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Lake Travis Westlake Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 8 SEPT. 20 OCT. 22, 2025
2025 Voter Guide
2025 Education Edition
Districts face decisions as school year begins
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & GRACE DICKENS
Eanes ISD Page 25 Find out more about the district’s superintendent search and plans for facility discussions Page 27 See what bond projects are in the works as LTISD welcomes its new superintendent Lake Travis ISD Leander ISD Page 29 Read more about local schools that could be at risk of closure due to a $20.2 million budget shortfall
Students enter Lake Travis High School on Aug. 13. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)
Nationally recognized. Loved by
We’re proud to be recognized among the nation’s best for heart and spine care. But what means even more is seeing Texans like you become their very best. That’s the recognition we work for. And it’s what drives us to keep raising the bar for healthcare in Lakeway.
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. Not all hospitals recognized in all specialties. See USNews.com/BestHospitals for complete listings. ©2025 Baylor Scott & White Health. 99-AUS-1498904 BB
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
At Grossman & Jones, we believe strong communities are built on strong relationships.
That’s why we proudly support organizations and events that help our neighborhoods thrive— like the Lake Travis Education Foundation’s upcoming Turkey Trot, which funds teacher grants and student scholarships in Lake Travis ISD.
START A FAMILY TRADITION AT THE TROT
Don’t miss the annual Hill Country Turkey Trot hosted by The Hills Country Club. The 5K and 1-mile Puffin’ for Stuffin’ starts at 8 AM. This community event raises vital funds for Lake Travis schools!
Join the fun Thanksgiving Day November 27
TODD GROSSMAN AND MICHELLE JONES
GROSSMAN & JONES GROUP
512.470.3173
LUXEHOMESAUSTIN.COM
Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
Choosing health coverage doesn’t have to be complicated. With Moda Health, our Individual and Family plans are built to make life healthier, easier and more affordable
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
About Community Impact
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
Market leaders & metro team
Reporters Brittany Anderson
Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia
Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Karoline Pfeil Sam Scha er Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst
Taylor Stover General Manager tstover@ communityimpact.com
Shannon West Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia
Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Austin Market President Travis Baker
Grace Dickens Editor gdickens@ communityimpact.com
Jacqueline Harris Account Executive jharris@ communityimpact.com
Contact us
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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION
2769
Impacts
appropriate play, according to the business’s website. • Opened July 23 • 2951 S. RM 620, Austin • www.empowerkidzdropin.com 5 Transform Austin Med Spa Led by Medical Director Dr. John Thoppil, the med spa o ers a variety of medical aesthetic treatments and personalized wellness services. These include chemical peels, micro-needling, acne therapy, laser treatments, and facial and neck contouring. • Opened Sept. 4 • 11404 RM 2222, Austin • www.transformaustinmedspa.com 6 Peaches Co ee Co-owned by Molly Ga ney, the business o ers a range of co ee drinks and small bites, including breakfast tacos and gluten free pastries provided by Maaribu. • Opened Aug. 13 • 16614 Hamilton Pool Road, Bldg. 3, Austin • www.peachescoffee.com 7 goGlow The business opened its rst Central Texas location in Westlake. Owned by Ramya Kumaraswamy and Kunal Vanjara, the location o ers custom airbrush spray tans inside of walk-in booths. • Opened Aug. 26 • 3600 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Bldg. A, Ste. 204, Austin • www.goglow.co/austin-westlake 8 Hawaii Fluid Art The art studio o ers art classes for adults and children alike, with instruction on uid art, glass painting and resin art. The studio is located in the Hill Country Galleria, next to Panera Bread. • Opened June 21 • 12901 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. D1-102, Bee Cave • www.hawaiifluidart.com/bee-cave-tx 9 O ce Relief Owned locally by Brian Vest and Eric Johnson, the business in the Cherry Peak O ce Park will provide o ce furniture such as chairs, sit-stand workstations and desktop accessories to businesses and individuals.
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LAKE TRAVIS
5
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620
HAZY HILLS DR.
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Lakeway
ODELL FAIRWAY TRL.
12
LOHMANS SPUR RD.
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EMMA LONG PARK
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71
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COMMONS FORD RANCH
N. CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.
WILD CHERRY DR.
620
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360
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West Lake Hills
Bee Cave
BARTON CREEK HABITAT PRESERVE
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MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
• Opened Aug. 12 • 16614 Hamilton Pool Road, Ste. 302, Austin • www.bonireyogastudio.com
Now open
MOPAC
1 Farmand’s Family Kitchen The new restaurant o ers a family-friendly dining experience featuring salads, burgers and sandwiches as well as cocktails, beer and wine. A patio and outdoor playground are also available. • Opened Aug. 30 • 5145 N. RM 620, Bldg. C, Austin • www.farmandskitchen.com 2 Bon re Yoga The studio provides instruction in power vinyasa classes—a fast-paced yoga style aimed at increasing strength through challenging workouts, owner Bonnie Palmer said. The studio o ers a variety of classes for all levels of experience.
3 Highway 71 Brewing The new brewery, owned by Kevin and Staci Caputo and Les and Shannon Butler, o ers craft beers, handcrafted mocktails and nitro brew co ee. The new location also includes indoor pickleball and golf simulators. • Opened Sept. 6 • 22111 Hwy. 71, Bldg. 601, Spicewood • www.hwy71brewing.com 4 Empower Kidz Drop-in The child care center is open to children from 6 weeks to 10 years of age, and o ers hourly drop-in care with activities, crafts and separate spaces for age- 71
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
• Opened Sept. 8 • 3502 Wild Cherry Drive, Bldg. 2, Lakeway • www.oficerelief.com
In the news
Bee Cave Basket Co The business based in the Bee Cave area o ers curated gift baskets for various occasions, such as new baby celebrations, housewarmings, holidays and more. Owned by Mallory Buxie, pickup and delivery is available in Bee Cave, Lakeway, Westlake, Spicewood and Dripping Springs. • Opened Sept. 4 • www.beecavebasketco.com
Coming soon
10 Musicologie Owned by Je and Kelli Franco, the new music studio will o er four comprehensive music lesson programs for all ages and abilities.
• Opening November-December • 3502 Wild Cherry Drive, Austin • https://go.musicologie.com/lakeway
Community Impact Community Impact celebrates 20 years as a company in September. Founded in P ugerville, owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst Community Impact newspaper in the Round Rock-P ugerville market in September 2005 with a cover story about the rst toll roads in the Austin area. Today, the company has more
14 Texas Regional Bank The Texas bank celebrated its 15th year in business in May. • 3944 S. RM 620, Bldg. 4, Bee Cave • www.trb.bank PEP Westlake High School graduates Connor, Kyle and Luke Beasley launched a new energy drink named PEP with all-natural ingredients, vitamins and added probiotics. The business is expanding into brick-and-mortar shops like F45 in Westlake, and purchases can also be made online. • Launched July 4 • www.drinkpep.com than 200 employees supporting 40 hyperlocal editions in Texas, printing and distributing more than 2.5 million newspapers a month. Community Impact has a strong print and digital presence, including a daily email newsletter, to serve readers with free news and help local businesses thrive. • www.communityimpact.com
What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
11 Peace Family Housing Peace Lutheran Church is partnering with Foundation for the Homeless, HomeAid Austin and more to provide transitional housing for families in the Austin area. The project is expected to begin construction Sept. 1 and conclude in April 2026. Project partners hope to house around 16-36 families per year. • 10605 N. RM 620, Austin • www.peaceaustin.org/housing
showroom with private demos and consultations. • Opened Aug. 21 • 12820 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. E-116, Bee Cave • www.soundsanctuaryaustin.com
In the news
Relocations
13 512Financial The Westlake-based business services rm announced its acquisition of HireBetter, a company recruiting rm, Sept. 9. • Announced Sept. 9 • 8012 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 100, Austin • www.512inancial.com
12 Sound Sanctuary Austin Locally owned by West Lake Hills resident Glenn Mierendorf, the business curates and installs high- delity audio systems, such as speakers, ampli ers, turntables and streamers. Following the relocation from North Austin, the Hill Country Galleria site o ers a
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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION
Government
BY KAROLINE PFEIL
New Lakeway Activity Center playscape to open soon The Lakeway Activity Center will soon feature a new playscape, with additional support for the project provided by a $50,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Lakeway/Lake Travis in August. The overview The playscape is part of improvements . LOHMANS CROSSING RD. CROSS CREEK
Bee Cave appoints interim police chief Following Bee Cave Police Chief Brian Jones’ announcement of retirement, city officials appointed BCPD Lt. Bill Pitmon as interim chief of police, effective Sept. 13. The overview Pitmon currently serves as the patrol commander for the Bee Cave Police Depart- ment, leading daily patrol operations and supervising frontline officers. “I am both grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve the city of Bee Cave and the men and women of the Bee Cave Police Department in this new capacity,” Pitmon said in a Sept. 10 news release. The timeline for hiring a permanent police chief was not provided by the city as of press time.
planned for the Lakeway Activity Center, one project listed in Lakeway’s 2024 Parks Bond, in which voters approved $22 million in funding for five city park projects. The total budget for the Activity Center is $508,771, according to a July 21 staff report. Site and drainage work for the center began in May, and installation of the new “all-inclusive play- ground” structure began in late June, according to city documents. The donation received Aug. 18 at the Lakeway City Council meeting from the Rotary Club will be used exclusively for initiatives benefiting the Lakeway Activity Center playscape, according to
N
city documents. What’s next?
The playscape is expected to be complete by the middle of September, Lakeway Communica- tions Director Jarrod Wise said. Sept. 27 is the city’s current tentative date for the park’s ribbon-cutting, Wise said.
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Election
BY GRACE DICKENS
Voter Guide
2025
obligation bonds for a new city library, related site development and related parking infrastructure, and the imposition of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds?
Sample ballot
Dates to know
Oct. 20: First day of early voting Oct. 24: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Oct. 31: Last day of early voting Nov. 4: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 5 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
City of Austin Proposition Q
City of Rollingwood Proposition A
Approving the ad valorem tax rate of $0.574017 per $100 valuation in the city of Austin for the fiscal year 2025-26 for the purpose of funding or expanding programs intended to increase housing affordability, improve parks, enhance public services and cover other budgeted expenses. Last year, the ad valorem tax rate in Austin was $0.4776 per $100 valuation.
The reauthorization of a local sales and use tax in the city of Rollingwood at the rate of one-fourth of one percent to continue to provide revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets.
Where to vote
City of West Lake Hills Proposition A
Travis County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.votetravis.gov for a full list of polling locations.
City of Bee Cave Proposition A
The reauthorization of the local sales and use tax in the city of West Lake Hills at the rate of one-half of one percent to continue to provide revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets.
Shall the city be allowed to construct a new public library located generally on 21.067 acres known locally as the Skaggs property for the purpose of providing library services to the public? Proposition B The issuance of $19.98 million in general
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
SOURCES: CITIES OF AUSTIN, BEE CAVE, ROLLINGWOOD & WEST LAKE HILLS/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
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8507 CHALK KNOLL DRIVE WOODS II | Golf course & views
All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.
8507 CHALK KNOLL DR 5 BED | 5.5 BATH | 6,603 SQFT | .81 ACRES 8507 CHALK KNOLL DR 5 BED | 5.5 BATH | 6,603 SQFT | .81 ACRES 5 BED | 5.5 BATH | 6,603 SQFT | .81 ACRES 8507 CHALK KNOLL DR 5 BED | 5.5 BATH | 6,603 SQFT | .81 ACRES
All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.
All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All asurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, counting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
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8507 CHALK KNOLL DR 5 BED | 5.5 BATH | 6,603 SQFT | .81 ACRES
Election
BY KAROLINE PFEIL
City officials in Bee Cave have announced that a new 18,500-square-foot library building will appear on the city’s Nov. 4 special election ballot for voter approval. The library, along with the recently approved public safety building, is one of several projects listed in the city’s 2021 Capital Improvement Plan. If approved, the new building will be constructed on a city-owned piece of property known as the Skaggs Tract, which is situated between Tordera Drive and Skaggs Drive next to HCI Sports & Fitness, and which will replace the library’s current location in City Hall. In accordance with Proposition G, passed by Bee Cave voters last November, the library must first be put to a public vote before construction can proceed. Bee Cave calls election for new $19.98M library
The details
Proposed features
The building was initially proposed to be constructed on the city’s Revival Tract but was later moved to the Skaggs property. Originally proposed as a two-story building, the library has now been reduced to one story, and square footage overall has decreased to 18,500, City Manager Julie Oakley said. Plans for the library also include a multipur- pose room located in the front of the library for community programming, Oakley said. If approved, Lake Flato Architects will handle the design of the building, and Hoar Construc- tion, who handled preconstruction work when the library was on the Revival property, will stay on board for the relocation to Skaggs, project manager Chelsea Maldonado with Turner & Townsend-Heery said.
18,500 square feet
1 story
80 parking spots
1 multipurpose room for community programming
Outdoor play space
SOURCE: LAKE FLATO ARCHITECTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
What to expect
Oakley said. “So we propose to allocate some of that sales tax surplus for these bonds as well— and we will probably need some additional ad valorem taxation at the time. We’re quite a ways out from what that will look like, but our goal is always to keep that to a minimum.” The estimated tax impact of the library bond would be $0.0148, according to city documents. This would equate to an increase in taxes on the average taxable value of a home of approximately $9.50 per month, or $114 per year.
In the special election, voters will also be asked to approve funding for the library. Proposition B on the ballot would authorize the issuance of $19.98 million in general obligation bonds for library funding, according to city documents. Approval of Proposition B would also authorize the city to levy a tax to pay for those bonds, Oakley said. “We are a very blessed city in that we operate every year on a substantial surplus of sales tax over our expenditures in the general fund,”
HCI Sports & Fitness
TORDERA DR.
Potential library location
SKAGGS DR.
71
N
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY KAROLINE PFEIL
West Lake Hills, Rollingwood to hold elections for sales tax
Funds spent on street maintenance
Both the cities of West Lake Hills and Rolling- wood, respectively, will ask their residents in the Nov. 4 election to vote on the reauthorization of a sales tax collection to be put toward city road maintenance and improvement. West Lake Hills At an Aug. 13 City Council meeting, officials in West Lake Hills called a special election on Nov. 4 for voter approval of a sales and use tax at the rate of one half of one percent, or 0.50%, to provide revenue for maintenance and repair of city streets. This tax was initially approved in 2021 at the same 0.50% rate. It will expire four years from the Nov. 4 election date unless the tax is reauthorized. Rollingwood In Rollingwood, the road tax up for a vote in the special election will reauthorize the city to collect a 0.25% local sales and use tax to provide revenue for maintenance and repair of city streets.
West Lake Hills
Rollingwood
$1,435,870*
$1.4M**
$656,731**
$0 $300K $600K $900K $1.2M $1.5M
$0 $140K $280K $420K $560K $700K
$494,311*
$300,595
$256,115
$428,095
$113,493
2022-23
2023-24 2024-25 2025-26
2022-23
2023-24 2024-25 2025-26
*PROJECTED **PROPOSED
SOURCES: CITIES OF ROLLINGWOOD, WEST LAKE HILLS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
The road tax was introduced in 2009 at the same 0.25% rate, and is subject to a public vote every four years, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . What’s next? The last day to register to vote for the Nov. 4
election is Oct. 6, according to the Texas Secretary of State. Early voting will begin Oct. 20 and end Oct. 31. More information on the upcoming election can be found on city websites for West Lake Hills and Rollingwood.
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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
Election
BY BEN THOMPSON
Austin leaders approved a budget for the upcoming fiscal year with a higher property tax increase that’ll require voter approval in a November election. City Council voted to adopt a $6.3 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 in a 10-1 vote Aug. 14, with council member Marc Duchen against. City Manager T.C. Broadnax proposed a balanced budget in July that closed a projected $30 million-plus shortfall. But most of the council agreed more money is needed going forward, and adopted an expanded spending plan backed by a larger tax hike—triggering the fall tax rate election, or TRE. “It is time for us to trust our voters,” Mayor Austin tax rate election called
What else?
Median annual tax bill
Austin voters will decide whether to fund a larger budget plan with a 20% tax rate increase this fall.
Austin won’t automatically revert to the base proposed budget if voters shoot down the tax increase this fall. Instead, city officials will reconsider the spending plan under a process set through a measure from council member Mike Siegel. If the November election fails, City Council will reconvene and could cut both base budget items and TRE-funded additions “as it determines necessary.” Siegel’s measure notes that affordable housing, emergency response, wildfire and flood preparedness, social services and homelessness response, and parks operations could be impacted after a failed TRE. The state capped annual tax revenue increases in 2020. Austin was among the first Texas cities to call a TRE under the new limit, and a nearly 9-cent tax increase for the Project Connect transit initiative passed with 58% approval in November 2020.
$3K
$2.9K
$2.5K
$2.6K
$2.4K
$2K
$0
2024-25 (current)
2025-26 (TRE approved)
2025-26 (TRE rejected)
NOTE: BASED ON A TAXABLE HOME VALUE OF $500,000
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Kirk Watson said. If passed, Austin’s tax rate will jump from $0.4776 to $0.574017 per $100 in property value—a more than 20% increase, or a $420 increase annually for residents with a median-valued home and standard utility use. If a TRE fails, the base FY 2025-26 budget would cost the typical homeowner about $220 more.
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Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD & KAROLINE PFEIL
Bee Creek Road updates on horizon Travis County is preparing for improve- ments to a section of Bee Creek Road between Highlands Boulevard and Lakehurst Road, per an Aug. 25 news release. Costing $16 million, the county project involves widening Bee Creek Road to three lanes to include a center turn lane, adding shoulders on both sides and a shared-use path on one side. Roadway design is expected to begin in early 2026.
RM 620 and Loop 360 projects
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1 Spicewood Springs Road intersection 2 Lakewood Drive intersection 3 Courtyard Drive intersections RM 620 project boundaries SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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$4B statewide road funding to nance local projects
investment falls under the more than $146 billion outlined for roads across the state. Main thoroughfares across the Austin area are expected to see funding from the state, including $249.3 million for RM 620 improvements from Hudson Bend Road to Hwy. 71 and $209.6 million for Loop 360 intersection improvements. The funding for both projects is expected to be given through scal years 2026-2029, according to TxDOT.
Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled a new 10-year transportation plan from the Texas Department of Transportation in August, outlining a nearly $4 billion investment in the Austin area. The impact The plan focuses on improving local roads and major congestion points to keep up with rapid population growth and an expanding economy. The
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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION
PAID ADVERTISEMENT STUDENTS BECOME BILINGUAL, BILITERATE WHILE GAINING PRIVATE SCHOOL EDUCATION When Eanes ISD cut its dual-language program, many families were left searching for options.
Camps For families who want to explore immersion without full enrollment, camps provide a perfect entry point. Summer camps are week-long sessions offered in June and July, combining fun activities with structured learning. The school also offers spring break camp and other seasonal programs. Giving back to the community For the owners, this expansion is about more than just academics; it’s about service. “We’ve been in Westlake for over 20 years. It’s been rewarding to give back to the community, and this community has been so welcoming,” Moreno said. “We really feel that it’s a privilege to be part of this community. Our children need to continue with their Spanish journey and ... we want to meet and fulfill the needs that they have.” That journey now has a new home. Kindergarten, first grade and after-school programs are held inside Westlake United Methodist Church, where the community has embraced the school with open arms. Whether through school, after-school programs or camps, your child can start their journey to becoming bilingual & biliterate.
classes to our parents, and we are planning on doing the same in the near future.” Ensuring that both language and culture are taught in the classroom, all teachers are required to be native Spanish speakers. They must also have at least a bachelor’s degree in the subject they teach. After-school programs The after-school program has more than doubled since the school’s expansion this August. “Our full Spanish immersion afterschool program is not just a babysitting program or childcare option,” Moreno said. “Included in the afterschool program, [students] have the option to register for a reading comprehension workshop and also a conversation workshop, both taught entirely in full Spanish immersion. All of this is included in the monthly tuition.”
