Starting in 2026-27, Leander ISD campuses that have fewer than 400 or 500 students will trigger one of two low-enrollment thresholds that identify next steps to take in order to prevent further enrollment decline and possible campus consolidation. 

The gist: The board previously discussed enrollment thresholds that could adjust staffing guidelines, or the ratio of staff needed to effectively serve a campus, as one cost-saving measure. 

• Threshold 1: Campuses that fall below 500 students will trigger the low-enrollment Phase 1 model, which includes adjusting staff levels and implementing mitigation strategies to prevent further decline. Based on current enrollment projections, Block House Creek, Cox, Cypress, Giddens, Grandview Hills, Naumann and Westside elementaries are under this threshold.
• Threshold 2: Campuses that fall below 400 students will trigger the low-enrollment Phase 2 model, which includes a formal review process for potential consolidation. Based on current enrollment projections, Faubion, River Ridge and Steiner Ranch are under this threshold. 

Utah-based brand, Crave, is setting up shop in Leander this May, said owner Arun Serikar. The new location will mark the company’s first Austin-area venture, and will be locally owned and operated by franchisees Serikar and Purna Durshanpalli.

On the menu: The business will offer loaded sodas with syrups, creams and fruit add-ons, as well as a range of rotating cookie flavors.

Drinks include the Coconut Crave, which is a Diet Coke Mix with fresh lime and coconut syrup. Signature cookie offerings include Nutella sea salt, snickerdoodle and chocolate chip.

The deep-dish cookie flavors are rotated regularly, with six new combinations launched weekly.

Quote of note: “With the rapid growth in Leander and North Austin, we’re excited to bring something fun and unique to the area,” Serikar said in an email to Community Impact. “Crave is about great desserts, but also about building connections within the community.”

• 19397 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 120, Leander

Ring in St. Patrick’s Day with these events.

Jack & Ginger's St. Patrick’s Day celebration
On St. Patrick’s Day, the bar will host a festival with green beer, music, carnival games, face painting and drink and food vendors. 

• March 17, starting at 8 a.m.
• $20 (cover on March 17 starting at 2 p.m.)
• 11500B Rock Rose Ave., Austin

• March 17, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
• $20.84 (tickets)
• Locations vary

• March 16, starting at noon; March 17, starting at noon
• Free (attendance)
• 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 160, Leander

Check out some of the top trending stories in the Austin area from March 9-12. 

1. Pipeline failure hits Pflugerville amid $845M in water projects

2. Dirt moving for 57-acre commercial, residential project near Georgetown-Round Rock border

3. Come on in: Check out the newest spots to open in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle

4. Bee Cave advances shifts to The Village at Spanish Oaks

5. Third Taco Bell location proposed for Leander

6. UT moves to rezone hundreds of acres in Northwest Austin for future medical center