The Leander ISD board of trustees approved a 12-month contract for PFM Group to serve as the district’s financial adviser March 5.

In January the board issued a request for proposals for financial advisory services. Out of the five firms that applied, three were selected to be interviewed by the district’s interview panel, which included LISD Superintendent Bret Champion; board President Pamela Waggoner; Jimmy Disler, senior executive director of facilities and construction; and other district personnel. The panel considered factors, such as scope and cost of services and experience and qualifications, and conducted two interviews with the considered firms. PFM Group, headquartered in Philadelphia, has worked with agencies such as the Texas Department of Transportation, Hays CISD and the city of Austin. PFM Group will assist the district with evaluating refunding opportunities and other financial-related operations. The firm’s contract could be extended for up to four one-year terms.