Blend
Blend Overview & Process
OVERVIEW
During the Nov. 11 Board Budget Workshop, trustees directed the administration to explore several cost-saving measures, including closing Valley View and consolidating it with Barton Creek Elementary, as well as eliminating Professional Learning Community (PLC) periods for teachers of grades 6-12. Since then, staff have conducted extensive research and shared detailed reports online to maintain transparency throughout the process.
At the Jan. 14 meeting, the Board voted to close Valley View Elementary and blend with Barton Creek Elementary. See full announcement.
ENROLLMENT
- District will not redraw attendance boundaries more than necessary to achieve the desired enrollment at Barton Creek Elementary.
- District will work to maintain an enrollment of fewer than 700 students and class sizes consistent with those at all other Eanes ISD elementary schools.
- VVE families will be offered opportunity to transfer to another campus, based on space availability.
- The Principal will review class sizes and determine grade placement in Learning Studios.
- CDC will remain at BCE and VVE.
- Average class size is not projected to increase.
- Moratorium on new out-of-district transfers to Barton Creek Elementary.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING
- Specials (art, music P.E.) capacity will increase, ensuring rotations/access remain consistent.
- Staff:student ratios for special programs will be equitable across elementary campuses.
- Daily instructional minutes will not change.
FACILITIES
- Considering capacities of art, music, cafeteria, gym, library and classrooms to adjusted enrollment.
- Determining special education space needs.
- Learning Studios will have water, air conditioning and restrooms.
- Will relocate the Child Development Center, maintaining proximity, convenience and ensuring a continued safe environment.
- Reviewing technology and infrastructure needs to ensure teachers have classroom resources they need.
- Planning for furniture and storage needs.
STAFFING
- Brandis Smoland has been named Principal of BCE; Erin Webb and Joelle Barnes will serve as Assistant Principals.
- District has surveyed BCE & VVE staff to learn preferred campus and is talking through available placements.
- May relocate some positions to other campuses but will not do a Reduction in Force.
- Goal is to achieve staffing efficiencies through natural attrition (retirements, resignations).
SAFETY
- Learning Studios (portables) will have secure perimeter fencing, door and fence access control and walkways, similar to other EISD campuses (CCE, EE, FTE and VVE).
- Will safely manage traffic on adjacent roads and within the campus to minimize delays and disruptions for parents, staff and local residents.
- Reviewing traffic study to determine adjustments to arrival, dismissal and event logistics, including analyzing Patterson Rd/Bee Cave intersection.
- Working with fire department to ensure accessibility to Learning Studios, campus.
OPERATIONS
- Bus routes determined by residential enrollment, but estimate only minor adjustments to routes.
- VVE bus routes will likely shorten.
- Determining optimal scheduling of lunches and cafeteria logistics.
- Evaluating if a third, mobile serving line is needed.
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Supporting Documents