For over 20 years, YPW Spanish Immersion School has been part of the Westlake community, known for its preschool and early childhood care. Now, owners Monica Moreno and Ramon Aguirre are expanding into elementary education with kindergarten, first grade and after-school programs, offering families a private school with the added benefit of full Spanish immersion. They plan to add one grade level per year through fifth grade. Curriculum A typical kindergarten day mirrors what families would expect in any private school: math, science, literature, outdoor recess and circle time. However, here, nearly everything is taught in Spanish. “The big difference is that ... our [school] will follow a 90/10% model of dual language, so 90% [of the content] is [taught in] Spanish and 10% [is taught in] English,” Moreno said. “For about 30 minutes of the day, [we speak] English to teach students [English] phonetics.” That ratio shifts slightly in first grade, with 85% Spanish and 15% English. By fifth grade, the goal is a 50/50% model. “[Our students] will be able to speak both languages and ... read and write in both languages,” Moreno said. Parents who don’t speak Spanish at home are also supported. “The books that we start reading in kindergarten and first grade are very easy to read,” Moreno said. “The way that we help our parents is by encouraging them to read those sim- ple books at home. ... In the past, we have offered Spanish
Visit www.ypwkids.com to learn more. New location: 1460 Redbud Trail, Austin
Families can register their children for one to five days a week, and transportation is provided from the following schools: Barton Creek Elementary, Forest Trail Elementary Cedar Creek Elementary, and Eanes Elementary. The program runs from school dismissal until 6 p.m.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Education Edition
2025
Readers, welcome to your annual CI Education Edition! As students head back to school, we’re taking a look at some of the top issues facing districts in the Lake Travis-Westlake area. For our lead story this month, Reporter Brittany Anderson and I took a deep dive into some of the issues facing Eanes, Lake Travis and Leander ISDs. In light of declining enrollment projections, all three districts are weighing options for existing and future facilities. In terms of regional updates, Reporter Anna Maness explored the expansion of an enhanced active shooter response training facility in San Marcos. Known as the Advanced Law Enforcement Response Training Center, the program has dozens of partnerships with various law enforcement agencies to provide active shooter training. Statewide, Reporter Hannah Norton outlined major changes both to school funding and several newly-passed education laws that will affect public school students. As always, we hope you find this special edition useful, and thank you for reading.
What's inside
Find out more about updates to a regional active shooter training facility (Page 17)
Grace Dickens Editor gdickens@ communityimpact.com
See how recent state changes will impact public school finance (Page 18)
Learn more about challenges in Eanes, Lake Travis and Leander ISDs (Pages 25, 27 and 29)
For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!
Eanes ISD renovates The Learning Center, administration building
What to expect
EISD’s administration building is moving down the street and is expected to be complete by mid-September, according to district officials. The $9.6 million project includes the purchase and renovation of the building, which was a commercial property. Funds from the 2019 and 2023 bonds paid for the renovations, officials said, while the building purchase was from “previous land sales” designated by the board in 2015 to be used for capital improvement projects. Along with a new board meeting room, the building will house the business services, communications, human resources, legal, rentals, superintendent office and teaching and learning departments. The building has also been updated to meet ADA-compliance standards in its parking lot and sidewalks, and will include an elevator, EISD officials said.
Eanes ISD’s alternative high school program and administrative departments are finding new homes, thanks to renovation projects funded by two of the district’s bonds. The Learning Center is EISD’s by-choice alternative schooling program for 11th and 12th grade Westlake High School students. The center was previously located in a building on the WHS campus, but renovated and moved into the now-former EISD administration building at the start of the 2025-26 school year. The $2.2 million renovation was funded by the 2023 bond and features eight subject- specific classrooms, a collaborative “maker space,” a community room and offices.
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Administration and board building (new location)
The Learning Center (previously administration and board building)
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According to district officials, the center’s former building will now house WHS’ health services program, which will be moved over winter break.
