Since the May elections have been tallied and finalized, we sat down to chat with our seven Liberty Hill ISD School Board of Trustees to ask them about why they serve, the challenges LHISD is facing and exciting things on the horizon. This is what they had to say, in their own words.

Kendall Carter, President (Place 2 since 2020)

Why do you serve on the School Board?

I want to make a difference. I want to be part of a team that can help provide valuable information to the district.  I want to encourage our community to get involved, be noticed, represent the district, and help us all collaborate to be the best district in Texas.  It is not about me, it is about is together.   

What do you want the community to know about your role on the School Board?

For me, being on the school board is an honor to serve the district and be the voice of the community. I hope that I continue to represent LHISD and our students in a positive light. I want the community to know that their voice is heard, and we appreciate everyone stepping up to volunteer and support the district.  

What is the biggest issue facing LHISD?

The biggest issue is funding/budget. Every other year, school districts across the state get a new formula to their funding, and we constantly have to navigate through that process.  Managing a balanced budget is always the most difficult part for the school district.  

What excites you about the future in LHISD?

We are one of the best districts in the state of Texas… We are building champions in academics, character, and community.   

Chris Neighbors, Vice President (Place 1 since 2023)

Why do you serve on the school board?

I’ve always enjoyed serving others, and I’ve spent much of my college and adult life doing exactly that in different capacities. When my kids entered Liberty Hill ISD, I quickly became deeply involved on campuses and committees because I wanted to support the students, staff, and community. I use my background in business, problem solving, and working with people to help the district in meaningful ways. Serving on the School Board has been an opportunity to give back to a community that means so much to my family.

What do you want the community to know about your role on the School Board?

I think many people don’t fully realize the actual role of a school board. Often, people assume we handle day to day operations or individual parent concerns, but that’s really the role of district administration. The best way I’ve ever described it is this: the district is a sailboat, the superintendent is the sail, and the board is the wind. We don’t steer the boat or row the oars, and we aren’t involved in the day-to-day operations. Our role is to help set the direction, provide support and accountability, and gently guide the district along its path.

What is the biggest issue facing LHISD?

One of the biggest challenges facing LHISD is the state mandated compression of school district tax rates. Since that legislation passed, the state has continued to reduce the amount of revenue districts like LHISD are able to collect, regardless of the rapid growth and increasing demands placed on our schools. For fast growing districts, that creates a difficult balancing act. We are expected to continue opening new campuses, supporting staff, maintaining programs, and serving more students every year while operating with tighter financial constraints. This is not just a Liberty Hill issue. Districts across Texas are facing the same challenge, and long term solutions will require stronger support and funding from the state level.

What excites you about the future in LHISD?

The people and opportunities in LHISD. The families, staff, and students are truly the heart of this district, and they are what make Liberty Hill such a special place. That culture of involvement and pride is something you cannot manufacture, and it is one of LHISD’s greatest strengths. Growth brings challenges, but it also brings new programs, new facilities, expanded opportunities for students, and the chance to shape the future of our community in a positive way. If we continue focusing on students, supporting our staff, and staying connected as a community, I believe the future of LHISD is incredibly bright. 

Brandon Canady, Secretary (Place 5 since 2024)

Why do you serve on the school board?

Liberty Hill is more than just a place we live; it is a special community with a proud history, strong values, and a bright future. As our town continues to grow, I believe it is critical that we protect the character, traditions, and small-town feel that make Liberty Hill exceptional while preparing our schools and students for what lies ahead. Our schools are at the heart of this community, and my focus on the board is ensuring every child has access to an outstanding education through excellent teachers, high academic standards, modern resources, and financial responsibility for our taxpayers. I want Liberty Hill ISD to be recognized as a model of educational excellence where parents can confidently send their children knowing they are receiving an exceptional education. I’m honored to serve our students, families, and educators while remaining committed to balancing tradition and progress and putting our children and community first in every decision. 

What do you want the community to know about your role on the school board?
Serving on the school board is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles I have ever held because every decision we make impacts our students’ education, safety, opportunities, and future. We operate in a complex environment with tight budgets, state mandates, and rapid growth, and every vote requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for excellent teachers, strong academic programs, and the resources our students need to succeed. I take seriously the responsibility of preserving Liberty Hill’s proud legacy while preparing our schools for the future, even when difficult decisions must be made for the long-term good of our students and community. I serve because I am committed to ensuring every student receives an exceptional education while protecting the small-town values and character that make Liberty Hill special.

What is the biggest issue facing LHISD?

The biggest issue facing Liberty Hill ISD right now is managing the tension between our explosive population growth and the constant, often unpredictable changes coming from the state level.

What excites you about the future in LHISD?

