Lake Travis ISD board approves 2026–27 calendar, improvement plans, new courses and several contracts

Lake Travis Independent School District trustees voted Nov. 20 to approve several operational and policy items that shape the district’s 2026–27 school year and near‑term facilities work.

A motion to approve the proposed 2026–27 instructional calendar carried after Kathy Burbank, director of accountability and achievement, described key changes: the PSAT day in October will be a full day rather than an early release; two staff‑only days are scheduled at the end of October/early November; districtwide early‑release days are reduced; and adjustments were made for STAAR testing timing. The administration corrected a calendar date (Nov. 2 rather than Nov. 1) before the vote.

The board also approved the district and campus improvement plans presented by Tasha Bedford and Dr. Medford. The plans lay out six district goals — safety and well‑being, family engagement, closing achievement gaps, curriculum alignment, post‑graduation readiness, and staff recruitment/retention — and a schedule of formative reviews and metrics.

Trustees approved a set of innovative course offerings for 2026–27 that included four new classes the administration highlighted: Fundamentals of Real Estate (a CTE course tied to a potential real‑estate pathway and industry certification), Making Connections I and II (semester courses targeted to students on the autism spectrum for social‑emotional supports), and Team Sport Officiating (PE credit). The board also updated its locally approved UIL no‑pass/no‑play exemption list to reclassify AP Seminar and AP Research (state coding changes required transcript label updates; curriculum continues under College Board guidance).

On finance and facilities, the board approved Amendment No. 1 to the 2025–26 general fund budget. Administration reported a $458,000 increase in general fund revenue tied to hold‑harmless/exemption adjustments and a $727,000 increase in state recapture payment; the presentation noted a projected amended budget deficit of about $4.5 million for the fiscal year and said staff will continue monthly monitoring.

Trustees awarded construction manager‑at‑risk contracts for multiple bond projects: Braun & Butler Construction for millwork replacement across campuses, and Lot Brothers Construction for Lake Travis High School baseball/softball/track stadium renovations (summer 2026 work planned). The board also adopted a resolution declaring approximately 20 acres at 1701 Lowman's Crossing Road surplus and authorized advertising the property for sealed bids while discussing options to retain a portion of the acreage for future district use.

Several votes were unanimous via voice vote; the board carried motions on all presented consent and consideration items. No item was tabled.

Next procedural step: many local policy changes presented as a first reading (TASB update) will return for final board action in December, and the district will continue to monitor budget and project timelines and report back to trustees.