Connect LHTX Spring 2024

INTRODUCING THE NEW HOMESTEAD AMENITY CENTER

Attention, campers: Construction is underway at our brand-new Homestead amenity center, Ranch Camp! So round up your camp crew, get to know your neighbors (Ranch Code No. 3), and take your pick of abundant recreation. It’s a little bit summer camp. A little bit oasis. And it’s all for you.

Hello Liberty Hill!

Welcome to the second edition of ConnectLHTX, your annual guide to the innovative and exciting things happening across the City of Liberty Hill and the Liberty Hill Independent School District.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or relatively new to Texas Hill Country, you and your family probably already know you’re in one of the most vibrant, growing communities in the entire region.

Just five years ago, LHISD consisted of five schools across all grade levels. When Legacy Ranch High School opens its doors this fall, the number of schools will have doubled since 2019.

With the influx of newcomers to the area, Liberty Hill now has a more diverse culture than ever before, from satellite communities such as Santa Rita Ranch to old Liberty Hill, including the area around downtown.

Speaking of downtown, the main block has undergone many positive changes in recent years with the addition of businesses, including restaurants, shops and others populating the storefronts of the stone buildings that were once part of the Old West.

The new roundabout was recently added to increase traffic flow and the city’s sidewalks are being extended the entire length of Main Street to make the area more walkable and charming.

Along Highway 29, brand new businesses of all kinds continue to open, only adding to the convenience of being able to shop, dine and conduct business without having to leave town.

As far as sports culture goes, Liberty Hill will feature a pair of high schools for the first time with the Panthers of Liberty Hill and the Wranglers of Legacy Ranch vying for the attention of supporters as a friendly rivalry will begin to take hold of the opposite sides of town, making Texas’ famous Friday Night Lights that much more exciting.

Despite all the recent growth, Liberty Hill retains its smalltown charm in a unique way few other places can claim due to the rich history of the area and the traditions behind it.

There are still plenty of wide-open spaces to relax in, yet the hustle-and-bustle of Austin and all the state capitol offers is only minutes away and with the current extension of U.S. Highway 183, will be even easier to get to in the future.

Enjoy diving into our award-winning publication, which was recently announced as a Gold Winner of the 2023 Texas School Public Relations Association Star Awards.

On behalf of the City of Liberty Hill, LHISD and the owners and publishers of The Independent – thanks for being a part of this beautiful place we call home!

– Scott Akanewich and Rachel Madison Owners/Publishers, The Liberty Hill Independent

6 | LEGACY RANCH HIGH SCHOOL

Liberty Hill ISD is preparing to open its second high school

8 | BOND@WORK

Program highlights Liberty Hill ISD’s commitment to community

9 | LHISD BUDGET BASICS

Your guide to understanding the school district’s budget

10 | DOWNTOWN RISING

Big changes are coming to Liberty Hill’s Main Street

12 | JOURNEY TO HOME RULE

A group of citizens is drafting the City of Liberty Hill’s first charter

14 | FIGHTING PANTHER CLUB

Learn the legacy of this time-honored tradition during football season

18 | CAREER CHANGERS

Liberty Hill ISD staff who took the leap into education

20 | WATER CONSERVATION

Newly adopted plan will help conserve City’s most precious resource

23 | STUDENT SUCCESS

Liberty Hill ISD is thriving in academic excellence

28 | WASTEWATER EXPANSION

The City’s local plant has doubled capacity to keep up with growth

18

14

6 8 10 28

A Publication of Liberty Hill Independent News & Media PUBLISHERS | Scott Akanewich, Rachel Madison GRAPHICS | Bonnie James, Anna McVey, Kylie Cortez ADVERTISING SALES | Anna McVey, Rachel Madison CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS | Rachel Madison, Odalis A. Suarez, Scott Akanewich, Rachel Acosta, Kylie Cortez, Katie Amsler

The information in this publication was compiled with great care to assure the accuracy of editorial content and advertising copy. Liberty Hill Independent News & Media assumes no liability for the accuracy of the information reported to us herein, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or contributing organizations. For advertising rates and information, or to obtain additional copies, call (512) 778-5577 or send email to news@LHIndependent.com. This publication is a collaborative effort of experienced journalists, a professional design team, and advertising specialists from The Liberty Hill Independent, as well as representatives from Liberty Hill ISD and the City of Liberty Hill who are passionate about sharing the story of Liberty Hill, Texas. Copyright©2024 Liberty Hill Independent News & Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publishers.

The Liberty Hill ISD and City of Liberty Hill are working together to make our community a one-of-a-kind place to live, work and learn by focusing on building champions in a small town with a big heart. Some of our community members, including Panthers, Wranglers and city staff, are shown here in a recent photo taken at the Liberty Hill International Sculpture Park. Photo by Kylie Cortez

Liberty Hill ISD opens second high school as Legacy Ranch High School

By Rachel Acosta LHISD Director of Communications and Community Engagement

Deep in the heart of the Hill Country lies a 94-acre plot of land that will soon become the home to Liberty Hill ISD’s second high school – Legacy Ranch High School (LRHS). Opening in time for the 2026-27 school year, it will service the

students who are enrolled in the Santa Rita Middle School feeder pattern. What some may not know is one of the most difficult transitions a school district can make is building their second high school. Much of our community has grown up here in Liberty Hill and have attended our schools, watching them transform from elementary to middle to high schools. They have been Panthers to the core for their entire lives. Our school

board and district leadership honored this sentiment during the decisionmaking process by involving the entire community and the students who will be attending in the process to decide on the naming, school mascot and color schematic.

Above, Legacy Ranch High School Principal Mark Koller is gearing up to take the helm at Liberty Hill’s new high school. Right, a future LRHS student shows his Wrangler pride through the new LRHS hand sign and color scheme. (Photos by Kylie Cortez)

Construction is underway at the site of Liberty Hill’s second high school, Legacy Ranch High School. (Photo by Alec Oberle)

Many members of our community mentioned “ranch” in their naming suggestions of this new school as it resonates with the heart of our community. The decision to name the mascot the “Wranglers” is an additional nod to that ranch vibe and the hardworking, caring community we hold so dear. Still having that special feel Liberty Hill is known for and the traditions that it keeps, such as our beloved “Fighting Panther Club,” is also important. We wish to hold true to the legacies that have already been born of our great community and to continue to build champions who will carry our legacy onward into whatever their life calling may be.

There is a lot that goes into building a school and so much more when creating a new high school. Design concepts and program options for our students have been carefully considered in the development of LRHS. The design of the building will incorporate the layout of the land, which will be a cost savings for the district, as well as provide school efficiency benefits. The stadium will be incorporated into the layout of the campus itself, providing ease of use for all sorts of programs and safe access for students before, during and after their school day.

LRHS will offer many of the programs available at Liberty Hill High School. LRHS will also offer four unique Career Technical Education programs:

• EMT

• Architecture

• Graphic Design

• HVAC

In addition to offering students new opportunities, the opening of the new campus will provide new jobs

in Liberty Hill. LRHS Principal Mark Koller has spent 21 years in education and is an involved member of multiple organizations that support children. Having a passion for helping students become their personal best, he was the perfect fit for this role and was hired to lead our new high school in October 2023. Partnering with Liberty Hill High School Principal Bryon Ellison, Koller is committed to keeping our traditions alive while finding opportunities to start new ones.

“Being a part of the opening team at Legacy Ranch High School is extremely exciting,” said Koller. “Opening a second high school in a one-high-school district is a very tall task. I know our partnership with Panther Nation, Liberty Hill High School students and staff will be integral to our success at Legacy Ranch High School. Together, LHHS and LRHS will create an even better Liberty Hill ISD and

continue the tradition of building champions. Let’s build this new legacy together.”

While the building of the new campus is underway, the district will utilize Middle School No. 3, recently named Legacy Ranch Middle School, as a ninthgrade center in Fall 2024 and a ninthand 10th-grade center in Fall 2025.

“We have a lot of attention to detail and take pride in staying ahead of the growth — that growth is coming,” said LHISD Superintendent Steve Snell.

Our small town with a big heart is growing fast and booming with opportunities for employment and partnerships with

with Leaders

compassion

Lead by example, with hard work focused on connections with others and a commitment to becoming a contributing member of the community and society.

The LHISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent Steve Snell and Legacy Ranch High School Principal Mark Koller participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for LRHS in late 2023. (Photo by Kylie Cortez)

BOND@WORK PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS LHISD’S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

By Rachel Acosta LHISD Director of Communications and Community Engagement

The Liberty Hill Independent School District (LHISD) demonstrates an unwavering commitment to stewarding tax funds effectively through its groundbreaking Bond@Work program.

By strategically allocating resources, the district optimizes every dollar invested, ensuring taxpayer money is utilized efficiently to bolster educational facilities, innovate learning environments and cultivate a futurefocused educational landscape.

The district’s diligent approach reflects

a steadfast dedication to maximizing community resources while delivering top-tier educational opportunities for its students and faculty.

The $471.1 million bond passed with flying colors during the election held on May 6, 2023, reflecting the overwhelming support and confidence of the community in the proposed measures.

With the rapid growth in LHISD, you may notice a lot of construction taking place across the district. We are actively building three campuses:

• Tierra Rosa Elementary School: Opening August 2024

• Legacy Ranch Middle School: Opening as a ninth-grade center Fall 2024, and

will serve high school students until the new high school is finished

• Legacy Ranch High School: Opening Fall 2026 as Liberty Hill’s second high school

Looking ahead, we are also working on acquiring land for future schools and facilities so that we can be ready for the growth for years to come.

LHISD is utilizing bond funds not only for new builds, but also to enhance existing campuses and facilities. This effort aims to ensure equitable access to programming, materials and opportunities for all students districtwide, while also accommodating the growth needs of local areas.

These projects include:

• Updating safety and security

• Purchasing new buses

Purchasing new technology devices for classrooms

Refurbishing the libraries at Liberty Hill and Louine Noble Elementary

Construction of new science labs at Liberty Hill Middle School

Construction of a new CTE building and athletic facilities at Liberty Hill High School

And more…

Stay tuned to our libertyhillisdbond. com/bondatwork webpage to view upto-date information about the progression of our bond projects.

DOWNTOWN RISING

Revitalization, walkable charm all part of Liberty Hill’s future Main Street

By Rachel Madison

Hill Independent Owner/Publisher

Downtown Liberty Hill is bustling today more than it has in years, and that trajectory is continuing this year as the City of Liberty Hill focuses on investing in the area’s future.

In 2023, Loop 332 was renamed to Main Street by the Liberty Hill City Council, which was the first step city officials made to really highlight the ultimate vision for downtown Liberty Hill.

After that, construction projects like the installation of traffic lights and turn lanes at Ranch Road 1869 and Main Street, and the roundabout at County Road 279

and Main Street were completed. And now, a Downtown Strategic Master Plan is nearing completion—which means even more changes are coming.

The City is concentrating its revitalization efforts on the area between the intersection at Ranch Road 1869 and Main Street and the roundabout—also completed in 2023—at County Road 279 and Main Street first and will branch out from there.

Road Construction

The City’s first roundabout wasn’t just constructed to help traffic flow—it was also built to slow traffic down on Main Street and increase safety for pedestrians, said Katie Amsler, director of community engagement

and communications for the City of Liberty Hill.

“It’s definitely working,” she added. “By adding the turn lanes at 1869 and Main Street, that’s helping with the back up on Main Street, and when we’re not experiencing rush hour traffic, it flows great. It’s so much better than it was, so I feel good about what’s happening.”

Another major road project, the Liberty Hill Bypass, is currently under construction and will get trucks off the Main Street route permanently, said Mary Poche, economic development director for the City of Liberty Hill. Until then the public works committee is working on an alternate truck route for them to take the trucks off Main Street.

“We’re working on a route that doesn’t just shift the problem to another area,” Poche added. “We don’t want to fix this and then have it back up traffic elsewhere or hurt a residential area.”

As part of the road construction in 2023, city engineers removed the onstreet parking on Main Street, which Amsler said needed to be done for safety reasons.

“I know people were used to the convenience of parking in front of the downtown businesses, but the whole idea of revitalizing downtown is to park, walk and explore downtown,” Amsler said. “The idea is for people to walk the whole stretch and make the other businesses a part of their activities, so they’re not just going to the hair salon, they’re checking out the shops and restaurants too.”

Amsler added that walking is just a part of the downtown experience—using Georgetown Square and downtown Salado as examples—and is something people will get used to. Additionally, in a survey the city conducted in late 2023, 100 percent of respondents indicated

Liberty

The first downtown traffic signal was installed at Main Street and RR 1869 in 2023.

they were willing to walk two to three blocks to access shops and restaurants from parking areas.

New Development

Poche said the City Council’s approval of the tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) in the downtown area in early 2024 was a huge development tool for the downtown area.

“The TIRZ is of great interest to any inside or outside developer, because it’s very critical to economic development,” Poche said.

The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has made strides over the last several months to position itself to be ready for incoming developers. In fall 2023, the EDC purchased the old VFW building on Myrtle Street, as well the surrounding land, add is currently on the search for an organization to develop it.

A few different development teams have made presentations to the EDC board on what the potential uses for the site could be. Those suggestions have included everything from medical offices and pickleball courts to retail spaces and a large parking area.

“Nothing is set in concrete; right now, we’re just gathering all the data,” Poche said. “We’ll see what happens. The bottom line is, we want to find the right fit. When it hits us that something is right for that space, we’ll pull the trigger. It will go through the EDC board, then City Council and move forward from there. What I can say is it won’t be a small project. It’ll be a game changer for Liberty Hill.”

Additionally, in November 2023, the EDC purchased its own separate office space at 806 Main St. to have more room for planning sessions and an expanded staff and will be moving into that space this month.

Poche also headed up the redesign of the EDC’s website and marketing, which she hopes will attract more new companies. The EDC has also adopted the hashtag #LibertyHillIsAlive to put an emphasis on the fact that the area is open for business, Poche added.

Downtown Strategic Master Plan

A major part of the revitalization of downtown is the Liberty Hill Downtown Strategic Master Plan, which is being conducted by Halff, began in October 2023 and is expected to be completed by May 2024.

So far, the City has hosted a Downtown Day, which allowed downtown residents and business owners to offer their opinions on what they felt downtown needed as part of its future, as well as a survey.

In the survey, the top three attributes respondents requested were a walkable downtown, more restaurants downtown, and for downtown to maintain its small-town feel. The next

steps for the plan are to put concepts on maps, indicate a pedestrian network and opportunity sites, Poche added.

Downtown streetscaping, which was approved through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) by the City Council in mid2023, is also a part of the revitalization project. The completion of the downtown master plan will tell the City what design elements the community desires, which will then be tied into the roundabout design project, Amsler said, which will bring new elements into the center of the roundabout as an entrance to downtown Liberty Hill.

More Changes to Come

A decision for the design inside the roundabout was recently approved by the City Council. The design will include turf, a raised star, and a sign with the City’s logo that says “Downtown Liberty Hill.”

Additionally, Pedernales Electric Co-operative (PEC) has plans to move the power lines that cross Main Street behind the buildings.

Amsler said the design for the new locations of the lines is being worked on, and she expects the move to happen in the first half of 2024. When the process begins, it should go quickly, she said, avoiding major impacts to area residents and businesses.

“PEC is just moving them out of the site line on Main Street,” she said. “That is really step one of the streetscaping, because it will really improve the overall look of Main Street.”

Amsler added that the City also recently approved the extension of the shared-use path on the west side of

downtown from RR 1869 to Highway 29, which allows pedestrians to be able to walk from one end of Main Street to the other continuously.

Construction on that project will be completed in the first half of 2024. It begins on the south side of Main Street, crosses the street in front of Liberty Hill Elementary School, and links up with the existing sidewalk in downtown Liberty Hill.

Poche also acknowledged the number of vacant buildings currently in downtown Liberty Hill, and while the City doesn’t have a plan in place for how to address those vacancies, she is confident that the revitalization efforts will start a domino effect.

“I like to call it a spark,” Amsler said. “If you get one spark and it ignites, then it will spread to other businesses in the area. The City isn’t going to force anyone to do anything with their property, but we hope they’ll take advantage of our help, because this is the time for us to offer advice and assist.”

Poche added that the EDC has incentive programs that both new and established businesses can apply for, and while the process isn’t automatic, it’s a good way for businesses to get extra funds to improve their offerings.

“Really, the sky is the limit,” Poche said of the future of Liberty Hill’s downtown. “We have a plan, and everything has a purpose. We are just fitting all those puzzle pieces together and, in the end, there will be a desirable outcome for everybody where small businesses can thrive. We want people to be excited about downtown Liberty Hill.”

An aerial view of downtown Liberty Hill in January 2024.

JOURNEY TO HOME RULE

Group of citizens drafting Liberty Hill’s first-ever charter of self-governance

By Rachel Madison Liberty Hill Independent Owner/Publisher

Since mid-2023, a group of 15 Liberty Hill residents have been meeting monthly to draft a home rule charter that they hope will be the beginning of self-governance for the City of Liberty Hill. is charter must be voted on by the public in an election, and if approved, will allow the city to govern itself.

What is home rule?

When a city reaches a population of at least 5,000, it can be ruled by its own charter, which is essentially like having its own constitution. According to the results of the 2020 U.S. Census, Liberty Hill’s population is 6,801. Currently, the city is under general rule status.

“When you’re a general rule city, you fall under the general rules of the State of Texas, and there are things you are limited in doing,” said City Manager Paul Brandenburg. “When you’re home rule, you can control your own destiny.”

With home rule, the City can make many of its own decisions on how its governed. For example, it can designate if the City Council should serve at large or serve by district. A

city can also give its mayor voting powers; terms of office can be shortened; an ethics commission could be created; and the extraterritorial jurisdiction surrounding the city could be expanded from a quarter mile to a half mile.

“Basically, there’s a lot we could adopt and codify, and then put into a charter and it becomes law,” Brandenburg said. “All of our neighboring cities are home rule and have been for a long time based on their populations. Moving to home rule allows you to do more locally and fi nancially. It’s like going from the AAA baseball league to the majors.”

Brandenburg said he is a strong believer of local control, adding that if and when the city becomes home rule, it will become “truly democratic.”

“We are at the grassroots level to deliver citizens services, police, utilities—we should be able to govern the operations we have,” he said.

What’s been done so far?

e 15-member home rule charter board has been meeting monthly since July 2023 to tackle the different aspects of the charter itself. Bryan Rivera, chair of the board, said the group of citizens who make up the board all live inside the city limits and come from various backgrounds, which is important.

“One of the biggest things I want to convey is that we have

The Home Rule Charter board consists of 15 city residents, including, from left, Karlyn Keller, Luke Jernejcic, Bill Brannan, Bryan Rivera, Daniel Duckworth, Cathy Enderle, Jennifer Brandes, Ronald Rhea and Logan Yarborough. Not pictured are Cory Brandes, Jessica Solis, Danny Barringer, Matt Pappas, Day Wright and Wanda Sweeney.

a really strong group of citizens who come from all different backgrounds,” he said. “That’s important because we have had a lot of long meetings and in-depth discussions to decide what we feel is best for Liberty Hill.”

Rivera added that while it may seem like it’s taking the board a long time to draft the charter, the months spent having those in-depth discussions is essential.

“ The city has never had its own charter before, so this is a new experience for everyone on the board. We want this charter to be by the people, for the people, and we want to do it right.”

– Bryan Rivera, chair of the board

“

Staff Spotlight

I love how quiet Liberty Hill is. I can go out in the field and see stars, but I can also walk downtown for festivals or drive just a little farther to be involved with the busyness of “big city life.”

Jaynette Odegaard

Payroll/AP Specialist

“The city has never had its own charter before, so this is a new experience for everyone on the board,” he said. “We want this charter to be by the people, for the people, and we want to do it right. When a charter is approved, it can’t be changed for two years, so we want to make sure we’re doing it right the first time for the people who already live here and the people who will move here.”

So far, the board has discussed everything from overall city management to term limits for city council members.

“We’ve also talked about petitions and how to recall someone, which is something our city doesn’t have,” Rivera said. “Under our charter, we will be able to do recall elections, so if our citizens believe someone shouldn’t be in office for whatever reason, they have a chance to be recalled.”

Rivera added that the board is taking its time writing each of the articles and has several finished, but there are a few more to do through approximately July, when the next phase of the journey to home rule will begin.

What’s

to come?

Once the charter is fully drafted, it will be put before the citizens of Liberty Hill to read and ultimately vote for or against on the November 2024 ballot.

Before then, the board will be working with city staff on educating the public. about the home rule process, what it means and why they should vote “yes” in November.