After years of rapid growth, the addition of a second high school will be a transformative moment for our district. I’m excited to see students, teachers, and families come together to build a strong identity and culture for the new school that reflects the values and spirit of Liberty Hill while creating its own traditions. This will naturally create a healthy small-town rivalry between the two high schools, and that friendly competition will elevate excellence across academics, athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular activities by motivating students, encouraging innovation, and strengthening community support for our schools. At the same time, we remain committed to preserving the close-knit feel and legacy that make Liberty Hill special while ensuring every student receives one of the best educations in Texas. I’m optimistic about this next chapter because it positions Liberty Hill ISD to grow stronger and build on the District’s legacy.

Michael Ferguson, Place 3 since 2021

Why do you serve on the school board?

I serve on the school board because it’s personal. My wife and I are raising our boys here, and I see firsthand how every decision impacts not only their experience, but every student in our community. I want our district to deliver a strong education while building character, resilience, and confidence, and to make responsible decisions that keep our schools and community strong for years to come.

What do you want the community to know about your role on the school board?

I want the community to know that serving on the school board comes with real responsibility and very few easy decisions. The board truly cares and is constantly balancing what’s best for students, supporting teachers, managing taxpayer dollars, and planning for long-term growth while recognizing not everyone will agree with every outcome, a lot of time and effort goes into each decision, with the focus always on doing what’s right for our students and community.

What is the biggest issue facing LHISD?

The biggest issue facing our district right now is keeping up with growth while making sure we’re being responsible with our budget. Liberty Hill is growing quickly, and while that’s a great thing, it also means we have to carefully plan for new students, schools, and resources without overextending financially. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure we continue to provide a high-quality education and strong opportunities for our kids while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars and planning for the future.

What excites you about the future in LHISD?

What excites me most about the future of Liberty Hill ISD is the opportunity that comes with our growth. We have the chance to build something really special—new schools, strong programs, and a culture that sets our kids up for success both in and out of the classroom. 

I’m also excited about the people. We have great teachers, supportive families, and students who are driven and competitive, whether it’s academics, athletics, or fine arts. When you combine that with thoughtful planning and leadership, the future of this district is incredibly bright.

Jamie Etzkorn, Place 4 since 2025

Why do you serve on the school board?

I believe in public education and giving back to what was given and provided for me.  I am very proud of my public education that I received in Clarksville, Texas.  Our children are truly our future, and I want to invest in them.  I want to be a part of making sure that every child has the education they deserve to become a Champion in their adult years.

What do you want the community to know about your role on the school board?

I have learned a lot in my short tenure on the school board including what role a school board trustee has, what falls under the direction of a school board trustee, and what falls outside the scope of a school board trustee. A school board trustee is a volunteer position that requires more than just monthly school board meetings. 

What is the biggest issue facing LHISD?

I see the biggest issue facing LHISD is how the Texas government will financially support LHISD and all public schools in the coming years.  This unknown not only leaves LHISD with budgeting uncertainties but all public schools in Texas.

What excites you about the future in LHISD?

EVERYTHING!!!  With growth, LHISD is taking the amazing community and school culture that we have and building on it to make LHISD the place to be for building champions in all of Texas! 

Kristi Hargrove, Place 6 since 2021

Why do you serve on the school board?

I serve to help LHISD be a premier district for our students, staff, and community. It also provides an opportunity to lead and influence the direction of public education in LHISD. 

What do you want the community to know about your role on the school board?

Serving on the school board is one of the most challenging things I have been involved with, but also one of the most rewarding. It is an honor to serve LHISD. 

What is the biggest issue facing LHISD?

Lack of funding from the state of Texas. 

What excites you about the future in LHISD?

It excites me to celebrate our students and staff monthly. Our programs across the district are successful and our students shine wherever they compete and that makes me proud. The dedication of our staff and students in building champions in Academics, Character, and Community excites me as a board member, a grandparent, and community member as well. 

Megan Parsons, Place 7 since 2019

Why do you serve on the school board?

I have a huge heart for volunteering and I am passionate about public education.  I knew I wanted to be involved in my own children’s education and I ultimately have had the privilege of serving all of the children in the district as a board member.  

What do you want the community to know about your role on the school board?

Being on the school board is as much a joy as it is a challenge.  As a board member, we get to see all the amazing things going on in this district.  We also have to face the challenges that come with our role.  It is hard when you make decisions that you know won’t please everyone, but you have to do what’s best for the district as a whole.

What is the biggest issue facing LHISD?

The biggest issue facing LHISD is the growth. It impacts every aspect of our school system. From the culture, to the facilities, to the teachers…growth touches it all.  The growth has made consistency hard, but I’m very proud of how this board has handled it overall.

What excites you about the future in LHISD?

It has been quoted, “The future is bright in Liberty Hill.”  The best thing about the growth in our district is getting to see the opportunities that it brings for our students.  Our students and staff are amazing and I can’t wait to see what the future brings!