ATX-LLH: Impact 10/3/2025

The Leander ISD board of trustees unanimously approved a resolution that outlines framework to address financial sustainability and long-range planning efforts. 

Zooming out: Current budget projections show a $22.8 million budget shortfall in 2026-27. Closing and repurposing Cypress, Faubion and Steiner Ranch elementary schools were potential cost-saving solutions presented, but alternative measures discussed included implementing an open enrollment policy which was later approved and increasing average daily attendance.

The framework: The resolution is intended to establish a clear process for long-range planning, define roles and outline timelines for the 2026-27 school year and beyond.

Some of the key details of the resolution include:

• Campus operations and consolidation
• Program analysis and modifications
• Facilities and asset management
• Revenue generation strategies
• Expenditure reduction strategies
• Community and staff engagement

Axiom Church, a new faith congregation in Leander, is holding its grand opening at its temporary location this Sunday.

The details: Axiom will be hosting its opening event at Camacho Elementary School at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 5. Church founder and head pastor Josiah Weece said the church will operate out of the school on Sundays only until a permanent location is found.

The background: Weece said Axiom is designed to appeal to people with a complex relationship with their faith.

Travis County has approved a $2.2 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26, about 12% higher than last year’s.

The big picture: The plan includes a one-year property tax hike to help the county recover from July’s severe flooding, which drained $15 million in emergency reserves for debris cleanup and temporary road repairs. The temporary increase—roughly 3 cents more per $100 of property value—will raise about $42 million for disaster recovery, adding about $200 to the average homeowner’s tax bill, with $72 tied directly to flood costs.

What else? Beyond core services like public safety and infrastructure, the budget highlights major justice and health initiatives. That includes $86 million to launch a future mental health jail diversion center, designed to redirect people with mental illness or substance abuse disorders away from jail.

Central Health also received a 9.3% funding boost to expand primary, specialty, and behavioral care for low-income residents, with officials pledging shorter wait times and broader access under what they’ve called the “year of access.”

A San Antonio-based grocery chain with a stronghold across Texas is now facing a change in leadership.

In case you missed it: H-E-B President Craig Boyan announced his intention to step down from his role, effective in January 2026.

He’ll subsequently retire at the end of next year, according to a Sept. 30 news release from the company.

As a result, current H-E-B Chief Operating Officer Roxanne Orsak will take his place.

Zooming in: Orsak started her career at H-E-B in 1988 as a store manager, rising through the ranks to become the COO in 2022, according to the release.

“I am honored to continue to shape the future of this great company with integrity, heart and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” Orsak said.

The context: The leadership change comes in tandem with H-E-B’s continued expansion in Texas.

New storefronts in San Antonio, Georgetown, Prosper and more have opened within the last two months, as previously reported by Community Impact.