At the May 13 meeting of the Eanes Independent School District, outgoing Board Member Heather Sheffield was recognized for her six years of service. Ellen Balthazar, retiring after 24 years, was honored as the district’s longest-serving trustee. Newly elected Trustees John Troy and Catherine Walker were sworn into office. At a subsequent meeting on May 20, Kim McMath was elected President of the Board, Laura Clark as Vice President, and Kelly Marwill as Secretary.
The decision regarding staff compensation for the 2025-26 school year has been postponed until August. The district’s contribution to health benefits will remain at $473 per month for individual employees until then. Adjustments to teacher salary increases may be necessary depending on legislative changes expected from the Texas Legislature.
The Long-Range Facility Planning Committee (LRFPC), appointed by the Board, presented its final report and recommendations after studying the district’s needs since January 2024. Co-chairs Holly Noel and Dr. Craig Boyle outlined potential concepts for each campus that could lead to a Bond Advisory Committee and a future bond referendum.
Updates were provided on the integration of Valley View Elementary and Barton Creek Elementary by Dr. Miguel Garcia and Principal Brandis Smoland. Plans are in place for staffing, traffic studies, CDC location, learning studio placement, and events organized by the Booster Club and Future Forward Committee.
Trustees reviewed preliminary estimates from the Travis Central Appraisal District indicating a 3.8% decline in Taxable Assessed Value (TAV) when certified values are released in July. Budget estimates for 2025-26 were discussed based on current law and potential impacts of HB 2.
In other matters, a resolution was approved to name the Eanes History Center after Ellen Balthazar in recognition of her service. Revisions to Board Policy GKD (Local) now allow non-school use of facilities by nonprofits for more than one year with approval from the Superintendent or designee.
A recent intruder detection audit by TEA found a door malfunctioning; corrective actions have been implemented by district staff including training sessions. Updates from various sub-committees were discussed along with affirmations of previous contract terminations.
Donations from Chap Club were accepted for coaching stipends, team travel, professional development, and weight room improvements. Contracts for principals for 2025-26 were approved alongside awards for depository banking services and insurance renewals with TASB.
Instructional materials from Learning A-Z & Edmentum received approval along with an Interlocal Agreement between Austin City and Eanes ISD regarding police radio maintenance services.
Contracts were awarded for renovations at Adult Transition Services (ATS) facility and construction of additional restrooms at Barton Creek Elementary. An upgrade to Fortinet firewall was also approved.
Upcoming meetings will take place on June 10 and 24 at Cedar Creek Elementary due to renovations at Central Administration building transitioning into an alternative learning center (TLC). Meetings will be live-streamed online.
Information from this article can be found here.
