Lake Travis - Westlake Edition | June 2025

Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & GRACE DICKENS

EISD Superintendent Je Arnett announces retirement Eanes ISD ocials announced in a news release June 16 that current Superintendent Je Arnett will retire next month. The details Per the release, Arnett’s retirement will be eective July 31. “Although the board graciously extended my contract, I believe this is the right time for fresh ideas and new energy to lead the district forward.”

Leander ISD considers combining certain elementary schools Leander ISD is considering ways to opti- mize elementary facilities below 60% capacity following recommendations shared by district ocials May 29. The big picture Path 1: This would net $4.1 million in savings by consolidating Faubion Elementary to Westside Elementary, Cypress Elementary to Naumann Elementary, and Steiner Ranch Elementary to Laura W. Bush Elementary and River Ridge Elementary. Path 2: This would net $1.7 million in sav- ings by updating the model for the number of non-teacher sta at low-enrolled elementary campuses. Path 3: This would net $3.5 million in savings and implement actions from Paths 1 and 2. The board is slated to receive further updates in June, August, September, January and February.

Null approved as LTISD superintendent The board of trustees formally approved Curtis Null as the new superintendent of Lake Travis ISD at a May 22 special meeting. Diving in deeper Null has served as the superintendent of Conroe ISD since 2018, and brings 23 years of experience to the table from his time as a deputy and assistant superintendent, principal and assistant principal, teacher, and athletic trainer. “I look forward to the chance to get to meet everyone,” Null said. “... I know that we’ll have opportunities to visit along the way, and I really look forward to those opportunities—and I just cherish this moment.” Null began his tenure at LTISD on June 2. Arnett began serving as deputy superintendent in EISD in 2016 before becoming superintendent in January 2022. Throughout his tenure, Arnett served on the Envision Eanes committee and Long-Range Facility Planning Committee, and led the District Leadership Team. The 2023 bond was also passed in Arnett’s time as superintendent, including three propositions total- ing $131.4 million for district-wide improvements, according to EISD’s website. Prior to his role in Eanes, he served as a teacher and in communications and community relation roles in schools across the Midwest, as well as a role at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, where he will be returning. What they’re saying “Leaving Eanes ISD after nine wonderful years is an emotional decision,” Arnett said in the release.

JEFF ARNETT, EISD SUPERINTENDENT

EISD board considers districtwide renovations Eanes ISD ocials are considering districtwide reconstruction and modernization projects to bring its elementary, middle and high school campuses up to standard. EISD’s Long-Range Facility Planning Committee co-Chairs Holly Noel and Craig Boyle presented the committee’s recommendations to the board of trustees during the May 20 board meeting. The recommendations could later go to the district’s bond advisory committee, who would package one or more bonds to complete the projects. The current recommended timeline outlines at least a seven-year process to complete the projects The details The committee is recommending EISD move to a four-elementary model and repurpose Eanes Elementary as a central hub for the district’s “It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve this exceptional community.” Looking ahead The board of trustees will hold a special meeting June 17, after press time, to begin the process of identifying the next superintendent. “Dr. Arnett’s service has been marked by integrity, vision and collaboration,” board president Kim McMath said in the news release. “His thoughtful leadership has positioned the district for continued success while navigating both challenges and opportunities. On behalf of the [board] and the entire Eanes community, we thank him for his dedication and wish him the very best.”

Discussion timeline 2024

January: Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee convenes, subcommittees formed

2025

April: Subcommittees present recommendations May 5: Recommendations nalized by LRFPC May 20: Recommendations presented to school board September: Potential bond packaging begins

SOURCE: EANES ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

early childhood programs, resulting in rezoning students to other elementaries. Recommendations for both middle schools include new 450-seat auditoriums, new com- petition and auxiliary gyms, enhanced Special Education areas and expanded administrative areas, and larger cafeterias with outdoor spaces. Some of the Westlake High School recommen- dations also present revenue-generating oppor- tunities such as the addition of three parking garages.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM