By SCOTT W. COLEMAN, Four Points News

Big crowds are getting to be a regular occurrence at Vandegrift High School on National Signing Day.

A pair of nationally-ranked recruits brought the television cameras and even more attention to the school last week. With offers from Air Force and Rice on the table for months, senior wide receiver Paxton Segina’s visit to Palo Alto, California last month made all the difference.

Segina’s official visit took place fairly late in the recruiting process, but Stanford quarterbacks/wide receivers coach Tavita Pritchard said that when the standout receiver visited the campus and met with coaches and players, “that’s when things really solidified, both in his brain and ours, that he was just a perfect fit for Stanford.”

Courtesy photo of all eight Vandegrift signees: Boys’ Soccer: Sam Drablos, University of Chicago, Curran Kelly, University of Texas at Dallas, Austin Morrow, University of Tampa, Girls Soccer: Lauren Holtzclaw, University of Houston, Kylie Sharp, Ouachita Baptist University, Football: Garrison Spring, Lamar University, Travis Brannan, Navy, and Paxton Segina, Stanford.

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By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

In spring of 2015, students in Leander ISD beat the state average for the number of students who passed the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test.

According to a recent demographer report, 82.98 percent of Leander I.S.D. students passed the STAAR test, compared to 71.83 percent statewide. That ranks Leander I.S.D. 11th among all large districts in the state with 20,000 or more students, and among the highest scoring of districts of all sizes in the Austin area.

Leander ISD school board trustee Pam Waggoner said she credits the district’s teachers and principals for the high number of students who passed the test.

“I would give credit to the teachers and principals of each of the schools,” Waggoner said. “They provide the right atmosphere for their students to learn in and they constantly assess areas the students need to improve in. This customizes their delivery of education to fit their students.” Continue reading →

Tours were given at the new Mansfield Water Treatment Plant on Jan. 28 with views of Lake Travis, Mansfield Dam, Steiner Ranch and more. Water is taken from Lake Travis and treated at the plant and shared with WCID 17 customers, including Steiner Ranch. WCID serves approximately 37,500 people.
Photo by Lynette Haaland

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The Travis County Water Control and Improvement District No. 17 opened its new $31 million Mansfield Water Treatment Plant a few weeks ago and dedicated it with formal ceremony on Jan. 28.

“We take great pride in the district’s many accomplishments over the years and we hope to contribute to the community for years to come,” said Deborah Gernes, WCID 17 general manager.

“You trust us to bring clean, reliable water to you, and we strive everyday to make that trust honored,” said Jeff Roberts, president of WCID 17. Continue reading →

The newly formed voting districts are comprised of neighborhoods within the Steiner Ranch Master Association that are similar in size and location.

By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

The Steiner Ranch Master Association will transition into a totally homeowner-run board and, to do so, its constituency has been divided into five districts.

“This is an exciting time for Steiner Ranch; a time in which residents will lead the community,” said Randy Schmaltz, executive director of the Steiner Ranch Homeowners’ Association. Continue reading →

By SCOTT W. COLEMAN, Four Points News

Things are about to get a lot tougher for a pair of Leander ISD teams that have seen tremendous success in recent years.

Vandegrift and Vista Ridge will join Leander High School in rising to Class 6A competition in the coming two seasons, according to the University Interscholastic League’s reclassification and realignment announcement on Monday. That puts all three schools competing in a completely revamped District 25-6A, along with Lake Travis, Westlake, Buda Hays and Kyle Lehman.

Four of the teams in the newly adjusted 25-6A reached the football state quarterfinals and both Westlake and Lake Travis played in Class 6A state title games just six weeks ago.

The UIL realignment of District 25-6A will pit Vandegrift against Lake Travis and Westlake starting next school year. “Adjusting to tougher districts isn’t a new thing, but two state finalists make this hard,” said Drew Sanders, VHS athletic director and head football coach.
Photo by Scott W. Coleman

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