“We’ll be doing a whole campaign for public education, and that’s when the real work will really start,” Rivera said. “We’ll do town hall meetings, social media, things like that to really educate the public on what we’re wanting to accomplish with this charter.”

Brandenburg added that the city’s goal is to help the public feel comfortable with what they’re voting for, which is why public outreach will be such a major component of the home rule journey.

“The board has covered everything section by section, taking their time with every question that comes up,” he said. “When it emerges fully drafted, we are going to work with the city council first to get their feedback, and then we will be very cognizant of how we disseminate the information to the community.”

The Legacy of the Fighting Panther Club

By Kylie Cortez LHISD Digital Media Communications Coordinator

One of our most cherished traditions in Liberty Hill ISD is the Fighting Panther Club. This club, composed of

elementary-aged students, plays a pivotal role in the Friday Night Lights experience. As the sun begins to set and the anticipation in the air

intensifies, students of the Fighting Panther Club take their places at the north end zone of the football field.

Their faces are painted with school colors, their miniature Panther jerseys proudly donned, and their youthful enthusiasm is contagious. They’re the youngest members of the community, but they wield an incredible power –the power to ignite the spirit of the crowd and prepare them for the game that lies ahead.

The students of the Fighting Panther Club run energetically across the field, each step resonating with joy and anticipation. The cheers and applause from the stands reverberate through the stadium as they make their way, their presence filling the air with excitement.

This heartwarming tradition is not only a sight to behold, but a symbol of the district’s commitment to passing down a love for the Panthers to the next generation.

Liberty Hill High School senior Sofie

Emmitte, who grew up in the district and led the Fighting Panthers while she was in elementary school, said she enjoys the opportunity to pass on the tradition to the younger Purple-andGold generation.

“The kids have a lot of fun running across the field,” said Emmitte. “I enjoyed getting them all together and getting them super hyped up – ready to start the football game. Now, as a cheerleader, I get to watch my little brother run across the field and I think about what a fun tradition it still is.”

For these elementary students, being a part of the Fighting Panther Club is an honor and a rite of passage. Not only is it their introduction to the rich tapestry of tradition that defines Liberty Hill, but an opportunity for them to embrace school spirit, learn about unity and share the experience with family and friends.

Rancho Sienna Principal Aaron Russo remembers his childhood participation in the Fighting Panther Club fondly.

“As a kid, you step on the field and you think it’s everything – you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself, and you get to be part of that,” said Russo. “It’s something

small, but it carries a lot of weight.

Continuing to hold this tradition continues to build the legacy of Liberty Hill ISD that we hold onto.”

The legacy of the Fighting Panther Club is a testament to Liberty Hill’s commitment to its schools, students and the future. This tradition instills a sense of pride and belonging in the youngest

Determined

Approach problem solving by looking at situations critically and creatively, to develop a variety of solutions that are both practical and innovative.

members of the community, creating a cycle of support and enthusiasm that continues for generations.

With the opening of Legacy Ranch High School this fall, the Wranglers will decide how they may take from this tradition to create their own clubs and encourage togetherness through all grade levels in their feeder pattern.

Running the field before football games at Panther Stadium on Friday nights is a time-honored tradition in LHISD. (Photos by Kylie Cortez)

Career Changers: Taking the Leap into Education

By Rachel Acosta LHISD Director of Communications and Community Engagement

Liberty Hill Independent School District teachers and staff range widely in life and career experiences. While many of our staff members decide to be in education at an early age, some of our Liberty Hill ISD family decide to change from a different career into education. Join us on a journey through the intriguing former jobs some of our most cherished teachers worked in and see what made them switch gears to instead make incredible impacts on our students’ lives.

DEANGELO –

From Lawyer to ThirdGrade Teacher

Just this year, Juliana Deangelo took a giant leap from being a lawyer to shaping young minds as a third-grade teacher at Bill Burden Elementary School.

Right out of high school, Juliana worked at a law firm while attending college in New York. Over the course of a decade there, she litigated medical malpractice, personal injury and birth injury cases. She became passionate about advocating for children. It was a great career and she accomplished things a whole lifetime would have taken, but she felt like something was missing.

After having children of her own, she knew the intensity of her job would be very difficult to maintain, so she began to think about how she could balance her career and family time. She decided

to go into private practice for estate planning and asset protection.

A short time after her family moved to Texas, she was feeling the urge to do more, asking herself, “Where could I make the most difference? I have such a heart for advocacy, but it isn’t being fulfilled in the courtroom. Where should I be?”

Juliana considered becoming an educator, but was scared because she had a whole career in law and she’d be stepping out of her comfort zone. It was risky, but she decided to give it a try. She reached out to Liberty Hill ISD and was offered an interview with Bill Burden Elementary School.

Immediately after she accepted the interview, she was also offered a position at a law firm, but had to meet with the law partners at the same time as her interview with the school.

“This was my crossroads moment,” Deangelo said. “I could continue on that

path with the assurances or I could take this risk and go to the interview.”

She turned down the law firm.

Since becoming a teacher, Juliana says she has no regrets. Teaching has had its challenges, but she appreciates the mentorship and support she receives from her team at Bill Burden Elementary.

