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Liberty Hill ISD board approves AVID Level 3, adds cybersecurity and new high‑school courses
Summary
Trustees approved AVID Level 3 as an innovative course and heard a course-planning presentation that adds Math Models, AP Spanish 5, AP Art and Design, and a cybersecurity pathway to both high schools for 2026–27.
Heather Stoner, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for Liberty Hill ISD, presented the district’s 2026–27 course‑planning guide and asked the board to approve one innovative course and several catalog additions.
Stoner said the district begins course planning in October with surveys of teachers and campus leaders, and that drafts are shared with campuses in November before students select courses in January. She listed three new high‑school offerings that are not part of CTE: Math Models (a preparatory class for students who need extra support before Algebra II), AP Spanish 5 (to allow students who began Spanish in middle school to continue into a fifth year) and AP Art and Design (a replacement for low‑interest AP Art History).
Stoner also presented AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) as the district’s proposed innovative course. "AVID is a fantastic program. It's open to all students," Stoner said, describing it as a schoolwide set of strategies that supports college readiness. The board approved AVID Level 3 by motion later in the meeting.
Misty Taylor, CTE and CCMR coordinator, outlined CTE changes including corrections to course pairings to ensure students can become CTE completers (three or more courses in a pathway), the introduction of single‑block level‑4 options for juniors and seniors, and the launch of a cybersecurity program. "Foundations of cybersecurity" will be offered as the entry level to the cybersecurity pathway at Liberty Hill High and Legacy Ranch High, Taylor said, and the district anticipates offering industry certifications for students who complete CTE pathways.
Jamie Richardson summarized college, career and military readiness supports, noting partnerships that expand dual‑credit opportunities (including a recent addition of Carlton University) and district‑funded testing (PSAT for 10th graders and an SAT administered to juniors). Richardson said industry‑based certifications such as AutoCAD, food‑handler and pharmacy‑tech are available in multiple pathways.
Trustees who spoke during the discussion praised the additions and thanked staff for outreach and campus demonstrations; several board members noted the student benefits of dual credit and credential opportunities. The board approved AVID Level 3 and the course additions in separate action items during the meeting.
The district plans to present final course selections to students in January as part of its regular course‑selection process.
