Texas Education Project 103 announced that the Eanes Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees declined to act on a proposed endowment offer from Westlake Athletic Community Center (WAC), LLC. The proposal was projected to generate at least $210 million for the district over 40 years. The announcement was made on March 25, 2025.
According to a press release, Jeff Buch, the manager of the Westlake Athletic Community Center and Eanes Aquatic Centers, suggested transforming WAC, LLC into a nonprofit to support the Eanes school district. His proposal aimed to allocate all net income to the district, with expected annual contributions ranging from $825,000 to $1.1 million from the athletic center and $400,000 to $500,000 from the aquatic center. The plan also included an additional $500,000 to $1 million per year through managing district facilities, gymnasiums, and field rentals. Over 40 years, the endowment was anticipated to generate between $210 million and $317 million for the district.
Under the current agreement Eanes ISD will receive $6.1 million over 40 years from WACC and the Aquatic Center—$205 million less than the proposal.
The district faces financial challenges including a $6.5 million deficit, 20% teacher attrition rate, and program closures, according to the release. On January 14, 2025, Eanes parents publicly pledged $915,000 to keep the Spanish Immersion at the district without knowing that the Board had received Buch’s offer.
"This could have been one of Texas’ largest public school endowments," said Aaron Silva of Texas Education Project 103. He said that the Board’s inaction is a disservice to students, teachers, and taxpayers.
Texas Education Project 103 advocates for fair school board elections, higher teacher salaries, responsible use of taxpayer funds, and parental involvement in Texas public schools.