What began as an Austin ISD board of trustees discussion about increasing access to rigorous student programming in South Austin schools became an inquiry about LASA High School in East Austin, a magnet school that has been ranked as one of the best high schools in the country by multiple publications and organizations but accepts 250-300 students each year. "I think that the district should continue looking at the possibility of expanding the capacity of magnet school participation for students," trustee Edmund Gordon said. "It makes sense to me that it would be south of [Lady Bird Lake] because of transportation issues." The board of trustees has discussed the possibility of expanding including academic options in South Austin, including a potential "LASA South" option, in previous meetings. Trustee Julie Cowan also agreed about providing better access to magnet programs to South Austin students. Cowan said she has talked with South Austin parents who have children at LASA High School who told her the distance to the school is too far. Gordon also said capacity has to increase at LASA High School, which is sharing space with Lyndon B. Johnson Early College High School. Gordon repeatedly asked AISD Superintendent Paul Cruz if LASA High School is the flagship high school in the district. Cruz said it depends on the criteria that a ranking organization is looking at, but did not say yes or no to the question.