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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Liberty Hill, TX

Home Care Liberty Hill, TX

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Lions Foundation Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Liberty Hill, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Liberty Hill, TX

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“My experience with these amazing home care professionals is as close to perfect as it gets! I have a dear friend that is in hospice and needed a little extra home care. Ken, the owner, was fast to respond to my call and started home care right away. I can't say enough good things about my experience with Always Best Care Senior Services' staff and owner.”

Edward C.
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TESTIMONIALS

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Tsholofelo M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”

Antoinette G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”

Mark A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”

Mark A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas at Always Best Care Senior Services. Mr. Thomas provides an authentic and professional guiding hand when discussing available services for your precious senior family members. When it is time for a beloved senior to receive assistance, Mr. Thomas understands the importance of providing trustworthy and quality support.”

Melissa C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and their families. He is a local senior care expert and leader in his community. If you are need of assistance in navigating your local senior care options, then do not hesitate to give Ken a call!”

Kelly B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his efforts and for going above and beyond.”

Chae S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to Always Best Care in Boerne.”

Laurie K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared for. He and his staff actually listen to what I would like done for my parents. Very thoughtful, very professional and very caring. It’s such a relief to have help in caring for my loved ones”

Kristen B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with Kenneth.”

Chae S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken Thomas. I certainly would recommend them for you or your loved ones excellent care.”

Shirley S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”

Jill &.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Liberty Hill, TX?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Liberty Hill, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Liberty Hill, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Liberty Hill, TX
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Liberty Hill, TX
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lions Foundation Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Liberty Hill, TX
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Bella Sera Liberty Hill or visit Fort Tumbleweed, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Liberty Hill, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Liberty Hill, TX

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Liberty Hill, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Liberty Hill, TX

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TX's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Liberty Hill, TX

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Liberty Hill, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Liberty Hill, TX

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Liberty Hill, TX

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Casa Esperanza
  • Over The Hill Gang LH TX
  • Riva Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care Center
  • Liberty Manor
  • Assisted Living- Where Do I Turn
  • Williamson County Community Resource Center
Home Care Liberty Hill, TX

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Liberty Hill, TX

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Liberty Hill, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Liberty Hill, TX

Latest News in Liberty Hill, TX

International Dark Sky Community

Hey Texas photographers, grab your tripods because it's time to chase the Milky Way.This summer, Liberty Hill made history by becoming Texas’s newest and the first in Williamson County. That means quality outdoor lighting, dark-sky-friendly policies, community-installed lighting retrofits, and grassroots advocacy all come together to protect the nightscape. It’s a proud win for Liberty Hill and a testament to what citizen action can achieve (libertyhilltx.gov).Founde...

Hey Texas photographers, grab your tripods because it's time to chase the Milky Way.

This summer, Liberty Hill made history by becoming Texas’s newest and the first in Williamson County. That means quality outdoor lighting, dark-sky-friendly policies, community-installed lighting retrofits, and grassroots advocacy all come together to protect the nightscape. It’s a proud win for Liberty Hill and a testament to what citizen action can achieve (libertyhilltx.gov).

Founded in the mid-1800s and nestled 33 miles northwest of Austin, Liberty Hill blends Hill Country charm with stunning night skies. Thanks to the Liberty Hill Save Our Stars team and a forward-thinking Outdoor Lighting Ordinance enacted in 2020, the city inventoried over 1,100 fixtures and is retrofitting municipal and Pedernales Electric Coop streetlights, all aiming for completion by August 2027 (libertyhilltx.gov).

As Donna Leonard, the founder of the volunteer group, declared:

“In Texas, the stars at night are supposed to be big and bright.”
Now Liberty Hill is ensuring that tradition lives on for generations to come.

The city’s Dark Sky Committee is already planning regional star party collaborations, lighting workshops, and educational events to keep the momentum going.

As of July 2025, there are 23 certified Dark Sky Places in Texas, listed by DarkSky International via DarkSky Texas (darkskytexas.org):

These destinations are perfect for astrophotographers:

From the silent hills of Big Bend to small towns like Liberty Hill, the dark-sky movement is about more than stargazing. It’s about environmental stewardship, community identity, energy savings, and preserving a natural legacy. The International Dark Sky Places program now spans over 230 locations worldwide, starting with Flagstaff, Arizona, in 2001.

With Liberty Hill’s new Dark Sky Community status, Texas now has 23 certified Dark Sky Places, including four gold-tier parks. Whether you're capturing star trails or shooting the Milky Way over Hill Country, these preserved night skies are your ultimate creative muse. Let’s keep them shining bright for generations to come.

