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The Liberty Hill ISD board of trustees unanimously voted to approve increases to employee’s compensation by roughly $1.3 million.

This increase comes as the second phase of raises for district employees, with teachers receiving increased pay last month slightly above $1.9 million. Across the two phases, the district has increased about $3.2 million in districtwide compensation increases aimed at recruiting and retaining staff.

The details: LHISD approved a 3% pay increase at pay grade midpoints. In total, support staff received an increase of $358,251 in total, while auxiliary staff received $250,764. Professional staff will see a $661,955 increase.

Quote of note: “When you have a competitive compensation, you keep strong people in the district,” said Rebecca Owen, LHISD executive director of human resources. “When you have strong people in the district, your students are going to be more successful.”

Aspen Creamery, a new ice cream parlor in Leander, opened its doors for business May 10.

What they’re saying: “Great ice cream brings people together,” owner Aruna Anepu said. “We’re excited to be part of the Leander community and create a place where every visit feels special. ... [It's] love at first scoop.”

What’s on the menu: Beyond ice cream, the creamery serves a range of cold desserts, including a Dubai viral sundae, milkshakes and faloodas—a cold South Asian drink.
Additionally, the store makes its own waffle cones.

• 2082 N. US 183, Ste. 125, Leander

On May 26, Republican voters will choose their nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission in a runoff election between former Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French and incumbent Jim Wright.

The overview: The Republican railroad commission race is one of several statewide contests that advanced to May runoffs after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the March 3 primary election.

Wright and French were the two highest-performing candidates in the five-way primary race, with Wright receiving 32.1% of the vote and French collecting 31.7%.

The winner of the May 26 overtime round will face state Rep. John Rosenthal, D-Houston, in the November midterm election. Third-party candidates may also appear on the November ballot.

Did you know? The railroad commission regulates Texas’ oil and gas industry, while the state's railroads are under the control of the Texas Department of Transportation and the federal government. The agency has three commissioners elected to staggered six-year terms.

At the polls: Texans can vote early from May 18-22, with runoff election day May 26.