The big picture
Liberty Hill ISD Superintendent Steven Snell presented the results from a survey of Santa Rita Middle School students on their preferences for the mascot for Legacy Ranch High School at an Oct. 16 board of trustees meeting.
Eighty percent of the almost-900 student body voted on mascots that were in the cat family, ranch themed, or used alliteration starting with an L or an R. Students also shared their top suggestions for each category. Cat mascots similar to Liberty Hill High School's panthers mascot led by 7% over ranch-themed options.
The percentage of students who found each category very or somewhat appealing is as follows:
- 81% for cat nation
- 74% for ranch theme
- 69% for alliteration
What's next?
The district will meet with Santa Rita Middle School students and the architects working on Legacy Ranch to narrow down the survey results. Student leaders will then present their recommendations to the board at its next meeting, Snell said. He said students will also begin considering the colors they'd like for the new school, which could impact the final mascot selection.
What they're saying
“I know this is an emotional decision for our community, but I think we need to put what's important first,” Place 4 board member Kathy Major said. “What's important is this is gonna represent them and what is it that represents you, your family, your community in the best way possible.”
Also of note
Over half of Santa Rita Middle School eighth-graders participating in another survey said they would transfer to Liberty Hill High School to be with their sibling. The district has provided this option for any student zoned for Legacy Ranch with a sibling enrolled at Liberty Hill High School. Of the 60 students who responded, 33 said they would transfer, while 27 said they would stay at Legacy Ranch, Snell said.
The background
LHISD is opening its second high school next school year to incoming ninth-graders from Santa Rita Middle School. Legacy Ranch will operate out of Middle School No. 3 until its official campus opens for the 2026-27 school year.
The district was 50% complete with construction for Middle School No. 3 and broke ground on High School No. 2 in September. In October, the district hired former Leander ISD Principal Mark Koller as the principal for Legacy Ranch.