Liberty Hill ISD’s accountability ratings hold steady for 2023-24, 2024-25 school years

Liberty Hill ISD maintained consistent ratings across the last two school years, according to the Texas Education Agency’s latest accountability ratings.The two-minute impactOn Aug. 15, the TEA released data for its A-F accountability ratings for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. The 2024 ratings were delayed for one year after 33 districts sued the TEA last August—down from over 100 in 2023. The 2025 ratings are being released on time, per state law.Liberty Hill ISD maintained B ratings ...

Liberty Hill ISD maintained consistent ratings across the last two school years, according to the Texas Education Agency’s latest accountability ratings.

The two-minute impact

On Aug. 15, the TEA released data for its A-F accountability ratings for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. The 2024 ratings were delayed for one year after 33 districts sued the TEA last August—down from over 100 in 2023. The 2025 ratings are being released on time, per state law.

Liberty Hill ISD maintained B ratings for both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 ratings, consistent with the rating the district earned for the 2022-23 school year. The ratings evaluate schools based on three main criteria:

Nearly every school in the district earned a B for overall performance for both school years. The two highest-performing campuses were Bar W Elementary, which earned a 93 for 2024-25, and Rancho Sienna Elementary, which earned a 90.

Diving deeper

The TEA's rating system has been held up in litigation over the last several years. The 2023-24 scores had been blocked after 33 school districts sued the TEA, claiming that the agency unfairly raised the bar for schools to earn a high rating and didn't provide ample notice for districts to prepare. A Texas judge ruled on July 3 that the TEA could release the ratings.

During an Aug. 14 press conference, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath defended the A-F system, saying it is "immensely fair" and "an accurate reflection of how well we have supported our students." He noted that 361 high-poverty campuses statewide received an A in 2025, up from 288 in 2024.

Districts and campuses that need to create turnaround plans in the face of state intervention will have "much of this year, this fall, and then early after the Christmas break to finalize their turnaround plans," Morath said. The most extreme type of state intervention comes after five consecutive years of "academically unacceptable" ratings of D or F. But turnaround plans can come quicker—Austin ISD submitted turnaround plans after two years of failing ratings, as previously reported.

Morath said "systemic" issues like what's happening in AISD are "a problem that doesn't just happen on its own."

Hannah Norton and Chloe Young contributed to this story.

Steve is the editor of the Cedar Park-Far Northwest Austin and Leander-Liberty Hill editions of Community Impact. Steve earned his journalism degree from Western Washington University, and moved to Austin in 2022. In his free time, Steve is an actor, writer, and podcast host, and lives in Austin with his fiancé and their three pets.

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'Every year it seems to get a little harder' | More than 120 new teachers begin at Liberty Hill ISD despite statewide recruitment struggles

With class back in session, Texas schools continue to encounter challenges trying to recruit teachers. Here's how Liberty Hill ISD is handling the situation.LIBERTY HILL, Texas — With the school year now in full swing at Liberty Hill ISD, about 120 new teachers are filling district halls. This year, the district is hosting its new teacher academy, where teachers can get familiar with technology and special programs."I would say in 1997 is when I first decided that I wanted to be a teacher," Liberty Hill ISD teac...

With class back in session, Texas schools continue to encounter challenges trying to recruit teachers. Here's how Liberty Hill ISD is handling the situation.

LIBERTY HILL, Texas — With the school year now in full swing at Liberty Hill ISD, about 120 new teachers are filling district halls. This year, the district is hosting its new teacher academy, where teachers can get familiar with technology and special programs.

"I would say in 1997 is when I first decided that I wanted to be a teacher," Liberty Hill ISD teacher Michelle Calabresi said.

Calabresi worked as a paraprofessional for five years at Liberty Hill ISD before becoming a teacher. She earned her degree in 2024 and helps students in the special education department who struggle in the classroom.

"Whether it's through using a picture, using sign language, or just using their own voice to say, 'Hey, I'm not OK, and I need a little extra help, or I need some time.' That's what I'm hoping to be able to do to help these kids," Calabresi said.

Interim Superintendent Travis Motal welcomes the new and fresh energy, especially as some Texas teachers quit their jobs.

"Every year, it seems to get a little harder and that there are less and less people going into the teaching profession," Motal said.

While Motal feels positive about the recruiting done in Liberty Hill ISD, August Plock – an 11th grade teacher at Pflugerville High School – said his big concern for Texas schools is hiring certified teachers with experience.

"Most of your teachers are coming into the profession are nontraditional teachers. So, either they're changing careers or they've gone through an alternative certification program," Plock said.

Plock worries about what will happen when a good portion of state teachers – including himself – retire.

"Are we preparing in the next five years to replace one third of the teachers in the state of Texas? And I would say no, we are not prepared for this and it's going to create confusion, more chaos," Plock said.

