Leander ISD Names College And Career Pathways Executive Director

LEANDER, TX -- School district officials recently named a new executive director of College and Career Pathways.

Laurelyn Arterbury was tapped to the position, joining LISD from the Round Rock ISD, where she had served as principal of Westwood High School since 2012. During her time at Round Rock, she also served in associate principal and assitant prinicipal roles.

“Please join me in welcoming Laurelyn Arterbury as the Executive Director of College and Career Pathways,” superintendent Bret Champion said in a prepared statement. “Ms. Arterbury's leadership experience, dedication to community involvement and knowledge of program development make her uniquely qualified for this position."

In making the announcement, Champion made note of Arterbury's leadership attributes.

"She is a dynamic leader who will help us ensure our students are well prepared for life after high school,” he said.

Arterbury earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree from Texas State University and is expected to complete her doctoral degree from Texas A&M University in August.

On May 25, a website associated with Westwood High School dubbed Westwood Horizon, wrote of Arterbury's departure from Round Rock ISD.

"After four years of dedication to Westwood, Principal Mrs. Laurelyn Arterbury will be moving to Leander ISD to serve as the new Executive Director of College and Career Pathways effective July 2016," the site reads.

Arterbury conveyed the bittersweet nature of her departure in leaving a district peopled by students and staff she holds in high regard, but also happy to be joining a district overseeing schools her own children currently attend.

“I know that this decision is best for me both professionally and personally, as I will now have the opportunity to work in the same school district where my children attend school,” Arterbury said.

Westwood Horizong noted that Arterbury first announced her move to the Leander ISD in person during a faculty meeting before sending an email blast to alert others.

“I’m crying tears of happiness,” Arterbury was quoted as saying. “The level of professionalism at Westwood is amazing. Our students are great. I don’t think I’ll ever get to work with a better more professional group of people.”