Lake Travis ISD board accepts superintendent Paul Norton’s resignation after investigation; parents demand transparency

Lake Travis Independent School District trustees accepted Superintendent Paul Norton’s voluntary resignation and retirement after returning from closed session, the board announced Saturday evening.

The board returned to open session at 7:54 p.m. and, after a motion by Lauren and a second by Keeley, voted to accept Norton’s resignation and authorize the board president to execute a voluntary retirement agreement. The board said Norton will be paid through the end of the 2024–25 school year and that a copy of the agreement is available for review.

The decision followed a string of public comments in which parents and community members raised allegations about district leadership and student safety. “In your statement, you committed to transparency in this process and updates. We have received no updates in almost 2 months,” Jennifer Flack told trustees during public comment, accusing the board of failing to keep the public informed after Norton was placed on paid administrative leave on Dec. 17, 2024.

Melody Zaire urged the board to “freeze the hiring of the next police chief until we have a new superintendent committed to transparency and action,” saying her family had filed a Level 3 grievance and presenting what she described as an affidavit about an April 12, 2024, incident at Bee Cave Elementary involving drugs on campus that she said was not reported to parents. Catherine Sartler said her elementary‑age son, who has a disability, had experienced seclusion and repeated teacher changes and said her pending Level 3 appeal (submitted Jan. 23) alleges criminal misconduct by Norton; she urged the board to hear outstanding grievances before accepting any resignation.

In response, the board said an independent investigation it retained (transcript reference to firm name in record) is complete. “The complaint did not relate to students or district finances,” the Board President said, adding the board had placed Norton on administrative leave in December and retained an external investigator. The board said appointing an interim superintendent is forthcoming, that it will retain a recruiting firm to conduct a comprehensive search for a permanent superintendent, and that community and stakeholder input will be part of the process. The board extended gratitude to Pam Sanchez, LTISD assistant superintendent for business services, who has been serving as acting superintendent while also serving as chief financial officer.

Trustees said the decision was made in the district’s best interest and that the board believes the steps will save time and resources and allow the district to pursue new leadership quickly. The board also said it will share the agreement and a single statement with parents and staff and that the communications officer will provide the statement to media; they described that as the district’s only statement on the matter.

Public commenters called for greater transparency, more oversight of safety and special‑education services, and for pending grievances to be heard by the board before accepting any personnel agreement. Multiple speakers alleged concealment of evidence, failures to notify parents of incidents, and insufficient special‑education staffing and certification; trustees characterized the board’s response as completing a thorough review and choosing the voluntary resignation and retirement agreement as the appropriate next step.

The meeting record shows the board adjourned into closed session mid‑meeting under Texas Government Code sections 551.071, 551.0712 and 551.074; after the closed session the board returned to accept the agreement. With no further business, the board adjourned at 7:56 p.m.

What happens next: the board said it will appoint an interim superintendent, retain a search firm for a permanent chief executive, and communicate the agreement and a single statement to staff, parents and media. Pending Level 3 grievances mentioned in public comment remain on the public record and, according to speakers, have not yet been resolved.