Liberty Hill ISD board approves consent agenda, Nextiva contract and portable moves; buys land and approves personnel items

At its meeting, the Liberty Hill ISD board approved multiple operational items and formal motions that address immediate capacity and operational needs.

Consent agenda: Trustees approved the consent agenda, which included budget amendments (PTO donations for turf and playground equipment), carry‑forward federal grant funds, purchases above $50,000 (including a firewall upgrade), cooperative interlocal agreements, a three‑year foreign language waiver, District of Innovation amendments for counselor and librarian certification flexibility, and a resolution supporting a county hazard mitigation plan (no cost to the district). A trustee moved and the board approved the consent items by voice vote.

VoIP contract: After staff described aging mixed phone systems across campuses and an annual telephone spend of about $180,000, the board awarded a VoIP telephony contract to Nextiva for the period 05/01/2025 through 10/31/2028, funded by the general fund not to exceed $200,000 annually; staff said the district expects to save money as it adds campuses. The motion to award Nextiva passed by voice vote following a motion and second.

Portables and transportation facility: To address near‑term overcrowding at Santa Rita Middle School (projected enrollment ~1,450), trustees approved relocating two portables from Liberty Hill Elementary and one from Liberty Hill Middle School to Santa Rita, contracting Braun and Butler for relocation at a cost of $108,570 to be funded from the general fund; the motion carried with one recorded nay. Separately, after a March fire destroyed a portable at the transportation facility that had housed five staff members, restrooms and meeting space, trustees approved purchasing a replacement portable and associated electrical/plumbing work for a total of $97,003.62; staff said the costs will be reimbursed by district property insurance after the deductible is met.

Land and personnel actions: Trustees authorized due diligence and approval prior to closing on a purchase of approximately 13.497 acres in Liberty Hill (Williamson County Appraisal District description given) and later tabled consideration of a separate proposed ~160‑acre purchase. The board approved professional and teacher contracts as presented, accepted resignations, approved new hires, and appointed Aaron Boyd as principal of Louis Noble Elementary. The board also approved a revised voluntary retirement agreement with the superintendent (Mr. Snell) with the total amount unchanged.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda: approved (voice vote) - Nextiva VoIP contract (05/01/2025–10/31/2028): approved; funding not to exceed $200,000 annually - Portables relocation to Santa Rita Middle School: approved; $108,570 (general fund); motion carried (one recorded nay) - Portable replacement for transportation: approved; $97,003.62 (general fund; expected insurance reimbursement); motion carried (one recorded nay) - Purchase of ~13.497 acres: approved for due diligence and final approval before closing - Purchase of ~160 acres: tabled - Professional & teacher contracts, resignations, employment approvals: approved - Aaron Boyd appointed principal of Louis Noble Elementary: approved - Superintendent voluntary retirement agreement: approved

Board discussion recorded questions about alternatives to moving portables (reassigning grade levels, transportation logistics, staffing and master scheduling), the timing of bond capacity, and use of insurance and bond funds to cover portable costs. Staff said they evaluated multiple options and recommended temporary portable moves to meet immediate capacity needs while long‑range planning continues.

Next steps: Staff will negotiate final contract terms where authorized, continue due diligence on approved land purchase, proceed with relocated portables and portable replacement work, and present financial updates at a May 5 special meeting.