Upcoming live music events in the Cedar Park, Leander and Liberty Hill areas for Dec. 13-Jan. 17 include karaoke, open mic nights, LC Rocks and Alex Hensley & The Heathens. 

Shooters Austin
11416 N. FM 620, Austin

• Dec. 12: Dysfunkshun Junkshun, 9 p.m.
• Dec. 13: 80’s Obsession feat. Dead Love Club, 9 p.m.
• Dec. 19: Tex Zep: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin, 9 p.m.
• Dec. 20: LIXBOX, 9 p.m.
• Jan. 9: LC Rocks, 9 p.m.
• Jan. 16: Sonny Wolf, 9 p.m.

Leander ISD superintendent Bruce Gearing announced Dec. 8 his intention to retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

The gist: Per the announcement, Gearing—who has served as superintendent since 2019—will serve as "superintendent emeritus," a role that district officials say recognizes significant contributions made to the district.

"Though retired from day-to-day responsibilities, the role keeps him connected in an advisory capacity, offering perspective and guidance when requested," officials said. 

Next steps: Officials said the board of trustees will name an acting superintendent at its Dec. 11 meeting and will later begin the search for a new superintendent, likely after winter break. 

The Texas comptroller’s office has released a set of rules to govern the state’s $1 billion education savings account program, or ESAs. Accepted families will receive thousands of dollars in state funds to send their children to a private school or homeschool them.

The overview: Accredited private schools and education vendors can begin applying to join the program as soon as Dec. 9, and applications will open for interested families Feb. 4.

Most families accepted into the program will receive about $10,300 per student, which can be spent on tuition at accredited private prekindergarten or K-12 schools and related expenses. Homeschooled students will receive up to $2,000 per year, while students with disabilities will be eligible for up to $30,000 annually.

Zooming in: Depending on a family’s income, students with disabilities may receive priority acceptance into the ESA program. Families can submit documentation from a physician or the U.S. Social Security Administration to be prioritized, although a detailed evaluation and individualized education plan are required to receive the additional special education funding.