More Eanes ISD students to resume in-person learning following reselection process

Districtwide, approximately 68% of Eanes ISD’s 7,976 students will engage in on-campus learning starting Jan. 5, according to an update from Superintendent Tom Leonard during a Dec. 8 board meeting.

For the 2020-21 school year, the Texas Education Agency required all districts to allow families to select their preferred learning model every nine weeks throughout the grading period.

EISD’s reselection process took place through an online survey and ran through Dec. 4. According to district information, EISD received a 98% response rate, and 68% of families requested in-person learning for the grading period beginning Jan. 5 through March 5.

The survey shows a small increase from the previous grading period, when approximately 61% of families requested in-person instruction. The remaining percentage will continue to engage in virtual learning, which will remain an option for the remainder of the academic year.

Percentages vary based on campus, with Bridge Point Elementary and Cedar Creek Elementary expecting to see the highest numbers of in-person students—84% and 82%, respectively.

Westlake High School may have roughly half of its students on campus, with 55% of students requesting in-person learning.

Deputy Superintendent Jeff Arnett said these numbers are not final and that the district may see some changes as the school year progresses. Notably, students can pivot to remote learning at any time in the grading period and may be required to do so in the case of a COVID-19 case.