Consultant outlines LTISD superintendent search, promises community input; public commenter raises transparency and spending concerns

JG Consulting presented its plan for the Lake Travis ISD superintendent search, outlining a schedule, community engagement plan and vetting procedures while trustees heard public comment alleging past misconduct and misuse of bond funds.

James Guerra, president and CEO of JG Consulting, said the firm will begin community engagement immediately, holding town halls and anonymous surveys in multiple languages, and recommended naming a lone finalist in May so the incoming superintendent can start before graduation. Guerra said candidates had already contacted the firm expressing interest and that the firm will vet applicants with third‑party background checks and credential verification.

Guerra described four core public questions to guide engagement: hopes and aspirations for LTISD; points of pride; challenges to overcome; and the characteristics and traits sought in a superintendent. He also said the firm would produce a synopsis report disaggregating survey data and could present that summary in an open meeting. The firm plans a dedicated web page for the superintendent search with milestones, FAQs and survey links.

During public comment earlier in the meeting, Jennifer Blake criticized the board’s closed-session deliberations related to the interim superintendent and raised several financial concerns. Blake said, "Secrets are destructive as we all should have learned from the recent known and delayed reporting of the misconduct of our last superintendent," and alleged "Almost $20,000 to do the investigation of the superintendent, hundreds of thousands of dollars paid to him, and millions of bond money wasted." She urged the board to choose an outsider as interim and to be "thoughtful about this decision."

Guerra emphasized confidentiality for candidates under Texas law and said confidentiality encourages sitting superintendents to consider applying. He also said the firm will solicit input broadly, including from students and staff, and can provide surveys in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin and, if needed, ASL.

The presentation included a short board Q&A about timing. Board member Phil asked whether the district was on schedule to attract a strong candidate pool; Guerra responded that timing was favorable and reiterated the firm’s recommendation to identify a lone finalist by May. Guerra said he and his team would be on site over the next two weeks to conduct engagement meetings.

The board then adjourned into closed session under Texas Government Code §551.074 for personnel matters; the meeting later resumed and the trustees approved the interim superintendent.