Superintendent's Report

Students and staff have been in schools for more than a month now, and I have to tell you, it has been wonderful to see. Is it perfect? No. But we have established just a slice of a return to normal, albeit with face coverings, hand sanitizer and as much social distancing as possible. Our kids are resilient and yes, respectful rule-followers. We are all doing the best we can to make it work and I could not be more proud.

 

I hope you were able to attend one of our virtual State of the District presentations. The presentation includes highlights and challenges, as well as information on the Penny Swap/Prop A election. While we will offer a standalone presentation on the Penny Swap October 15, we have posted the SOD presentations online if you were not able to join.

 

In September, the Board discussed the R2R Plan and the district's enrollment trends, received a 2019 Bond update and reviewed information on the Penny Swap election.

 

See a synopsis of the September meetings below. Full Board agenda packets are online.

R2R and the 2020-21 School Year

At the September 22 board meeting, Trustees received a report on current enrollment for in-person and remote learning. The first quarter showed 52% in-person and 48% remote. Second quarter preliminary results were shown at the October 6 meeting, which showed 60% in-person and 40% remote. A final report for the October 19 second nine weeks will be presented at the October 20 board meeting.

 

View enrollment as of Sept. 22.

Bond Projects Update

The Board received an update on 2019 Bond projects. The District began more than 50 projects over the summer of 2020, totaling $35 million. Of note, construction began on the Aquatics Center, Wrestling Facility and Robotics expansion. Also, 20 propane replacement buses with seat belts were procured and the secured vestibule in the Westlake High School Chap Court was completed.

 

See update online.

Penny Swap/Prop A Update

The Board reviewed information on the proposed Penny Swap/Prop A referendum that would authorize Eanes ISD to move two pennies from the district’s debt budget (interest and sinking) to the operating (maintenance and operations) budget. The swap would keep an estimated $3.3 million of local tax revenue in the community that would not be subject to recapture.

 

See presentation online.

See Penny Swap video.