After months of work and community input, Eanes ISD is considering a new mission statement—a public declaration to guide, inspire and unify the district.
The board of trustees reviewed the newly proposed statement during an April 27 board meeting. An official decision was not made; trustees will vote on the new statement at a later board meeting.
The process began last March, when the district discussed the possibility of a new mission statement, according to Deputy Superintendent Jeff Arnett.
More than a year later, a diverse group of over 150 community members have provided their input including, Westlake High School student council, principles, district leadership team and the diversity, equity and inclusion committee.
A team of EISD community members were tasked with the development of the new statement, including trustees Ellen Balthazar, John Havenstrite, and Envision Eanes members Mo Greulich and Martha Hansen.
Havenstrite said the proposed statement was designed to be a more modern representation of the district.
“We wanted a mission statement that was more reflective of current times and current needs,” Havenstrite said.
EISD’s potential new statement comprises three elements: the district’s passion, what the district is best at and the impact the district has, according to the presentation.
The proposed statement titled “Unite. Empower. Inspire.” reads as follows, “We unite our community through respectful relationships that build trust, accept differences and create a sense of belonging for all. We empower students by offering exceptional learning experiences that enhance diverse, individual talents while encouraging curiosity and creativity. We inspire each other to lead purposeful lives of empathy, gratitude and compassion.”
Balthazar said the statement was aspirational and received positive reactions from students, staff and the EISD community. Greulich was in agreement.
“Overall, we hope this mission statement is humanistic recognizing that students are more than a number,” Greulich said.
The proposed statement will be brought before the board at a later date for official approval.
