Eanes ISD reviews community input on budget plans
Eanes ISD leaders are reviewing community feedback as they work to address projected multimillion dollar budget shortfalls. After trustees discussed four possible budget optimization packages on Nov. 18, the district opened a ThoughtExchange survey from Nov. 20 through Dec. 5 to gather public input.
The survey drew 1,856 participants, including parents, students, staff and community members. Participants submitted 1,079 comments and provided more than 40,000 ratings.
Survey results showed mixed views on next steps. A total of 579 participants rated the importance of maintaining a balanced budget as a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5. When asked about guiding principles for budget reductions, respondents most often prioritized minimizing impacts to the classroom, followed by offering competitive staff pay and protecting advanced academic programs.
Support for a potential voter approval tax rate election also varied. About 24 percent said they were not at all likely to support such an election, while 11 percent said they were extremely likely. One third of respondents selected the middle option.
Former interim superintendent Tom Trigg said administrators will use the survey results to refine budget options ahead of a Jan. 13 board discussion. Trustees could finalize a plan for a vote at the Jan. 27 meeting.
Lake Travis ISD plans pre-K expansion
Lake Travis ISD officials are preparing to expand the district’s pre-K program for the 2026–27 school year. The district currently serves about 194 pre-K students at Serene Hills, Lake Travis and Lake Pointe elementary schools, according to Lyndsae Benton, executive director of curriculum and instruction.
The expansion will add new pre-K classrooms at West Cypress Hills Elementary and Lakeway Elementary. Additional classrooms will also be added at existing campuses based on space and demand.
LTISD has consistently had a waitlist for the program. Benton said 119 students are waitlisted this school year, following 121 students last year. District leaders say the goal of the expansion is to serve all interested families.
Together, the updates show how both districts are planning ahead as they balance enrollment needs, budgets and long term priorities.