“I might not know everything, but I’m going to learn,” said Deangelo. “I realize I can actually do this and be good at it. To be entrusted with my students’ minds and hearts is one of the biggest blessings in my life. All of those skills I had been equipped with and fine-tuned in the courtroom have been instrumental in the classroom. I wouldn’t change a single thing and I love every second of it.”

Juliana meets her mentor early in the morning to prepare lessons, making sure each child will be met where they need to be met. It’s no wonder Deangelo was recognized as one of the superintendent’s “Champions of the Month.”

MARCUS HOOPER – From Corporate Media to High School Audiovisual Teacher

Growing up, Marcus Hooper’s mother was a news anchor and reporter. As he grew older, he realized the industry was all around him. One day he saw a sportscaster telling stories and talking about all of the action on the field and he instantly knew what he wanted to do with his life—it was his dream to be in media.

Hooper quickly enrolled in the communications program at Jackson State University, where he spent all of his free time in the studio, practicing and perfecting his craft.

“It was a passion for me,” said Hooper. “I didn’t mind being there all day. I’d go to class and then go to the studio, staying there until the end of the day. I was hyper-focused—I wanted to get good.”

After graduation, he met a neighbor who had connections at CNN. Thus began his career in the news industry. Over the years he took on new opportunities at CNN and was ultimately offered a position working for the Anderson Cooper show. He traveled back and forth from Atlanta where he was living to New York several times a

JULIANA

Juliana Deangelo

month to support the production.

“I learned so much on that show,” Hooper said. “I learned how to produce and write on a different platform. They were different stories, not as serious as mainstream news and I loved it.”

In time, he and his wife decided to move to her hometown of Austin. He decided to stretch himself by working in financial services at Apple and then enjoyed a short stint at Facebook.

Although he learned a lot of new skills at these companies, he missed the creative aspect of his former career. That’s when a friend mentioned teaching. He started as a long-term substitute at Liberty Hill High School and found that he really enjoyed teaching.

When the district installed the Panther Stadium jumbotron, a new audiovisual class was formed. Campus leadership asked Hooper if he’d be interested in teaching this course and he knew then it was the perfect marriage of the two things he loved doing: teaching and digital media.

Now, two years into the role, his classroom is set up like a news station, with a news desk and a green screen. He provides opportunities for his students to learn to work behind and in front of the camera.

“I want the community to hear the student voice and their thoughts,” he said. “I want my students to have fun doing this.”

Marcus encourages his students to volunteer and to take opportunities to explore their interests in and out of the classroom.

“Stories don’t fall in our laps,” he said. “You have to work hard to find the good pieces, but that’s part of the gig.”

GEMA ACOSTA – From U.S. Army Veteran to Middle School Spanish Teacher

When first generation U.S. citizen Gema Acosta came from Nicaragua to Miami, she had no idea that her path would lead her to serve in the military and one day become a classroom Spanish teacher at a middle school in Central Texas.

Acosta entered the U.S. Army right out of high school in an effort to earn her citizenship and create a better life for herself and one day, her family. Hardworking and a servant leader at heart, Acosta attended college and found that the military opened doors for new opportunities. She traveled overseas to spend three years stationed in South Korea as a shower and laundry field services specialist. She deployed for a month at a time as part of a support unit to make sure soldiers in the field could have clean uniforms to wear.

Upon returning to the U.S., Acosta was assigned to Fort Stewart in Georgia. There she met her husband of 20 years. When she left military service, she felt a deep desire to continue to serve others and because her husband was still in the Army, she was able to travel abroad and began her teaching career in Germany.

Eventually, the Acostas found themselves in Central Texas. Gema joined the stateside education ranks as a long-term substitute at Georgetown ISD. With skills and an attitude like hers, it was not long before the assistant principal at her campus recognized her potential. He quickly became a mentor and provided her with valuable training. After four years, Acosta applied for the Spanish teaching position at Santa Rita Middle School. In her years in the Texas education system, she met a lot of amazing people who guided her path to becoming the career educator that she is today.

“Seeing the growth in my students with their second languages, it really

makes my day,” said Acosta. “The students give you the drive to be here everyday, to make them smile, to push them for the better.”

Gema gets to know each student for who they are and can tell when any of them are having an off day. Engaging them quickly, she makes connections in her classroom that make them feel safe, seen and heard.

“It’s so meaningful to make a difference in students’ lives,” she said. “We’re serving the community. It’s a surprise sometimes to hear a parent say, ‘My child changed, he’s doing good.’”

Each of these individuals brought their industry expertise from their former careers. The district is supportive in guiding career changers towards pursuing their teaching certification. Start a career in LHISD!

Marcus Hooper

Gema Acosta

UNITING THE CITY TO CONSERVE WATER

By Odalis A. Suarez

Liberty Hill Independent Staff Writer

Every drop counts these days and the City of Liberty Hill is working proactively to keep the water supply ample for all residents. One of these efforts is a new drought contingency plan that city council unanimously passed in January 2024 that sets guidelines in place to support water conservation efforts. In order for this ordinance to fulfill its objective, the city needs the cooperation and collaboration of its residents.

“This new plan is a really positive move for Liberty Hill,” said Katie Amsler, director of community engagement and communications for the city. “Water is essential for life—yet is Earth’s most threatened resource. Conserving water only makes our community a better place. I really want to stress that because I know a lot of times people can feel the negative impact of restrictions. It’s important to look at the big picture.”