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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY ANNA MANESS
State lawmakers invest $25M to grow active shooter response training site
For over a decade, the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University in San Marcos has been the national standard for active shooter training. With $25 million in recent funding from the state Legislature, ALERRT o cials will enhance its training facility near the San Marcos Regional Airport, Director of External Relations James Keith said. According to Texas State’s 2025-2035 campus master plan, o cials propose consolidating ALERRT operations and training at a site near the airport. The project is proposed to begin construction this year and is expected to wrap up by 2035, according to the campus master plan.
“Our long-term goals are to provide classroom spaces out there [and] dormitory spaces,” Keith said. “We’re very fortunate and grateful to the Legislature who allocated that funding, and we’re hoping to see dirt move sometime this year.” ALERRT was created in 2002 as a partnership between Texas State, the San Marcos Police Department and the Hays County Sheri ’s O ce after a trooper was killed in the line of duty, Keith said. In 2013, the FBI declared ALERRT as the national standard for active shooter training. Now, the program has dozens of partnerships with various law enforcement agencies.
The ALERRT Training Range is a 73-acre property 7 miles east of Texas State’s San Marcos campus.
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How it works
Why it matters
A team of researchers who study active shooter situations help the program continuously improve, as they identify correlations or patterns between incidents to modify ALERRT’s training, Keith said. As the types of attacks have evolved beyond active shooters, Keith said the ALERRT program adjusts to those changes. “That’s really what makes ALERRT stand out from other organizations and programs that o er active shooter training,” Keith said. “Ours is research-based. It’s constantly evolving, and we’re always updating our curriculum to make sure that we’re staying ahead of the game.”
ALERRT is funded through a mixture of state and federal funding, but the majority of ALERRT’s funding comes from a Community Oriented Polic- ing Services program, Keith said. As ALERRT has grown, the program has also developed nancial partnerships in other states, he said. While it costs money to provide trainings, ALERRT doesn’t charge organizations. To help execute classes and continue research, o cials are constantly looking for grants and new funding sources to expand the number of courses the program provides, Keith said.
Through regional managers and more than 300 adjunct instructors, ALERRT training has been delivered across all 50 states in the U.S., Keith said. While it’s hard to quantify the number of people the courses have a ected, Keith estimated over 300,000 people have directly bene ted from the program. “That number continues to grow,” Keith said. “We’re putting on 3,000 classes ... every year.”
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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION
Education
Schools to see $8.4B funding boost
Zooming in
Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, who spon- sored HB 2 in the Senate, told Community Impact July 21 that lawmakers changed “the budget architecture for how public schools are funded going forward.” HB 2 provides permanent raises for teachers with at least three years of classroom experience, with larger raises for teachers in small districts. In districts with 5,000 students or less, teach- ers with three to four years of experience will receive a $4,000 raise, while those with at least five years of experience will receive an $8,000 boost. In districts with over 5,000 students, educators with three to four years of experience will get a $2,500 raise, and more experienced teachers will earn a $5,000 raise. “For the first time in Texas history, that pay raise will continue beyond this biennium,” Creighton said in May, noting that lawmakers previously gave educators one-time “bonuses.”
Over the next two years, Texas’ nearly 9,000 public schools will receive about $8.4 billion in new funding after Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2 in June. Nearly half of that funding will be spent on raises for educators and support staff, such as bus drivers, janitors and librarians. State lawmakers estimated in May that schools will receive “north of $17,700” per student under the school funding package—up from about $15,502 in the 2022-23 school year, according to Texas Education Agency data. The funding increase comes as some school Texas districts across Community Impact ’s coverage areas grapple with growing budget shortfalls, leading some districts to consider closing campuses, cutting staff and slashing elective courses. Over a dozen school associations and
Texas’ school funding system
Federal funding: $2,688
State funding: $5,021 Local property tax revenue: $7,793
The average school district received about $15,502 in the 2022-23 school year.
SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, RAISE YOUR HAND TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
advocacy groups praised lawmakers’ work on HB 2 after it was sent to the governor in late May, noting that the legislation would provide a “lifeline” to cash-strapped schools.
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