As Plock hopes to see more teachers enter and stay in the profession, Calabresi agrees that it's still a calling worth pursuing.

"I have a big heart, and I have a heart for it. And I'm all about loving the kids and giving them their voice and helping them be successful no matter what they do," Calabresi said.

The district returned to the classroom on Aug. 12, starting the new school year with a hybrid four-day schedule.

Texas high school football: With Austin roots, David Seaborn takes over Liberty Hill

LIBERTY HILL — When going on a shark fishing expedition comes in at No. 2 on the most compelling things in David Seaborn’s life the last three months, you know he’s had an interesting summer.In late May, Seaborn was named the head football coach at Liberty Hill following a three-week whirlwind after Kent Walker surprisingly resigned to take over as athletic director and head coach at Blanco. Instead of preparing for another season as a Panthers assistant head coach and running the defense, Seaborn found himself as a ...

LIBERTY HILL — When going on a shark fishing expedition comes in at No. 2 on the most compelling things in David Seaborn’s life the last three months, you know he’s had an interesting summer.

In late May, Seaborn was named the head football coach at Liberty Hill following a three-week whirlwind after Kent Walker surprisingly resigned to take over as athletic director and head coach at Blanco. Instead of preparing for another season as a Panthers assistant head coach and running the defense, Seaborn found himself as a head coach for the first time with barely more than three months before the season opener.

“I wasn’t out looking for a head coaching job last offseason, so I was kind of blindsided a bit (going through the process in May),” Seaborn said. “But it’s always been a goal for me, and it was in the good Lord’s timing when it happened.”

Always on track to coach

Coaching is in Seaborn’s blood.

Literally.

The son of the former Travis and LBJ coach by the same name, Seaborn went to every game his dad was on the sidelines for growing up. When he entered high school, Seaborn played for his father for two years with the Rebels, then followed him to LBJ when his dad took over the Jaguars prior to his junior year in 1998.

So, when he finished college, which included a stint playing at Texas Southern, there was no doubt the career path he would take. He spent time on the coaching staffs at Travis, Vista Ridge and Jarrell before joining Liberty Hill prior to the 2020 season.

Now, at 43, he’s leading his own program and coaching his own son, DJ — a running back and defensive back for the Panthers — and he’s the beneficiary of having had a lifelong role model in the same position.

“Having a dad as a coach affects me as a coach in a positive way,” David Seaborn said. “Part of the things that he instilled in us on a daily basis is just making sure you treat people right and that you’re living your life the correct way. … I’m now in a position where I can instill that in people I’m in charge of from the coaching staff to the players.”

One thing David Seaborn hasn’t had the benefit of, though, is time.

Most new coaches take over their programs in January or early February and have a full offseason and spring football to make the transition a smooth one. It was nearly June when Seaborn became Liberty Hill’s head coach. Since then, he's leaned on the head coaches he’s worked with for guidance. Aside from his father, he picked the brains of Vandegrift’s Drew Sanders, Vista Ridge’s Chad Scott and Travis’ Joe Frank Martinez.

“The first few weeks, I wanted to make sure things were being done right,” he said. “And when you haven’t been in a position a whole lot, you’re constantly asking yourself, ‘Are these things being done?’ or ‘Am I doing enough?’”

Liberty Hill isn’t rebuilding

Seaborn isn’t reinventing the wheel at Liberty Hill — the No. 5 team in the American-Statesman's annual countdown of the top 10 preseason teams in Central Texas — and he doesn’t need to. He’s taking over a program that has had one losing season since 2003 and only failed to reach double-digit wins four times in the same span. The program’s signature Slot-T offense isn’t going anywhere, and with seven starters back on offense, it should be as effective as ever.

“We have a tradition here of being super successful in the Slot-T,” he said. “Some of these kids have been running it since they were in little league football. And for a team to play us in a game week and try to replicate that in two or three days — that’s not something that can be done.”

The players, for their part, are glad David Seaborn is the one the Liberty Hill administration tabbed to lead the program.

Senior center Jett Harrison noted the team had a close relationship with Walker and the players were a little “shocked” when he left, especially considering the timing. But with Seaborn taking over, any fears of major structural changes in the program or adjusting to a new face and personality quickly subsided.

“We already had a chemistry with him, and he’s one of the coaches the players have loved the most these past couple of years,” said Harrison, who enters his second year of starting. “(Hiring him) was important to make this process smooth and keep our team rolling on the right track.”

Seaborn is putting his own stamp on the program, though. He brought in defensive coordinator Rick Molina from Manor and has added a few coaches he’s known from his past to the staff. And as someone who could pass for being a decade younger, he provides an enthusiasm the players feed off of.

“I think this program has more energy than it’s ever had,” Harrison said. “The players are all super-hyped for the year, and I think (Seaborn) has done nothing but exemplify that and make it better.”

