Middle School, and KJ who is a fifth grader at Rancho Sienna Elementary School. Welcome to the LHISD and Rancho Sienna Elementary family, Principal Staton!
Monday, Jun 09 2025
-
Liberty Hill ISD Welcomes Robert Gray as New Head Co...
Liberty Hill, Texas — The Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees is proud to announce the hiring of Robert Gray as the new Head Coach of the Liberty Hill Lady Panthers Girls Basketball team. Coach Gray brings a wealth of experience, a history of competitive success, and a powerful leadership philosophy that aligns with the district’s commitment to excellence on and off the court. Coach Gray joins Liberty Hill High School from San Saba ISD, where he led the Lady Dillos to unprecedented success, including back-to-back Regional Final appearances in 2024 and 2025 and a berth in the 2025 State Final. Under his leadership, San Saba posted two consecutive stellar seasons (33-7 & 33-7), firmly establishing itself as a state contender. A Navy veteran and Texas A&M graduate, Gray’s leadership style is grounded in discipline, relationships and high standards. His coaching philosophy focuses on building champions both on and off the court, emphasizing character, accountability and relentless effort. Coach Gray’s program blueprint, known as The Lady Panther Way , is centered around championship habits, process-driven development, and a fast-paced, pressure-focused style of play. With a passion for mentorship and a proven ability to connect with players, parents and staff, Gray is committed to sustaining and elevating the tradition of excellence within the Lady Panther program. The Lady Panthers return a strong core of players, coming off a 2025 State Finalist appearance. Coach Gray sees this opportunity as a reload, not a rebuild. “I’m honored to join such a proud and successful program,” said Gray. “Liberty Hill is a special place with a winning culture. I’m ready to get to work, build relationships and compete for championships every year.” Coach Gray is joined in Liberty Hill by his wife, Maggie, who works for United Way of Brazos Valley, and their sons—Camden (22), and Preston (17) who will be a junior at Liberty Hill High School. The Gray family also includes two dogs, Duke and Reed. Off the court, Coach Gray enjoys golfing, watching movies, following sports, and staying active by playing basketball. Liberty Hill ISD welcomes Coach Robert Gray and his family to the Panther community.
Wednesday, May 28 2025
-
Liberty Hill ISD Announces David Seaborn as New Head...
Liberty Hill, Texas — The Liberty Hill Independent School District Board of Trustees is excited to announce the hiring of Coach David Seaborn as the new head football coach and campus athletic coordinator for Liberty Hill High School. Coach Seaborn brings over 15 years of experience as a dedicated, high-energy educator and athletics leader. Most recently serving as the assistant head football coach and strength & conditioning coordinator at Liberty Hill High School, Seaborn has played a pivotal role in the success of the Panthers’ football program since 2021. He now steps into the head coaching role with a vision of continuing Liberty Hill's proud tradition of excellence, both on and off the field. “Coach Seaborn is a passionate leader who understands the importance of building character, discipline, and a strong team culture,” said Liberty Hill High School Principal Bryon Ellison. “He has consistently demonstrated the ability to motivate student-athletes to reach their full potential while emphasizing academic achievement, athletic development and personal growth.” Coach Seaborn’s coaching journey includes key roles at Jarrell High School, Vista Ridge High School, and Travis High School, where he has coached football, track, wrestling, and golf. His leadership philosophy emphasizes clear communication, high expectations, and a deep commitment to fostering a positive, supportive environment for student-athletes. “I’m honored to lead this incredible program and grateful for the opportunity to serve as both head football coach and campus athletic coordinator,” said Coach Seaborn. “Liberty Hill is a special place with passionate students, supportive families, and a strong community. I look forward to continuing to build a culture of excellence in our athletic programs. More importantly, I look forward to the opportunity to impact lives and mold young athletes into confident, disciplined, and driven individuals who will carry these lessons far beyond athletics.” Coach Seaborn holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Huston-Tillotson University, graduating magna cum laude. He has been married to his wife Sheralyn, an accountant at Dell, for 15 years. Together they have two children—David Jr. “DJ,” a 17-year-old student at Liberty Hill High School, and Saniya, 13, who attends Santa Rita Middle School. In his free time, he enjoys working out, fishing, and relaxing at home with “no agenda.” Welcome Coach David Seaborn to your new leadership role!
Wednesday, May 28 2025
-
Liberty Hill ISD Welcomes Abel Narvaez as New Direct...
