GENERAL
What was the announcement on April 7?
Eanes Independent School District issued two formal notices to terminate its contracts with Mr. Jeff Buch, operator and partner of both the Westlake Athletic Center (WAC), LLC, and WAQUA, LLC. Read full announcement with termination notices.
Why did these terminations need to happen now? Would the District consider delaying them?
Immediate action allows the District to terminate the contracts without incurring additional financial obligations. Waiting would delay essential improvements, while watching the continued devaluation of the District’s and the community’s investment in both facilities.
After the current contracts end, will the community still be able to use WAQUA and WACC?
The District will explore new arrangements to maintain community access, if possible, once the current agreements terminate.
Will Westlake High School athletic, kinesthetic, performing arts and instructional programs be prohibited from using the facilities?
No. These programs will continue to have access to the facilities. In fact, the goal is to augment their access during the school year, which has been increasingly limited. Even the WACC contract agreed to by the management company allows for termination to provide for alternative educational needs.
Is the District trying to take these facilities away from families and community members?
No. The District will explore new arrangements to maintain community access, if possible, once the current agreements terminate.
When were the contracts with the management companies signed? Who approved them?
The original agreements for both WACC and WAQUA are available online.
When will the community know the future plans for the WACC and WAQUA?More information is expected before the end of the school year. The District is actively evaluating options and will share updates as plans develop.
WAQUA
Why did the district choose to terminate the management contract for WAQUA?
The current management company has failed to maintain the facility according to health and safety standards and has failed to reach quality management expectations. Terminating the agreement allows the District to protect its investment and begin restoring the aquatic center to its intended potential.
Will WAQUA memberships be honored by the next management company?That will depend on the structure of a new arrangement. For now, questions about membership should be directed to the current management company, as those agreements existed between the management company and individuals.
Are WAQUA members entitled to a refund of their financial investments and dues?
We expect the current management company to fulfill its contractual responsibilities and continue operating the facilities accordingly until the termination date. For any questions regarding membership benefits or payments made under individual agreements, please contact the management company directly, as those records are maintained independent of and without oversight of the school district.
Will WAQUA shut down after Aug. 1, 2025, for maintenance? If so, how long?
Some period of transition or maintenance may be necessary to make necessary repairs and to address management needs, but details and timelines are still being determined.
What are the District’s plans for WOW swimmers, master swimmers and pool members?
The District is considering continued access for private teams and community users as part of the transition process. More information will be shared as plans evolve.
How will WAQUA operating costs be covered after the contract ends?
Funding models are being evaluated. The District is committed to responsible stewardship of the facility and will ensure sustainable operations.
Is the WAQUA termination a strategy to improve management, not shut it down?
Yes. The District’s goal is to ensure better management that aligns with safety standards and educational priorities while still providing some community access - not to close the facility.
WACC
Why does the District need to take responsibility for the WACC?
Westlake High School’s access to the WACC has been increasingly constrained due to scheduling and facility conditions. Reclaiming the space enables the school to repurpose the facility for innovative academic use and to prioritize evolving student needs.
With declining enrollment, isn’t there enough space on campus for new academic programs without taking over the WACC?
Declining enrollment is not the driver behind this decision. The goal is to expand academic opportunities for our students, and the WACC offers a unique space that can be adapted for innovative programming benefiting the broader student body.
Is it true that WACC will become a “Health and Human Sciences” building?
The District is exploring a new purpose for the WACC to address alternative academic needs, but final plans - including any specific program names or areas of focus - have not yet been decided.
Is a new athletics facility planned to replace the WACC? Will it be open to club teams?
Evolving plans do not entail building a new facility. The focus is, instead, on evaluating how best to meet both academic and athletic needs going forward, most likely making better use of existing school district gymnasium facilities and fields to serve the community.
If WACC becomes more academic oriented, where will WHS students practice?
The District is committed to ensuring WHS students have the necessary facilities for training and competition. Repurposing the facility will incorporate athletic/co-curricular needs as well.
If WACC is repurposed, will WHS sports teams and student organizations still use it?
Yes. Access for WHS programs will continue. The District is exploring a new purpose for the WACC to address academic needs. While final plans have not yet been decided, we do know the final plans will have an academic element and will also maintain some athletic and co-curricular needs.
Will the WACC still be available to community groups for organized activities?
The District will explore new arrangements to maintain community access, if possible, once the current agreements terminate.
What is the financial impact of ending the WACC contract?
Terminating now allows the District to avoid additional financial obligations to the management company. Exact savings will depend on the transition plan adopted.
What are the projected annual operating and maintenance costs after repurposing the WACC?
That analysis is underway. Operating costs will depend on the final scope of repurposing and facility use. Funding may include existing capital project funds or other approved financial resources and rentals. Long-term sustainability is a key planning consideration.