This new plan is a refreshed and modified version of a former ordinance that the city previously enforced. This updated version is redesigned to align more closely with Leander’s water conservation plan. It consists of four phases that are activated based on current usage levels. Under each phase are itemized to-dos and expectations for the city and residents.

“It is more in line with Leander’s plan as far as having the four phases and since we receive most of our water from them, it provides less of a confusion to the public,” said Trey Evans, water superintendent for the city..

Conservation Phases

The phases are titled as follows: Phase One Base Conditions, Phase Two Water Use Reduction, Phase Three Water Emergency,

and Phase Four Water System Failure.

This phase structure is live year-round with phase one acting as the baseline when water usage conditions are stable. There is no “out of phase” environment, according to city officials.

The ordinance identifies “triggers” or rationales that warrant a phase change which are indicated by daily water demand percentages that are monitored by the city. Each trigger is coupled with a “demand reduction target” to set conservation goals as a result of the guidelines enforced that the city and residents must abide by.

Phase two’s trigger includes a “total daily water demand [that] equals or exceeds 70 percent of the total operation system treatment capacity for three consecutive days” according to the ordinance. The demand reduction target is 10 percent so that it can land well below 70 percent.

Phase three’s trigger is when the demand equals or exceeds 80 percent with a reduction target of less than 70 percent, which will allow for the city to return to phase one.

Phase four’s trigger focuses on major line breaks, pump system failures, natural or man-made contamination of water supply, or exceedingly high demand use for an extended amount of time. According to the ordinance, “Phase 4 response measures are designed to limit the daily water demand to no more than 50 percent capacity.”

Evans and his team monitor the daily usage as well as the water system. If any issues arise that warrant a phase change, they will work with the city manager and staff to make an official decision. Once confirmed, the notice is disseminated to residents and business owners within the city limits.

“If you go to our city website and click on the water page, all the information is there and anytime we change phases, everybody will know,” said Amsler. “We will actively promote the campaign to let everybody know, even going door to door if necessary. We’ll put out digital message boards, and the message will be loud and clear. But people can always go to that page just to see the latest restrictions and to double check where we are.”

The 12-page ordinance also identifies respective lists of “actions,” both for the city and for water customers. According to the document, city expectations include pausing water main and line flushing (unless necessary), visually inspecting lines and repairing leaks, issuing appropriate messaging to customers, reading meters and monitoring consumption to assure compliance.

Water Usage

The biggest water depletion comes from lawn care which makes outdoor watering a focal point in the ordinance. Today’s plan sets watering days to once weekly with a twohour limit. The last number of your address determines which day you are allowed to water, which is either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Watering is prohibited outside the allowed hours of 7 p.m. and 10 a.m.

The designated overnight watering timeframe is to lessen evaporation and allow enough water to saturate into the soil.

The ordinance also requires irrigation systems to have a working rain sensor, so they remain off during rainy days. The ordinance also states that city officials will encourage the community to xeriscape where possible.

“It’s not necessarily the use of the sprinklers,” Evans said. “It’s the use of the sprinklers in the appropriate amount of time. From what I’ve seen, a lot of people will water their lawn until it’s just sopping wet. In reality, your lawn doesn’t need that much water. You don’t need to have water running down the road to ensure that your lawn is watered enough.”

Everyone’s compliance will be key to assuring the water system is supporting demand safely and plentifully. This means the contingency plan lays out penalties if water use is identified as not in accordance with the phase broadcasted at that time. According to the ordinance, violations include

a citation with fines up to $2,000 for each day the offense continues. For more severe cases with repeat offenders, they will be subject to discontinued water use, which will require payment of a reconnection charge.

A city code enforcement officer or police officer are authorized to issue warnings or citations.

“A lot of people think that once we’ve gotten a little bit of rain, everything’s okay,” said Evans. “But Williamson County is still in a severe drought.”

WaterSmart Program

Utility Billing Supervisor, Anne Bean, said water conservation efforts can be taken a step further by utilizing the WaterSmart Program; an online third-party platform that gives detailed diagnostics on your property’s water system.

“I really want to encourage people to sign up for that, because it’s important to know how much water you’re using,” said Bean. “A lot of people call and want to know why their bill is high. They don’t even know they have something leaking and it’s still leaking. It’s a really helpful tool.”

The complimentary program provides optics on your water consumption, what your total bill is on track to cost, if you have a potential leak in your home, and even custom recommendations for products that can improve water usage, such as shower heads.

The city is actively working on its own initiatives to conserve water usage. The Liberty Hill Swim Center includes xeriscape areas, Veteran’s Park was recently relandscaped with the same concept, and the new roundabout off of Main Street will don turf in its new interior feature.

“There’s only so much water and we have to share it,” Amsler said. “If we don’t, we run out. We have to look at the bigger picture and realize that using our water supply responsibly protects people, food production, and natural ecosystems for future generations.”

What I love about Liberty Hill is that there is so much history in the downtown area seen in the buildings, streets and people. My hope is that we, as a community, continue to grow the downtown area with small businesses so that it will once again be filled with culture.

