Superintendent's Report

For months, Eanes ISD has been working on a safe and sustainable solution to phase in the return of students to in-person learning. Following the Ready to Re-Engage (R2R) plan, the Board and administration continue to discuss possible plans to accelerate the phases of return and increase the number of students who want in-person learning. 

 

In August, the Board held four meetings to plan and discuss the R2R Plan and the district's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion actions, among other topics. The Board also called for a Penny Swap election for the November ballot. 

 

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

R2R and the 2020-21 School Year

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our schools, community and world. For months, Eanes ISD has been working on a safe and sustainable solution to phase in the return of students to in-person learning. During the Aug. 25 meeting, the Board discussed accelerating the phases of return to increase the number of students who want in-person learning. The discussion and possible action will continue at the Sept. 8 meeting.

 

See Aug. 25 presentation online.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Work

The Eanes ISD Board approved Dr. Mark Gooden as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) consultant for the 2020-21 school year. In a presentation entitled, “Building a Community of Trust Through Developing Racial Awareness,” the Eanes ISD administrative team explained how Dr. Gooden will lead the process to enhance community, staff and student racial awareness and to cultivate an environment of understanding unique similarities and differences. During two August board meetings, Trustees heard reports on the DEI work completed over the summer, including discussing recommendations for procedures around forming a DEI Advisory Committee. The application opens Sept. 1 and will be linked on the District's website.

 

See background and application on DEI website.

Board Calls Penny Swap Election

The Eanes ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to add to the November 3, 2020 election ballot a provision 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.

Approval by voters would move two cents from the I&S tax rate to the M&O rate, resulting in no change in a homeowner's overall tax rate. The swap would keep an estimated $3.3 million of local tax revenue in the community that would not be subject to recapture.

 

See Board resolution and presentation online (sections VII and VIII)

See Penny Swap flier.

Trustee Election November 3

After the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the May Trustee election, the Board approved the new election date of Nov. 3. Three board positions will be up for election in November. Candidates are listed below:

Place 1 -- Kim McMath and John Troy

Place 2 -- Laura Clark

Place 3 – John Havenstrite

 

Early voting runs Oct. 13 through Oct. 30. Early voting locations, mobile sites, and times during the period for early voting by personal appearance will be determined by Travis County.