Schools
School District Named Finalist In HEB Excellence In Education Awards Program
Up to $100,000 for winning districts to be awarded in San Antonio come May.

LEANDER, TX -- Leander ISD has been named a finalist in the HEB Excellence in Education Awards program -- one of only five large school districts so honored, district officials announced.
For the third consecutive year, the company is recognizing five public school boards throughout the state to highlight the importance of strong board leadership, Leander ISD officials noted.
Now in its 15th year, the program has awarded more than $8 million in funding benefiting exemplary schools. The retailer will award $85,000 this year to finalists and school boards, with greater cash prizes at the statewide level.
Find out what's happening in Cedar Park-Leanderfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In the large district, early childhood and school board categories, $5,000 will be awarded to finalists. Two finalists in the small district category will each receive $2,500.
Overall district winners are judged on a range of attributes through personal visits. Areas of examination include districts’ early childhood programs, campuses and talks with faculty and staff members.
Find out what's happening in Cedar Park-Leanderfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The winners are scheduled to be announced on May 13 at La Cantera Hill Country Resort in San Antonio. The winning large district will receive $100,000, while the winning small district will get $50,000.
Other prizes up for grabs include $25,000 for the winning early childhood facility. One ore more school boards will receive up to $25,000.
In the large school district category, Leander ISD is competing against the Socorro ISD in El Paso; Galena ISD in Houston; Katy ISD in Katy; and Allen ISD, also located in its namesake city.
Another Austin-area contender is Sammy’s House, the early childhood education facility at 2415 Twin Oaks Dr.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.