Bond @ Work: Lariat Trails Elementary

Posted Date: 06/24/26 (10:33 AM)

This past week, we visited Lariat Trails Elementary (LTE) to sit down with Principal Christina Gamez and administrative assistant Shannon Price for an inside look at Liberty Hill ISD's newest elementary campus.

Gamez has been with Liberty Hill ISD for 10 years, serving as both a teacher and principal across four campuses. When asked about her decision to move from Bill Burden Elementary (BBE) to Lariat Trails Elementary, Gamez said it was not an easy one.

When Superintendent Travis Motal first approached her about the opportunity, her initial response was no. After years of building strong relationships and a close-knit school community at BBE, leaving was difficult to consider. However, after taking time to reflect and pray about the decision, she began asking herself an important question: "Who is going to help build that same sense of community at Lariat Trails?"

Creating Campus Culture

Ultimately, she decided she wanted to be that person. Her goal was to bring the culture she helped create at BBE to LTE while establishing a unique identity for the new campus.

Creating a strong culture and sense of community is central to Gamez's leadership style. During our conversation, she shared her vision for the future of LTE and the community it will serve. She gave us a tour of the campus and discussed what makes LTE unique, the excitement surrounding its opening, and the hopes she has for students, staff and families as they begin this new chapter.

"We want people to feel joy when they walk into this building," Gamez said when asked about the culture. She believes it is important for staff members to enjoy coming to work each day because that positivity creates a joyful learning environment for students.

Community Support

One question Gamez brings into every discussion is, "What is the Lariat Trails Way going to be?" She believes every new school develops its own identity and discovers the systems and traditions that work best for its students, staff and families. She is excited to see that process unfold and encouraged by the enthusiasm the community has already shown.

That enthusiasm has been evident from the beginning. Families have already reached out to ask how they can support the campus. They are eager to stay informed about campus updates and find ways to make a difference.

The neighborhood is also ready for a school to call its own. Many students who live in the area previously attended BBE and are happy to continue their education at LTE with a familiar leader. Recently, the Lariat neighborhood and its homebuilders hosted a 5K and presented the school with a check for more than $6,000. The first Parent Teacher Organization meeting drew more than 75 parents ready to support the school.

Campus Design

The campus has been intentionally designed to foster both community and learning. Each grade level has its own designated color and corresponding hallway, creating a sense of identity while reinforcing that everyone is part of one school community. Classrooms are equipped with the latest technology and ample storage for backpacks, lunchboxes and hands-on learning materials.

The building was also thoughtfully designed to support collaboration and professional growth among teachers. Three dedicated Professional Learning Community (PLC) rooms are located on the first floor, along with a conveniently located literacy library. These spaces provide teachers with opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, analyze student learning and strengthen instructional practices together.

The school also features an outdoor turf playground, allowing students to spend time outside without those pesky wood chips in their shoes. The spacious gymnasium will be equipped with everything students need to stay active and healthy.

For Gamez, opening a new school is about more than opening a building. It is about creating a place where students, staff and families feel connected, welcomed and supported. As LTE prepares to welcome its first students, Gamez looks forward to watching the school's identity take shape and discovering what the "Lariat Trails Way" will become.