Current situation
Mark Koller will be the new principal of Legacy Ranch High School, following the LHISD board of trustees' approval at an Oct. 2 special meeting. The hiring process involved an interviewing committee of Santa Rita Middle School parents, students, staff and community members, according to district information.
"Being a part of the opening team at Legacy Ranch High School is extremely exciting," Koller said. ”I've watched Liberty Hill grow during my 17 years in Leander ISD. I have always marveled in awe of the LHISD community, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
Zooming in
Koller has worked in education for 21 years, most recently as a principal in Leander ISD, according to LHISD information. While in Leander, Koller served as the principal of Pleasant Hill Elementary, Leander Middle School and Danielson Middle School. He was also an assistant principal for Jim Plain Elementary and an instructional coach.
He began his career as a special education and fourth grade teacher in San Marcos CISD. Koller earned a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from Texas State University and a master’s degree in education administration from Lamar University.
He’s advocated for public education at the Texas Legislature, working with Raise Your Hand Texas as a principal advocacy fellow and member of the Raise Your Hand Texas Harvard Leadership Cohort. He and his wife, Natalia, have been married for almost 20 years and have three daughters together.
Notable quote
“Opening a second high school in a one-high-school district is a very tall task. I know that our partnership with the Panther Nation, Liberty Hill [High School] students and staff will be integral to our success at Legacy Ranch,” Koller said. “Together [Liberty Hill High School] and [Legacy Ranch High School] will create an even better Liberty Hill ISD and continue the tradition of building champions. Let's build this new legacy together."
Going forward
Rachel Acosta, LHISD director of communications and community engagement, said, starting Nov. 1, Koller will prepare for the campus’ opening by doing the following:
- Meeting with students, parents and staff
- Hiring teachers and staff
- Helping students select a mascot and colors for Legacy Ranch
- Building the school’s culture with incoming ninth graders from Santa Rita Middle School
Legacy Ranch High School will welcome ninth grade students from Santa Rita Middle School for the 2024-25 school year. The school will open at Middle School No. 3 until the district’s second high school campus is ready in 2026.
