Superintendent Brad Lancaster took to Facebook on April 9 to engage in a live video broadcast with the Lake Travis ISD community.
Lancaster began by thanking the district’s staff members in light of numerous adjustments and challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
“To everyone on our Lake Travis ISD staff, I want to thank you for going above and beyond,” Lancaster said. “You have put your students first, in my cases before your own families.”
Since closing the district March 16, the board of trustees has continued to meet virtually; the food and nutrition staff has provided mobile meals; and the more than 11,400 students have begun learning through a virtual platform.
“We are now in our third week of online instruction,” Lancaster said. “Despite these unusual circumstances, it is my opinion that this process has gone exceptionally well.”
Despite the district’s closure, Lancaster ensured that all staff members have continued to receive compensation and will continue to be paid throughout the shutdown.
Many parents, staff and community members sent in a variety of questions during the broadcast, many of which related to graduation.
According to Lancaster, LTISD has not made any official decisions regarding the graduation ceremony at this time.
LTISD, along with the rest of Texas’ school districts, will remain closed until at least May 4, per orders made by Gov. Greg Abbott.
“As of today, we simply do not know what’s going to happen after May 4,” Lancaster said, noting that Gordon Butler, principal of Lake Travis High School, is exploring a number of options for graduation.
Butler will present the findings made by the graduation committee at the district’s regular board meeting April 15, which will occur virtually through Zoom.
That meeting will also include an update from the learning and teaching department regarding student’s grade point averages, class rank and final exams. According to Lancaster, any change to the district’s grading system will require board approval.
Other district operations have continued business as usual. Lancaster confirmed that construction on LTISD’s Rough Hollow Elementary School is underway. There have been no anticipated delays or changes in the construction schedule.
With the scheduled school year coming to a close, many students and parents expressed concerns related to the senior prom. Lancaster noted the previously planned venue has canceled the reservation, and at this time the district has not planned an alternative prom. As spring unfolds, Lancaster said Butler will have more information regarding the event.
Many parents had concerns related to potentially extending the school year, and according to Lancaster, that option is not being considered. May 22 will remain the last day of instruction regardless of a student’s physical return to campus.
The district will provide further updates at its board meeting April 15 and will continue regular communication with the community.
