The Lake Travis Independent School District is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community where every individual belongs, thrives, and succeeds. Our commitment is to provide a best-in-class education that empowers students to excel academically, socially, and personally. We strive to create an environment that encourages continuous growth and innovation, preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Central to our mission is a focus on the holistic well-being of our students, staff, and community, ensuring that each member feels supported, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Through collaboration, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of progress, we aim to cultivate lifelong learners and responsible citizens who positively impact the world around them.
Steering Team
In Spring 2021, a team of students, staff, parents, and community representatives began its work, reflecting on the district's mission, values, and beliefs in order to plan for the future. This group oversaw and guided the strategic planning process, including brainstorming ways to get others involved and designing community outreach opportunities. This team consisted of the following members:
Tasha Barker
Jason Buddin
Bertha Halfmann
Amber Hart
Jill Mancino
Agis Mayra
Traci Mendez
Bitura Orakpo
Amanda Prehn
Jo Ann Richmond
Tiffanie Roberts
Ash Seth
Alison Spurlock
Melissa Williamson
Community Summits, Feedback, Focus Areas and Planning Teams
Working with our consultant Education Elements and the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, the District hosted four community summits designed to collect input for the development of our plan. Staff, students, teachers, parents, and taxpayers were provided virtual and in-person opportunities to share their thoughts on the current state of the District and their hope for the future. For those not able to attend the community summits, an additional opportunity to submit feedback was provided using an app called VideoAsk.
From the discussions at the community summits and feedback from the VideoAsk, the focus areas below were identified as warranting deeper conversations. Planning Teams of students, staff, parents, and community representatives provided additional insight into these focus areas and made recommendations to the Steering Team:
Are One Community: The community is closely connected and proud of its schools. LTISD intentionally plans ways to come together. A neighborhood feel is maintained even through rapid growth and ideological divisions. All families are supported and engaged with opportunities to provide input and be heard. Communication is transparent, consistent and two-way.
Grow and Innovate Together: There is a constant push to build off success, move forward, and continuously improve. Facilities planning is informed by future growth. Finances are managed in order to support the future needs of the district.
Each Belong: All students and their families feel welcomed, respected, heard, and understood. All students feel connected to a mentor who understands and celebrates their backgrounds. All students have opportunities to explore their interests through electives and extracurricular activities where they belong to a group.
Provide Best in Class Education: Students are prepared for life, including critical thinking, civics education, and digital citizenship. Students succeed in the postsecondary path they choose (college OR vocation). Students with special needs are quickly identified, receive the support they need, and are included. High quality educators are recruited, cared for, and retained.
Prioritize Wellness: Counselors and teachers use trauma-informed practices to support the mental health needs of their students. Social and emotional needs of students and staff members are met. Safety, health, and support are prioritized for all members of the Lake Travis ISD Family.
Ultimately, the District's Strategic Plan articulates our mission and vision, as well as the goals and objectives needed to achieve that vision.We will engage our stakeholders in the continuous improvement of the District's Strategic Plan.