Liberty Hill, Texas -- The Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees was proud to announce the appointment of Abel Narvaez, Jr. as the new Director of Transportation during the May 19, 2025 regular board meeting. With more than two decades of experience in public education and school district operations, Mr. Narvaez brings a wealth of leadership and expertise to his new role. As Director of Transportation, Mr. Narvaez will play a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable transportation of Liberty Hill ISD students. He will lead a dedicated team of drivers and mechanics and oversee daily operations, all while helping to uphold the district’s commitment to excellence, safety, and service. Mr. Narvaez most recently served as Director of Operations and Grounds for Goose Creek CISD, where he managed multiple operational departments and led strategic initiatives to improve efficiency and service delivery. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Director of Transportation for Goose Creek CISD and Director of Transportation for Dayton ISD, where he earned a reputation for building strong teams and promoting a culture of accountability and respect. “Abel’s leadership style is rooted in communication, consistency, and customer service,” said Travis Motal, interim superintendent of Liberty Hill ISD. “His passion for serving students and staff, coupled with his extensive experience, makes him an excellent fit for our district and community.” A graduate of Texas A&M University–Kingsville with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Psychology, Mr. Narvaez also holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. He is certified in both school leadership and instruction and is an active member of several professional associations, including the Texas Association of School Business Officials and the Texas Association of Pupil Transportation. He has been happily married to his wife Jennifer for 22 years. She has 21 years in education and will also be joining LHISD as a Kindergarten teacher. They have three daughters, Isabella (19-years-old), Azalynn (18-years-old), and Annalyse (15-years-old). Their two oldest daughters will be in college in the fall and Annalyse will be a sophomore at Legacy Ranch High School. He enjoys spending time with his family, whether it’s outdoors, swimming, shopping, playing sports, playing with their dog Holly, and trying out new restaurants. “I’m honored to join Liberty Hill ISD and excited to contribute to a district known for its collaborative culture and community spirit,” said Narvaez. “I look forward to working alongside our transportation team to ensure we provide the safest and most efficient service possible to our students and families.” Please join us in welcoming Abel Narvaez to Liberty Hill ISD.
Wednesday, May 28 2025
-
Measles Case Confirmed in Williamson County; Potenti...
Bar W Families, The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) has confirmed the first case of measles in Williamson County in 2025. The case involves a school-age child who attended Bar W Elementary. The individual was contagious from May 15 and may be through May 24, 2025. During this time, there is potential for exposure to others in the community. Families of Bar W students should monitor for symptoms through June 14 and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms develop. Individuals should call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital. WCCHD health centers do not offer measles testing. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review measles symptoms, monitor their child’s health, and consult with a healthcare provider if concerns arise. Measles symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that typically begins on the face and spreads. Liberty Hill ISD remains committed to the health and safety of its students and staff and will continue working closely with public health authorities. For updates and additional information about measles in Williamson County, including vaccine availability, visit www.wcchd.org/measles, or email wcchd-info@wilcotx.gov. About Measles: Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically include: High fever (above 101°F) Cough Runny nose Red or watery eyes White spots inside the mouth A red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward People are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears. The incubation period is about two weeks from exposure to onset of rash. Doctors should consider measles in patients with fever and rash and report suspected cases to their local health department. Individuals with measles or suspected measles should stay home and avoid contact with others. Vaccination before or shortly after exposure may prevent or reduce illness. Immune globulin may help protect unvaccinated individuals at high risk, including pregnant people, infants and those with weakened immune systems.
Thursday, May 22 2025
-
Important LHISD Update Regarding House Bill 2
LHISD Update Regarding HB 2 LHISD Update Regarding HB 2 May 21, 2025 Not displaying correctly? View in browser Our Legislators: Senator Charles Schwertner Phone: (512) 463-0105 (Capitol) - or - (512)863-8456 Link to Email Rep. Terry Wilson Phone: (512)463-0309 (Capitol) Link to Email Rep. Caroline Harris Davila Phone: (512) 463-0670 (Capitol) - or - (512)255-6612 (District) Link to Email Why We’re Speaking Up: The Texas House originally proposed a $395 increase to the basic allotment—then reduced it to just $55 in HB2. That’s not enough. It’s been over five years since our schools have seen a meaningful increase in funding. Meanwhile, inflation has risen more than 20%, and the demands on schools have only grown. Our districts are being pushed to the financial brink. What’s at Stake: $55 is less than a 1% increase—merely a symbolic gesture, not a real solution. Over 80% of school districts in Texas are now operating with deficit budgets. Schools are expected to comply with new, often underfunded mandates, placing even more pressure on shrinking budgets. Why Schools Need More Funding: To pay and retain essential staff: teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service workers, office personnel, transportation teams, and principals. Every role matters. To keep schools running safely and smoothly: maintaining buildings, running buses, and meeting rising operational costs. To support students’ learning and growth: preserving vital academic and extracurricular programs that help children succeed in school and life. What You Can Say: “Please restore the $395 increase to the basic allotment. Our schools can’t afford another year of underfunding. Our kids, teachers, and communities deserve better.” ( Include any of the above information as you see fit.) LHISD Financial Information Click the buttons below for more information regarding LHISD's school funding and our Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) Reports. Budget Basics Webpage Budget Basics Webpage FIRST Reports FIRST Reports Travis Motal Interim Superintendent 512-260-5580 superintendent@libertyhill.txed.net
Wednesday, May 21 2025
-
Liberty Hill ISD Recognized as One of the Best Commu...
