‘Fire Break Parkway’ concept underway, Zimmerman proposes road to help safety, evacuation in Four Points

By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

Place 6 City Council member Don Zimmerman says he is developing a roadway concept that would provide an evacuation route for Vandegrift High School and Four Points Middle School, reduce the wildfire threat in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and also help alleviate traffic congestion in Four Points.

Don Zimmerman Place 6 City Council member

Don Zimmerman
Place 6 City Council member

“We do have a conceptual plan to connect RM 2222 and US 183 via McNeil and Spicewood Springs,” Zimmerman said. “A primary purpose is fire safety and emergency evacuation – hence our nickname of ‘Fire Break Parkway.’”

Zimmerman said he has discussed the proposal with multiple groups including the Austin Fire Department and officials with Leander ISD and Travis County, with the hope of it becoming a joint project. He said decades of unmanaged growth and vegetation accumulation in the BCP poses a serious wildfire threat.

“It is a tinder box which, if started, would destroy all the wildlife in addition to destroying property and possibly costing human lives,” he said.Fire Break Road map - Vandergrift_McNeil to Spicewood Springs_McNeil

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Cathie Robinson named new principal of Steiner Ranch Elementary

Leander ISD Superintendent Bret Champion has named Cathie Robinson the new principal for Steiner Ranch Elementary.

Cathie Robinson

Cathie Robinson

“I am pleased to announce Cathie Robinson as the new principal for Steiner Ranch Elementary,” said Champion. “With her wealth of knowledge and her passion for learning, Ms. Robinson will build upon the culture of collaboration and excellence that has been established at Steiner Ranch Elementary.”

Ms. Robinson joins LISD from Spring Branch ISD where she has served in various leadership positions, including campus principal, Director of Accountability, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning and most recently as the Executive Director of To & Through Post-Secondary.

Ms. Robinson earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston.