EDUCATION
School stories to follow from Eanes, Lake Travis & Leander ISDs
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OTHER STORIES TO FOLLOW IN 2022
TOP STORIES TO WATCH IN 2022
Eanes ISD continues search for superintendent
Strategic plan in development for Lake Travis ISD LTISD is developing a strategic plan to guide decisions in the next three to ve years. The plan will focus on ve categories developed from community feedback. LTISD will convene committees in the spring to develop actionable steps for short- and long- term goals, which will go before the board for approval. • one community: build a closely connected community • grow and innovate together: push for improvement • each belong: create a welcoming environment for all • provide best-in-class education: prepare students for life outside the classroom • prioritize wellness: meet mental and emotional needs The strategic plan will be organized into ve main pillars: PILLARS OF THE PLAN
BY GRACE DICKENS
FINDING A FIT Law and search rm Thompson & Horton LLP
EANES ISD Following Superintendent Tom Leonard’s announcement in October of plans to retire after this year, the district is continuing its search for a new leader for the 2022-23 school year. In late October, the board approved hiring law and search rm Thompson & Horton LLP to assist in the hiring process. In December, the rm conducted surveys and focus groups with parents, students, teachers and com- munity leaders to assess what characteristics and skills they want in a new leader and will present those ndings in January to guide the search. The district will host additional meetings to discuss the superintendent search in 2022, with the goal to have the new superintendent in place before the beginning of next school year. Leonard’s resignation follows 40 years of service in education. His term as superintendent in EISD began in 2014, and his contract expires 2023. With the overlap in employment contracts, Leonard said he intends to assist the new superintendent with easing into the role to ensure
conducted surveys and focus groups in December to gather community feedback on desired qualities in a superintendent. Findings will be formally presented to the board in January.
total community participants 72 pages of feedback 800+
focus groups 6
survey responses 1,100+
SOURCE: EANES ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
a successful transition. “When we reconvene in January, the discussion of the superintendent, the characteristics the community has identi ed will resume, and this process will begin in earnest,” board President John Havenstrite said during the Dec. 14 school board meeting.
SOURCE: LAKE TRAVIS ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Leander ISD hires rst chief of diversity, equity, inclusion DeWayne Street will be Leander ISD’s rst chief of diversity, equity and inclusion. The board of trustees approved Street’s hire Dec. 16. Street will begin Jan. 18 and lead the district’s rst diversity, equity and inclusion o ce. Street has worked as Round Rock ISD’s chief equity o cer since 2020 and previously for Goodwill
Lake Travis ISD anticipates calling November bond election in 2022
STUDENTGROWTH PROJECTIONS
A bond would help the district prepare for growth. As of August, 11,357 students were enrolled.
BY GRACE DICKENS
Travis High School. The bond could also fund new buses or technology as the district sees t. “Our next bond cycle will make sure we have great facilities and great resources for our students and sta ,” Norton said. The timeline for these bond projects would be set at a future date, but getting construction started on a new elementary school as soon as possible will be critical, Norton said.
LAKE TRAVIS ISD Preparations for a bond election in November will be underway in LTISD through- out 2022, Superintendent Paul Norton said. In the coming months Norton will assemble a bond advisory task force to develop a package that addresses the district’s need for space. This includes two new elementary schools and a way to alleviate overcrowding at Lake
20,000
Industries of Central Texas and Equus Workforce Solutions. In a statement, he said he is looking forward to learning from all stakeholders.
15,000
10,000
5,000 0
DeWayne Street
SOURCE: POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Friends of the Lake Travis Community Library Bookstore Shop for hardback and paperback books for all ages, audiobooks, DVDs, and more in our used bookstore! 1938 Lohmans Crossing Austin, Texas 78734 (512) 263-2885 www.LakeTravisLibrary.org Present this coupon to receive one free item! Expires 1.31.22
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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION • JANUARY 2022
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