In a unanimous decision at its June 18 meeting the Lake Travis ISD board of trustees approved the elementary and middle school attendance zone boundaries presented at the May 21 meeting. The new boundaries become effective for the 2014–15 school year.
The LTISD School Attendance Zone Advisory Committee began developing sustainable school attendance zones in preparation for the opening of Elementary School No. 6, the new Lake Travis Middle School and the expansion of Hudson Bend Middle School in fall 2014.
The 27-member committee composed of parents, teachers and district residents analyzed demographic data, reports, maps and student enrollment trends before a consensus was reached on the new maps.
Along with the approved attendance zones, the board approved the creation of a grandfathering process that would allow a limited phase-in of the new attendance zones for eligible students.
The grandfathering plan allows elementary students in fifth grade in fall 2014 and their younger siblings to remain in the same school while the fifth-grader finishes the 2014–15 school year. After that year, the younger siblings must attend the elementary school in the attendance zone in which they reside.
The same scenario can be applied to sixth- and seventh-graders in fall 2014 with a younger sibling in fourth or fifth grade being able to follow the older sibling to the same middle school as long as the older sibling is in attendance at that school.
"While it's important to know that the committee thoroughly vetted a number of significant factors to formulate its recommendation, we realize this decision will impact some families more than others," LTISD board Vice President Lisa Johnson said. "However, I believe the board's decision best supports the greater good of the [Lake Travis] community. Grandfathering is a viable option that should help reduce disruptions for our affected families during this time of change."
LTISD Deputy Superintendent Chris Allen said the grandfathering process will provide a phase-in of the requirements for the new attendance zones.
"It is a process by which a student who meets specific criteria may be exempt from changing the school he or she currently attends because of an attendance zone change," said Allen, who facilitated the committee process.
Grandfathered students at both the elementary and middle school levels, however, will not be provided with school transportation, according to an LTISD news release.
Forms for grandfathering will be distributed by district officials to eligible students during the 2013–14 school year.
District demographics
Every two years, Population And Survey Analysts, the Lake Travis ISD demographics firm, studies student residential locations, potential growth and decline, housing trends and economic factors important to the district. The results of the study are presented to district officials to assist with the planning of future facilities and the adjustment of attendance zones.
Demographers show enrollment is increasing by about 400 students annually. Student enrollment has increased by 33 percent during the past five years, and PASA estimates enrollment could reach 15,000 by 2025, nearly double the 2012–13 enrollment.
District attendance zone boundaries for the upcoming school year as well as the 2014–15 boundaries can be accessed on the LTISD website, www.ltisdschools.org, under the "attendance zones" tab. Both general and detailed versions are available.
For more information, contact the LTISD office of communications.
