[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6070235,"mediaKeyId","3060156-fd1b1e4a2eb126d31b8d8174a33e1b23","parentId",3060156,"title","Boardroom awards, robotics and new teacher \"Trailblazers\" program highlighted at Lake Travis ISD meeting","audioSeconds",4068,"startMs",69000,"endMs",4137000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060156-fd1b1e4a2eb126d31b8d8174a33e1b23&start=69&end=4137","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060156-fd1b1e4a2eb126d31b8d8174a33e1b23/thumbnail_69000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6070235/Texas/Boardroom-awards-robotics-and-new-teacher-Trailblazers-program-highlighted-at-Lake-Travis-ISD-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070235-bb5eea98378ed903b105075f9453ccaa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770426126&Signature=a8ngOJuvYJAKG5ONf6nhZ0Fq7UCoIyX6LSqAdI0b6Fqc950ZCgUMuUP5Oks3gJPQiF6jZ1Ytyzuc8iV7qx5KmXsLsndUhaz9hhTFrbgfWeSne7JEu9f54Ll7KyrTqSiFP~2PJTyAzlz~SmQj76oG0x8kkZHG550A3hNL7vAWQ-g~oZr9OrM9guO5Tl5zByWQRHOQ8YuJfcGCrANZig67hCgyJMLplnMKADYOxzJo3T9S849twGI9gL09xCVIzmELYHiRDYOsqV6yDW6fA62cBCmpqERzHixOH96GFxbhp9GI~U~PHmglxjTkWc6T8kIucBWcKbLkEo9HuK7fATkDjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lake Travis ISD","date","2025-03-26T00:00:00Z","article","Trustees opened the meeting with multiple recognitions for students and staff, then received instructional updates that included a robotics demonstration, a performing-arts accolade and the launch-year report for a teacher coaching program called Trailblazers.

Why it matters: The recognitions showcased student achievement across the district's extracurricular and fine-arts programs. Separately, the Trailblazers initiative is an investment in teacher support intended to boost retention and classroom effectiveness, which trustees flagged as especially important amid strained teacher labor markets.

Recognitions and demonstrations: The board honored Lake Travis Special Olympics floorball participants, a Lake Travis High School cellist selected for the Honors Performance Series, robotics teams advancing to world-level competition, Hudson Bend Middle School yearbook winners, UIL wrestling state qualifiers, and top academic scholars from the Lake Travis High School class of 2025.

Robotics: Lake Travis High School's robotics sponsor and students demonstrated a VEX robot and discussed recent results, including a state runner-up finish and qualification for the world championship.

Teacher Trailblazers program: Instructional coaches presented a first-year summary of Trailblazers, a district-wide coaching and mentoring initiative aimed at supporting teachers with zero to two years of experience. The program provided four full professional-learning days, walk-throughs to allow new teachers to observe veteran classrooms, coaching cycles tied to action plans, and mentor training. Coaches said 60 teachers with zero years of district experience participated and staff reported positive feedback that included requests to extend support into a second year.

What trustees asked: Board members asked how the district will measure retention effects and track longitudinal outcomes from Trailblazers. Administration said additional measurement is planned and emphasized that the program dovetails with recruiting and retention strategies.

