Norton's Notes

  • March 24, 2023 

    Student Recognitions

    • It is always great when we can begin our school board meetings with student recognitions. Our board recognized the following six student groups for outstanding achievement in academics, fine arts and athletics during the Wednesday, March 22 meeting:
      • Lake Travis Special Olympics 2023 State Winter Games
      • Bee Cave Middle School - 2023 Texas Thespians Regional Junior Festival
      • Lake Travis High School 2023 Texas Music Educators Association All-State Musicians
      • Lake Travis High School Model United Nations
      • Lake Travis High School 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists
      • Lake Travis High School 2022-2023 Top Ten Academic Scholars

    • Be sure to visit our LTISD Schools Facebook page to see the wonderful smiles of these most-deserving students.

       

    Update on Elementary School #8 / Rezoning

    • As you may recall, last month, the Lakeway City Council denied a development agreement for the construction of Elementary School #8 off Bee Creek Road. The unexpected result means that we are unable to build Elementary School #8 at this location. Since that time, Lake Travis ISD has been exploring other potential sites that could adequately accommodate a new elementary campus. However, even if we are able to secure a suitable site in the near future, we will not be opening Elementary School #8 in August 2024 as originally planned. Once permitting is approved and other pre-construction requirements are met, the typical timeline for the construction of a new elementary school is approximately 18 months. Therefore, in order to address overcrowding as well as future growth at our elementary campuses, the District will need to rezone some of our existing elementary school boundaries. Once finalized and approved by the school board, new elementary school boundaries would be effective this fall. 

    • At its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 22, our demographer—Population and Survey Analysts (PASA)—presented the school board with several options for new elementary school boundaries. It is important to know that this is a work in progress. The proposed boundaries are merely drafts; there is no “preferred” or “best” option, and all drafts are subject to change. Not all elementary schools would be impacted by the proposed boundary changes, and it is anticipated that all current middle school boundaries will remain unchanged. 

    • The Board did not take any action during the meeting; the item was for informational purposes. In fact, the District will continue to explore other potential rezoning options. Regardless, we know some of you will have many questions including transportation services, the continuity of special education programs, and the potential option to “grandfather” your child at his/her current campus. You may be wondering if these options would impact you and your family at all. Rest assured, we will provide parents with an opportunity to provide their feedback on these proposals in the very near future.

    • The draft options are posted on our website.

    Library Books

    • During our school board meeting on Wednesday, our Curriculum and Instruction Department provided an update on library books.

    • We are reviewing policy and currently working to finalize guidelines for new library collections and collection displays to consider “age-appropriate ratings” (in accordance with HB 338)

    • Also in progress is the development of an electronic “Request for Reconsideration of Books” form and a dedicated webpage with additional information and resources.

    Cancellation of May 2023 School Board Election

    • Two candidates filed for uncontested races—one in Place 6 and one in Place 7—in the May 6 school board election. Because both of the races were unopposed, the Board voted to cancel the election during Wednesday’s regular meeting.

    • As a result, Robert Aird will take the oath of office in Place 6 and Keely Cano in Place 7 at the May 17 school board meeting.

    ESSER Survey

    • As you may already know, Lake Travis ISD applied to receive Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The intent and purpose of the funding is to sustain the safe operation of schools and address student learning needs as a result of COVID-19.

    • As a part of ongoing ESSER provisions, the District is required to review and revise, as applicable, its plan approximately every six months. In an effort to obtain parent and community feedback, we have developed a survey; please take a moment to share your input and opinions. Responses are due by Wednesday, April 5 and will be reviewed and taken into consideration as the District updates its plan. Your participation and feedback are valued and appreciated. 

    2023 Long Range Facilities Planning Community to be reconvened

    • As you may recall from our 2022 Bond presentations last fall, the District will reconvene its Long Range Facilities Planning Committee later this month to address Proposition C (School Stadium Facilities) which did not pass. The committee will review items contained in the proposition and discuss next steps for a potential bond election in November 2023. 

    • The committee’s work will be highlighted and shared on our website in a similar fashion resembling our process last fall. 

    LTISD Job Fair

    • As part of our ongoing recruitment efforts, we are excited to share that we will have a district job fair from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 22 at Lake Travis High School. All campuses and departments will be present to meet and interview candidates for all vacant positions. 

    • Refer to our event flyer for more information.