Blend

As we continue with discussions, presentations and updated information, we encourage you to check back for the latest details and FAQs.

The blending and changing of two campuses is a difficult and emotional process. Sadly, Eanes ISD is forced to make difficult decisions due to declining enrollment and a lack of state funding for public education. If approved by the Board of Trustees, we ask our entire EISD community to rally and support our school district and show how special and supportive we can all be.

Overview and Process

PREPARATION AND PLANNING
The Blend Committee (group of administrators, teachers and parent representatives) is meeting to oversee the blending process, review logistical aspects, set timelines and outcomes.

STANDARDS
All will work to ensure children are safe, staff have positions and educational experience is not altered or diminished. We will listen to concerns and adjust plans accordingly, based on what is best for students and staff.

The Blend Committee and campuses will work to identify efficiencies and opportunities to maximize resources, expand activities and improve student/staff experience.

ENGAGEMENT
The District & Blend Committee will host community meetings to share information and hear questions, concerns and suggestions, with updates shared online and via ParentSquare. Coming soon:

Enrollment presentation at EISD Board meeting, Nov. 19, 7pm
Community meetings
- Dec. 3, 10am, Austin Ridge, Building D (See Building Map), 9300 Bee Caves Rd., Austin, TX 78733
- Dec. 9, 10am, Laura Bush Library, 9411 Bee Caves Rd., Austin, TX 78733
- Dec. 11, 6pm, Barton Creek Elementary, 1314 Patterson Rd., Austin, TX 78733
Budget discussion at EISD Board meeting, Dec. 10, 7pm

CULTURE BLENDING
District, Blend Committee and campuses will work on transition to one school, one community culture.

TRANSITION SUPPORT
All will work to provide resources, emotional support and reassurance leading to August kickoff. Will pair students and staff to encourage friendships and professional relationships, building rapport across communities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The new campus will likely feel full, but we will work to rethink spaces and schedule events to accommodate grade levels. Learning Studios (portables) may be in place 3-5 years while the Long-Range Facility Planning Committee determines the plan for BCE and other campuses.

We are committed to providing a safety net for children adjusting to a new school environment, with resources for parents to support their children through the change.

We are committed to ensuring our staff and families are supported and feel valued.

Blend Community Meetings - New Date & Location

Considerations

BUDGET
The Eanes ISD Board of Trustees and District administration are looking at ways to address a projected $6.3 million funding shortfall for 2025-26 while keeping the welfare of our students, staff and families at the forefront. Discussions about the budget will take place in open board meetings and community meetings to be announced soon. The Board held a a special meeting dedicated to the budget discussion Nov. 11.

After the Nov. 11 Board Budget Workshop, the Board directed the administration to further research, among other things:

blending Barton Creek Elementary and Valley View Elementary;
implementing a naming rights program to generate revenue;
eliminating Professional Learning Community periods (grades 6-12).

ENROLLMENT

Redrawing boundaries does not address immediate issues and is not an option at this time. The Long-Range Facility Planning Committee will ultimately determine the plan for BCE and other campuses.
All current VVE resident and transfer students can fit safely into BCE with minor adjustments and the addition of six Learning Studios (12 classrooms), exploring alternative locations to preserve playfield, if possible.
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.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING

Current planning includes Spanish Immersion.
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.
If Learning Studios are located on the main playfield, determining relocation or alternate play spaces.
If CDC moves to Learning Studios, considering relocation of their playground.
Reviewing technology and infrastructure needs to ensure teachers have classroom resources they need.
Planning for furniture and storage needs.

STAFFING

Principal and Assistant Principal(s) will be determined.
District will survey BCE & VVE staff to learn preferred campus.
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).
Conducting 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.