Next steps: District staff said they will return with metrics tied to retention and with recommendations for continuing coaching beyond the first year. Trustees praised the presentations and pledged continued attention to teacher support and student enrichment programming.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lake Travis ISD Mar 26, 2025 Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees recognized student and staff achievements across athletics, fine arts and journalism, heard a robotics demonstration and received a detailed presentation on a new teacher mentoring and coaching program designed to improve retention.","taxTitle","LAKE TRAVIS ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",13514,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6070240,"Teachers, parents urge trustees not to cut planning periods and to protect special education services as budget talks begin",188,1864000,2052000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060156-fd1b1e4a2eb126d31b8d8174a33e1b23&start=1864&end=2052","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060156-fd1b1e4a2eb126d31b8d8174a33e1b23/thumbnail_1864000.jpg","/articles/6070240/Texas/Teachers-parents-urge-trustees-not-to-cut-planning-periods-and-to-protect-special-education-services-as-budget-talks-begin","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070240-6bc489f767942e1e87b12fccbdeae6d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770426126&Signature=jqsELbRdbrHb8WzVgH2O5DpPgGKdxoq84UJpIdjOEQT8LccWJBR07RsKMYZlZsKvca7ULN7Rz8P9I3QNko7nDydwDaJLFuroLpRThGKpB3FpJ7884k57NJek9afGUCoKVnT7KnwjE9Wk9qgHc36ivVyc4XDbVJCBWTdaoTPMgjQK80LvPfL2ttPlSXSHKo8AJbGsyJQ6B2bwWFSYMsuDRsVXrsi8M~TpHCeJjkQxhnFJY2Vhni0YcjiuRT7jLI9qhPR7nNFbh2Q0VfjY1BQDqd4quGcPTrHK7yn-QdJ341mvTfao8NyMrTnQdwqqIVkQBn-pSq-9bZQL5DlpWAOedQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the public used the board's public-comment period to press trustees to protect teacher planning time, to preserve special-education services and to scrutinize bond spending.

Why it matters: Several district speakers warned that proposed changes to teacher schedules and the removal of planning periods would worsen burnout, reduce instructional quality and make the district less competitive for recruiting and retaining teachers. Other commenters asked the board to delay or add oversight to large bond expenditures amid concerns about cost increases.

Public comments: Stephanie Hartman, who identified herself as a Lake Travis High School teacher, said a budget proposal to cut teacher planning periods down to the legal minimum would harm instruction and retention. \"No business can pay employees minimum wage and still expect top-tier talent,\" Hartman said. She urged trustees to maintain planning time so teachers could plan, grade and communicate with families.

Alyssa Goldman, also a Lake Travis High School teacher who said she will be leaving for medical school next year, told the board that adding a class section while removing planning time would force teachers to choose between students' academic feedback and personal time. \"This constant moral battle is what is leading to the vast amounts of teacher burnout all across the country,\" Goldman said.

Multiple parents and advocates also urged trustees to preserve services for students with disabilities. One speaker, Michelle (surname not given), described the role of a special-services teacher and parent nominations for a district's \"superstar of the month\" program and urged the board not to reduce funding for special education. Another speaker cited research showing early intervention improves long-term outcomes and said short-term additions to the special-education budget can reduce costs over a decade.

Bond oversight and fiscal questions: Public commentator Jennifer Fleck criticized what she called rising construction costs on bond-funded projects and asked the board to pause approvals until a bond-oversight committee is established to review spending. Fleck cited a prior elementary building and questioned higher-than-projected guarantees for a competition-gym and fine-arts addition.

What next: Trustees heard the comments as they debated capital contracts and GMPs during the same meeting. No formal vote took place on planning-time or special-education funding tonight; such decisions will be part of the district's upcoming budget process and any contract amendments related to bond projects will be tracked in later public board items.

","Multiple teachers and parents used the public comment period to urge the Lake Travis ISD board to preserve teacher planning time and to avoid cuts to special education and 504 services as the district considers budget reductions.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6070245,"Board approves construction contracts and GMPs for High School 2, competition gym and science wing; authorizes Reimers Road work and AV upgrade",2100,13200000,15300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060156-fd1b1e4a2eb126d31b8d8174a33e1b23&start=13200&end=15300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060156-fd1b1e4a2eb126d31b8d8174a33e1b23/thumbnail_13200000.jpg","/articles/6070245/Texas/Board-approves-construction-contracts-and-GMPs-for-High-School-2-competition-gym-and-science-wing-authorizes-Reimers-Road-work-and-AV-upgrade","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070245-80910ebf00017d6c70bdd4fefe5c4889/orig.mp4?Expires=1770426126&Signature=SQIYhOxvfqvCB1FAGIPiWoGAj0BWYiUCdSiUoYPvLMtKgngGbate7P7Av~b2Knexrj141fXNUepWrx8~jDWTTDKHcocDIXuyF91FjuKjT1AIGx25D-N~PlJZvEvpUNNVnFIKKDtZKALxf1tbbsAJgySk48QuTg-WAGga3J5P8719LFs-pvoKSFHxsfyEpI5mRXvwLb1cyuDcWae1fCIfSFsLqvuGcO402CdapYywn1csFd4jzia6hfKaxIO4d6QqiCVc6C6XwejVeQ~GWu5bZn9dnN1inwD1afdzMemarN8O7KWLp9ftqEOLr~tzIxVvLVPLZRHGnbnhVHUaTrn9eQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lake Travis Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to move forward on multiple construction and procurement agreements tied to its 2023 bond program, approving contracts for road access to the High School 2 site, audio-visual upgrades at Hudson Bend Middle School and guaranteed maximum prices for several high school additions.

