ATX-LTW: Impact 10/9/2025

After a few months since its last discussion on districtwide campus renovations, the Eanes ISD board of trustees are considering forming a Bond Advisory Committee ahead of a potential 2027 bond to complete the projects.

Remember this? Members of EISD's Long-Range Facility Planning Committee first presented its list of projects in May. The recommendations included academic, athletic and fine arts expansions; updated classroom spaces, libraries, gyms, cafeterias and administrative areas; and bus and parking upgrades. Further work from the board was paused during the summer after former superintendent Jeff Arnett announced his retirement. 

Latest update: District administration previously considered a May 2026 bond, but are now suggesting either a November 2026 or May 2027 bond. The board would charge the Bond Advisory Committee with putting together a package. 

Looking ahead: The BAC could be formed in the coming months, as a May 2027 bond would require an election be called by late January or early February 2027. A November 2026 bond would require an election be called in August 2026.

Water levels on Lake Travis are continuing to sink following July flooding, with a drought ongoing in the region as determined by the Lower Colorado River Authority.

What’s happening: Lake Buchanan is currently 95% full, at 1018.16 feet, according to a presentation shared by Shannon Hamilton, the Central Texas Water Coalition’s executive director, at an Oct. 6 Lakeway meeting. Lake Travis is 84% full at 671.17 feet.

The details: Lake Travis’ water levels have dropped by 3-3.5 feet since July flooding. Despite the increased rainfall this year, the region remains in a drought which originally began in August 2019 and continues to today, Hamilton said. Looking statewide, almost 40% of Texas is in an abnormally dry period, which could transition to a drought within the next few weeks if rain does not arrive soon, according to Hamilton’s presentation.

What's next: LCRA will respond to comments from their August meeting Oct. 10.

A pro bono clinic in Southwest Austin is teaching children and youth with neuromotor disabilities how to walk and regain movement while training the next generation of physical therapists.

Since 2016, the Pro Bono Neuroplasticity Clinic at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences' Austin campus has provided free physical therapy to under- or uninsured families of children with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other central nervous system conditions.

The pediatric clinic provides hands-on experience for physical therapy students while offering high-demand care for a growing number of families in the Austin area, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences staff said.

The overview: A handful of children and teenage patients visit the clinic multiple times a week to receive physical therapy services provided by students and faculty. The clinic helps patients foster independence by learning how to walk and improving their motor skills, said Sheila Brose, a physical therapy faculty lab instructor.

The impact: The clinic is an important resource for families who couldn’t otherwise afford physical therapy services, Brose said.

Employees of Samsung Austin Semiconductor will move into the new office building at the manufacturer’s Taylor campus by the end of November, Michele Glaze, senior director of communications and community affairs, said Oct. 8.

The overview: Glaze, speaking at a Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon, said the six-story office building boasts a number of amenities, including two cafeterias, open-concept cubicles, atriums, a fitness center and a meditation space.

About 1,000 Samsung employees will move into the Taylor site over the first two quarters, Glaze said. 

The background: Construction on the $17 billion Taylor site began in 2022. To date, Glaze said the 1,200-acre campus, totaling 4 million square feet, is home to: 

• The office building
• A fabrication plant
• Two gas and chemical supply buildings
• A utility station and building
• An electrical substation
• Water and wastewater facilities
• Two water tanks
• Three warehouses
• 250 construction trailers, and more