Winning isn’t the only thing …

Seaborn makes it clear that winning is important to him. (Anything less likely wouldn’t be tolerated at Liberty Hill.) But it’s not everything, and it’s certainly not his top priority.

Taking the lessons from his father nearly three decades ago from the Travis and LBJ campuses, Seaborn is focused on making an impact on his players.

“One day football is going to end,” he said. “I think how I’m going to measure success by, is what these guys are doing in five or 10 years. You can win the state championship, but if you’re not molding kids into being great fathers and great husbands and stuff like that, then what have you really done?”

Football won’t end for Seaborn for a while. In fact, his career seems to be just revving up. But when it does end, he knows what he’ll be doing.

“If I could go shark fishing every weekend, I’d do that,” he said with a laugh. “That’s my happy place.”

Texas high school football: Liberty Hill comes in at No. 5 in our Austin-area poll

With Texas high school football around the corner, the American-Statesman is ranking the top 10 teams near Austin.In 2024, one area team was crowned a state champion. Could that number go up this season? The road to AT&T Stadium for the UIL title games starts later this month.The poll is derived from rankings by three local preps reporters and an editor.Our No. 10 team this season is Round Rock and No. 9 are the Dripping Springs Tigers. At No. 8 is Weiss, followed by No. 7 Georgetown, with Bastrop coming in at No. 6....

With Texas high school football around the corner, the American-Statesman is ranking the top 10 teams near Austin.

In 2024, one area team was crowned a state champion. Could that number go up this season? The road to AT&T Stadium for the UIL title games starts later this month.

The poll is derived from rankings by three local preps reporters and an editor.

Our No. 10 team this season is Round Rock and No. 9 are the Dripping Springs Tigers. At No. 8 is Weiss, followed by No. 7 Georgetown, with Bastrop coming in at No. 6.

Liberty Hill is the No. 5 team in our poll after getting a new coach in the offseason.

Here's more on the Panthers:

No. 5 Liberty Hill

Three things about the Panthers, who went 9-3 last year and lost to Brenham 30-27 in the area round of the Class 5A Division II playoffs:

Familiar new head coach

The Austin-area football landscape received some unexpected, eyebrow-raising news in early May when Kent Walker stepped down as Liberty Hill’s coach to assume the athletic director/head football coach role at Blanco. Liberty Hill quickly promoted assistant head coach David Seaborn to lead the Panthers, giving the 42-year-old LBJ graduate his first head coaching job. The continuity should benefit Liberty Hill, and with Seaborn having spent five years on staff, he knows the inner workings of the program. Don’t expect any kind of rebuilding or down year from the Panthers. Seven wins is the floor for this squad.

Slot-T not going anywhere

Seaborn, who was in charge of the defense last season, will continue to run the Slot-T offense the Panthers have become known for over the last 15 years. And with seven starters back on offense, Liberty Hill seems primed to produce its usual multiple 1,000-yard rushers. Quarterback Jack Pitchford and running backs Bryce Muchaw (1,250 yards, 13 TDs), Dylan Belinga and DJ Seaborn all have at least a year of varsity experience, while the offensive line returns Jett Harrison, Webb McWilliams and Daniel Simpson. The Panthers averaged 460 yards rushing last fall, and there’s no reason to think they won’t surpass that number this season.

Everyone knows about defensive tackle Alister Vallejo, the senior who's committed to Michigan and has nine Power Four offers, but the rest of the defensive line is more than just a supporting cast. Isaiah Cravens and Ethan McMillan will thrive with Vallejo taking up double teams. And with Hunter Sims and Logan Neal excelling in camp, the unit as a whole is “one of the best defensive lines the program has had in a while,” Seaborn said.

Key game: Nov. 7 vs. Bastrop

For the second straight year, this game should be for the District 11-5A Division II title. After a tough opener against Class 6A Cibolo Steele, the Panthers will be the favorite in every game. If they can get past a tough Pflugerville squad in mid-October, they’ll likely be 6-0 in district play entering this contest and have a chance at revenge following last year’s 35-31 loss.

While the defensive line will get the attention, the linebacker corps is almost as good. Kaden Cockburn, Spencer Ballew and Grey Hargrove lead a deep group that should be able to run free thanks to the potentially dominant front three. … DJ Seaborn and Sebastian Evans pace an experienced secondary. … Keep an eye on Cravens. Coach Seaborn spoke very highly of him, and — along with DJ Seaborn and Pitchford — he’s the rare player who will play both ways for the Panthers as he’ll be a tight end on offense. … If the Panthers defeat the Knights in Week 1, that’s a sign they could make a playoff run into December. … Rick Molina is the new defensive coordinator after joining the staff from Manor.

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