Eanes ISD considers 4 budget reduction packages ahead of shortfall
Amid projections of a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall next year, the Eanes ISD board of trustees is continuing its review of possible cost-saving actions and could choose from four possible reduction packages.
EISD is tracking to have a $5 million-$6 million budget shortfall next year if no action is taken, Chief Financial Officer Chris Scott said.
- Package 1: $5.5 million-$6.6 million in savings through revenue increases, staffing optimization, program reductions and a salary freeze
- Package 2: $4.7 million-$5.8 million in savings through revenue increases, staffing optimization and program reductions, but includes a 1% salary increase
- Package 3: $5 million-$5.9 million in savings through revenue increases, staffing optimization and a five-penny voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, providing a 2% staff raise if passed
- Package 4: $6.7 million-$7.6 million in savings through revenue increases, staffing optimization and a nine-penny VATRE, providing a 2% staff raise if passed
Opening of Lake Travis ISD High School No. 2 could face delays
Lake Travis ISD's second high school could open later than its anticipated August 2028 date due to a delay in a site permit issuance.
The board approved a maximum price of $46.3 million for the first phase of the project in September, but Travis County did not approve permitting until Nov. 19.
Chief Financial Officer Pam Sanchez said officials expect to have the permit "in hand" and site clearance in December. While the goal remains to open the school in 2028, the delay could put construction two to three months behind schedule.
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Leander ISD discusses enrollment, staffing ratios as part of long-range planning efforts
The Leander ISD board of trustees are continuing long-range planning discussions in light of budget concerns and pushback on potential elementary school closures.
In September, the board approved a resolution to establish criteria and thresholds for potential campus consolidations, including how enrollment—such as transfer students and pre-K students—will be taken into consideration.
New staffing guidelines, or the ratio of staff needed to effectively serve a campus, could be implemented based on enrollment.
Campuses with 400-499 students would be under the low-enrollment Phase 1 threshold, which would include adjusting librarian, receptionist and registrar staff levels to part-time roles.
Campuses with up to 399 students would be under the low-enrollment Phase 2 threshold, which would adjust the same staff levels as above and include assistant principals, counselors and instructional coaches.
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