Liberty Hill ISD is proud to announce that our district has been named a “Best Community for Music Education” by The NAMM Foundation —a national honor awarded to districts that go above and beyond in their commitment to providing high-quality music education for all students. Now in its 26th year, the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation recognizes school districts across the country that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to ensure music learning opportunities are available to every student. LHISD is among over 1,000 districts and schools nationwide to receive this prestigious recognition. “At Liberty Hill ISD, we believe the arts are essential to educating the whole child,” said LHISD Fine Arts Director Luis 'Chico' Portillo. “Music education plays a vital role in our students’ academic growth, creativity, and emotional well-being, and this designation affirms the incredible work of our dedicated music educators, students, administrators, and supportive community.” To qualify for the award, LHISD submitted a comprehensive overview of our music education programs, including data on funding, student participation, instructional support, teacher certification, student achievement, facilities and community engagement. The application was reviewed and verified by school officials and evaluated by WolfBrown, a leading arts education research firm. This recognition underscores LHISD’s belief that music education is not a luxury—it’s a key part of shaping well-rounded learners and leaders. We are proud of our students, teachers, and families who help make Liberty Hill ISD a vibrant home for the arts.
Monday, May 19 2025
-
This is Why We Drill
On a sunny morning in central Liberty Hill, the school day is in full swing for Louine Noble Elementary School students and staff. At 8:58 a.m. an alarm sounds and the calming voice of their principal, Dawn Hudson, flows over the intercom system, “Students and teachers, this is a lockdown drill, I repeat, this is a lockdown drill. Locks, lights, out of sight.” Students and staff that were in hallways moved into classrooms and everyone took shelter. A ParentSquare message was sent to allow families to know that there was an unannounced lockdown drill taking place. Police officers from throughout the district partnered with the LH Fire department to go door-to-door, checking on classrooms to ensure they were secure and to let students and staff know that their classroom was clear to continue with the day’s lessons. The whole event took approximately 10 minutes. After the drill, the police department and fire department met with the principal and administrative staff to debrief after the drill and to make any room for improvement suggestions. Why do we drill? School safety has always been the top priority to Liberty Hill ISD. Whether we practice for fire drills, severe weather, or focus on kind behaviors, it has been important to us to help our students, teachers and staff prepare for any possible situation. In an era where school safety has become even more of a concern, state agencies and LHISD have continued to improve safety standards and have developed new opportunities for growth. Just like with any exercise, our muscles have memory. It is good to practice, to train our minds and bodies, so that if the worst case scenario happens, we know what to do. “It is so important that we practice how to be safe,” said LHISD Police Officer Tracy Riley. “We don’t do lockdown drills to scare students; we want to prepare them so they can react the right way if something did happen.” Unannounced vs. announced drills TEA requires schools to provide a variety of drills at each campus throughout the school year. Liberty Hill ISD has decided that in the interest of allowing our team to practice real-time decision-making and critical thinking to ensure student safety in an unexpected situation, some of these drills will be unannounced. In an unannounced drill, students, families and staff are not informed beforehand. However, families are encouraged that measures are in place to prevent unnecessary distress among students and staff. Announced drills are those that are communicated in advance with staff and the community. We have found that having both types of drills have been valuable in preparing our students and staff for potential situations on our campuses. Additional drills include fire, evacuation and severe weather. Our partnership with local first responders As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child.” We appreciate the relationships that we have with our local first responders and we value their expertise and their hearts for serving our schools and community. "I like to regularly participate in the campus drills across Liberty Hill ISD," said Liberty Hill Fire Inspector Lieutenant Matt Selby. "It allows me the opportunity to know how we can support our schools during any situation, and I am able to be a familiar face for principals, students and staff in case they need support during an incident." Doing better as we grow As we practice our processes, we find opportunities to continue to improve. In March, we received some concerns from parents regarding unannounced drills. We took these concerns seriously and decided to pause unannounced drills for this school year, so we could regroup and determine the best way to move forward. Unannounced drills are important to have because they allow us to practice preparedness if bad things were to happen; however, this summer, we are committed to looking at this process to see if there is a better way to prepare and train, but in a way that respects the mental wellbeing of students and staff. We appreciate the partnership of our families in sharing their concerns, so that we can continue to prioritize the safety and preparedness of our school community, while prioritizing mental wellness during the process. In the case of an actual severe weather or safety incident, our communications team will partner with the campuses to provide fact-based, timely information through our regular communications methods. Please visit our emergency response page for more information and resources.
Tuesday, Apr 29 2025