American Constructors is thrilled to celebrate the completion of Leander ISD’s Donald Lewis Hisle Elementary School. This new facility honors longtime Board Trustee Donald Lewis Hisle, who was instrumental in expanding the district from just eight to 42 schools.
To celebrate the school’s completion, American Constructors joined the district, other project partners, and the Leander community on September 7 for a fun-filled morning, which included tours of the new school, storytime in the library, and some hands-on art activities with students.
In the Q&A below, Project Manager Carlos Sierra gives us an inside look at what went into creating this exciting new home for the Hisle Hounds!
AC: What are some of the design features included in this project?
CS: This project was thoughtfully designed with a focus on functionality. While Hisle Elementary follows the same footprint as a few of the district’s other recent schools, the 117,000 square-foot campus is laid out with four interconnected buildings that each serve a specific function.
- Building A is where you’ll find the administration offices, special education classrooms, the library, teacher lounges, community spaces, and storage
- Building B includes the cafeteria, gym, art classrooms, performing arts spaces, and special education facilities, with direct access to the playgrounds
- Building C houses the Pre-K through 2nd-grade classrooms
- Building D is for 3rd through 5th grade and is the only two-story building on campus, which features three large staircases arranged in a semi-circle layout
The school is equipped with advanced mechanical systems, access controls, and state-of-the-art technology, including the latest generation of speakers and digital clocks.
AC: What construction method was used for this school, and how does it compare to traditional building techniques?
CS: Yes, this school was built using a tilt-wall construction technique, which is more common in commercial and warehouse projects. Essentially, the walls are formed on the ground and then lifted into place with a crane. This method results in an incredibly sturdy building that’s fully insulated and resistant to the elements. It also speeds up the construction process and improves thermal efficiency.
Unlike traditional structural framing and drywall construction, which can be less durable, this approach uses solid concrete exterior walls with a drywall interior. It may not always be more cost-effective in terms of materials, but the shorter build time and long-term durability make it well worth the investment. Plus, the building is less susceptible to mold or water damage, which significantly reduces maintenance costs over time.
AC: What were some of the challenges you faced during this project? How did the project team overcome them?
CS: Last winter, we lost some valuable work days due to inclement weather, and of course, safety is always our top priority, so we couldn’t have crews working on slippery ground. We also dealt with some procurement delays, especially with long lead times for key materials like the elevator in Building D. Coordinating the various crews on-site—steel, drywall, roofing, carpentry, and others—at the same time was another challenge. Despite these obstacles, we stayed focused, worked through these issues, and were able to complete the project on time. I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished.
AC: How will this school benefit the Leander community?
CS: Hisle Elementary is the fifth new school built by Leander ISD in the last five years to accommodate growth in the northern part of the district. The school’s walking paths seamlessly connect to the nearby Devine Lake master-planned community and feature ADA ramps and other accessibility enhancements. Since the project's completion, it’s been wonderful to see the local community making the most of these paths during their morning and evening walks. The landscaping also adds a touch of beauty to San Gabriel Parkway, enhancing the overall appeal of the area.
AC: What was your favorite part about working on the project?
CS: I have a deep passion for construction, which comes naturally to me given my background. My father was a civil engineer, so I grew up immersed in the field. I also hold a degree in architecture, which allows me to collaborate with the architecture team on final finishes. I particularly enjoy meetings with Leander ISD and the entire project team to address challenges and make decisions. While much is predetermined during the submittal process, many critical decisions are made on-site, and I find this process both engaging and rewarding. I’m proud to have been a part of the process and grateful to Leander ISD for partnering with American Constructors on this incredible project!