2 students earned a PERFECT score on the ACT

STUDENT SUCCESS

457 industry-based certifications earned of eighth-graders are enrolled in a CTE Course 54% 72% are college, career & military ready

93% of high school students are enrolled in a CTE Course

49 Dual-Credit Courses Offered

139 At-Risk Youth Graduated through the Success Academy since it’s inception in 2022

20

Over UIL student organizations advanced to state-level competitions. Liberty Hill ISD takes immense pride in the accomplishments of its student groups and celebrates their outstanding achievements in UIL competitions.

ELEMENTARY UIL

400

Over elementary students in third through fifth grades competed in this year’s Liberty Hill ISD A+ Academics UIL competition

Hours of Operation

Summer Pool Passes

Wastewater expansion full speed ahead

Local plant has doubled its capacity to keep up with growth

By Scott Akanewich

Liberty Hill Independent Owner/Publisher

As subdivisions continue to sprout across Liberty Hill, the need for increased wastewater management capabilities has also risen. To successfully deal with the upswing in production, the city has expanded its current South Fork Wastewater Treatment Plant to double its capacity.

The plant—located just off Highway 183 near the Grayson subdivision—will now be able to process four million gallons of wastewater per day, as opposed to its previous capacity of two million.

According to David Thomison, Liberty Hill’s director of public works, there’s an exact

science behind tracking growth and knowing when and how much expansion is necessary to keep up with demand.

“It’s important to meet and plan for the development and growth,” said Thomison. “Infrastructure has to expand with the population. Otherwise, your development stops and

it’s a constant challenge to consistently monitor demand as more and more people move in every day. Liberty Hill has to stay ahead of the curve and project exactly how much capacity is needed at what time.”

Plans are already well underway for a second plant, called the North Fork Wastewater Treatment Plant, to serve the area, said Liberty Hill City Manager Paul Brandenburg.

“The plans for the North Fork plant are complete and surveying is being done,” he said. “It will take approximately 24 months to complete, will be done in phases and have a capacity of 700,000 gallons per day, then expand to 1,400,000 after as

City of Liberty Hill Director of Public Works David Thomison explains the purification process at the Liberty Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was recently expanded to double its capacity to keep up with local growth. (Photo by Scott Akanewich)

A second basin has increased the plant’s capacity from treating two million gallons of wastewater per day to four million gallons. (Photo by Scott Akanewich)

Once the treatment process has been completed, water is re-introduced into the cycle by being released into the aquatic ecosystem. (Photo by Scott Akanewich)

needed. This will serve the Santa Rita Ranch area reducing impact on the South Fork plant.”

Estimates are made using a statistic known as LUEs, or living unit equivalents, to determine how much capacity is needed based on current conditions. Each LUE represents a household with 3.5 people and the average amount of wastewater produced. For commercial sites and businesses, the number is adjusted accordingly.

“We use that information to track what projects need to be planned, project timelines, project costs and all of the important details, such as LOIs (letter of intent), funding, agreements with partners, design, engineering, [and] contracts,” Thomison said.

Before the treated water can be released into the San Gabriel River, it needs to meet certain standards and the process it goes through when it arrives at the plant is a quite fascinating one.

Once the wastewater gets to the plant, it enters a treatment basin and is immediately attacked by microorganisms that live in the water and eat up the contaminants while all the while the water is constantly moved around using an aeration process. After this, it’s filtered to remove sludge, then disinfected before finally being discharged.

One misconception many have of the wastewater treatment process is it gives off an odor, but that’s not the case, said Thomison.

“You can stand right next to the basin and all you’ll smell is more of an earthy smell,” he said. “The foul odor actually comes from decaying organics, like grease and solids, that are removed from the waste before the treatment process begins. Similar to leaving grease and food waste in your home trashcan overnight, the smell is unpleasant. Being mindful of what goes down drains is the first step to mitigating odor at the plant.”

The city recently ordered new equipment to help as well. Pending any manufacturing delays, it should be installed within the next six months.

Brandenburg said many people are under the impression the process is one that is undesirable, but wastewater management is a critical cog in maintaining a proper balance between growth and serving nature.

“The largest misconception is that wastewater treatment is bad and a nuisance,” he said. “But in fact, it’s needed to preserve and protect the environment. Also, it collects the waste from development to manage and treat versus home and business owners from managing their own septic systems.”

James Herrera, Liberty Hill’s capital improvement projects manager, said as the local area has continued to grow by leaps and bounds in recent years, an entirely different blueprint was needed to keep pace with the ever-growing demands on the system.

“You go from a rural city that’s way out there with infrastructure that was older—which was what Liberty Hill used to be—to what it is now, and you have to plan correctly for the future,” he said. “Now, it’s about looking ahead and going through those growing pains of updating infrastructure to stay ahead of the growth. The city is committed to proper planning and investment so that any future issues will be minimal.”

Brandenburg added as long as there is constant evaluation and monitoring—and by the right people—there should be no concerns moving forward.

“This will be ongoing as the system grows and ages,” he said. “Professional engineers evaluate the system and provide data to the city for system upgrades to improve reliability and also fire protection.”

“ I love living in Liberty Hill because of its safe and supportive community, along with some amazing neighbors and co-workers.

Rebecca Harness

Happy 25th Birthday Liberty Hill! Happy 25th Birthday Liberty Hill!

For the past 25 years, City staff, elected officials, and volunteers have been delighted to serve our Small Town with a Big Heart!

GEORGETOWN LIBERTY HILL

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