Enrollment growth in Leander ISD has slowed, according to new demographic data presented to the school board Oct. 18 by Stacey Tepera of Population & Survey Analysts.

Specifically, growth in kindergarten enrollment now comprises 7.45 percent of the entire district population—the lowest in the past six years—compared with the 8.3 percent state average. During the next several years, Tepera said she expects LISD kindergarten enrollment to hold steady at about 3.1 percent growth before gradually increasing.

"This slow growth has happened all over Texas, partially a result of mortgages," Tepera said, adding that readily available mortgages were one driver of growth in LISD between 2005 and 2008.

Other factors that led to a spike in enrollment during those years include high immigration to the district, the availability of land, a perceived high quality of life and a low percentage of economically disadvantaged students.

The demographic report projected that about 28,000 new homes will be occupied in LISD in the next 10 years, with almost 12,000 being multifamily housing. Tepera said Elementary School 24 is on schedule to open in the 2012–13 school year, with High School 6 slated to open in the 2014–15 or 2015–16 school year. The construction of another high school should coincide with an expansion or other capacity solution at Vandegrift High School to accommodate growth, Tepera said.