Why it matters: Voters approved the 2023 bond package that included projects ranging from High School 2 to HHS campus additions. Approving contracts and GMPs advances construction but also commits bond proceeds and contingency funds; trustees debated timing and enrollment forecasts for High School 2 before approving the agreements.

The board approved four capital-construction items and one technology purchase during the business session:
- A $442,419 turnkey contract with Technology for Education (TFE) to replace classroom AV systems at Hudson Bend Middle School. The district's technology staff said the existing short-throw projectors were past their useful life and that TFE was a local vendor able to meet installation and five-year support requirements.
- A $11,881,138.30 award to Liberty Civil Construction for the Reimers Road / Bridal Drive access project to serve the High School 2 site, selected through a competitive process.
- Execution of construction-manager agreements with American Constructors for High School 2 and approval of a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $66,464,056 for the competition gym and fine-arts addition at Lake Travis High School.
- Approval of a GMP of $16,568,385 for a science-wing addition at Lake Travis High School with Braun & Butler Construction.

Board members debated the pace of work tied to High School 2 and asked for further demographic and enrollment analysis. Trustee John asked the board to pause further commitments until the district gathered additional demographic updates and examined the potential effect of state-level policy changes such as proposed school choice vouchers. Trustee Rob and other members urged continuing some projects in parallel, noting the Reimers Road work adds long-term value to the property and that delaying all activity could raise costs or reduce competitiveness.

Finance and contingency: District staff told trustees the GMPs exceed earlier cost estimates largely because of construction-market inflation and some newly-identified required scope (notably utility relocation and a multi-purpose fine-arts practice space). Administration said funding for the increases will come from bond proceeds, the bond contingency in the 2023 authorization, and interest earnings on bond funds; staff cited approximately $27.5 million in interest earnings and available contingency that could be used to cover the added cost for these projects.

Votes at a glance
- Award contract: Technology for Education (AV installation) — $442,419 — Motion approved (voice vote). Evidence: technology presentation and motion on the floor (board record).
- Award contract: Liberty Civil Construction (Reimers Road) — $11,881,138.30 — Motion approved (voice vote).
- Construction agreements and GMP: American Constructors (competition gym & fine-arts addition) — GMP $66,464,056 — Motion approved (voice vote).
- Construction agreements and GMP: Braun & Butler Construction (science wing addition) — GMP $16,568,385 — Motion approved (voice vote).

What trustees said: Interim Superintendent Doctor Flores urged the board to consider the long-term educational benefits of additional facilities and noted the district remains a competitive choice for families when the facilities and programming are strong. Trustee John said he wanted more updated demographic work before committing to additional construction; Trustee Rob and others said some utility and roadway work added now will protect the district's ability to build later and preserves community value.

Next steps: Administration will return to the board with finalized GMP paperwork, continue to engage the district's bond advisory committee and report back on demographic and budget details as requested by trustees.

","The Lake Travis ISD Board of Trustees voted to award multiple construction contracts and guaranteed maximum prices (GMPs) tonight, approving work tied to the district's long-range facilities plan while discussing community questions about timing and cost.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Boardroom awards, robotics and new teacher "Trailblazers" program highlighted at Lake Travis ISD meeting

Teachers, parents urge trustees not to cut planning periods and to protect special education services as budget talks begin

Board approves construction contracts and GMPs for High School 2, competition gym and science wing; authorizes Reimers Road work and AV upgrade