Superintendent surveys, new buses, project contracts: latest Eanes ISD updates
Check out the latest updates from the Eanes ISD board of trustees meeting Sept. 9.
Superintendent search: An anonymous survey is available for community members to provide input that will shape the leadership profile used to recruit and evaluate candidates, and a town hall will be held Sept. 25 at the Performing Arts Center to provide further input.
New buses: Officials said the increased number of students participating in activities is outpacing the number of bus routes. The board approved the purchase of two additional buses to support transportation for extracurricular activities, costing $310.3K and funded through the 2023 bond.
Contract amendments: The Barton Creek Elementary portable project required $67,222 of additional architectural services which caused the contract to exceed its original $150,000 threshold, and the total amount is now $179,042. Additionally, an amendment to allow additional reimbursable expenses not to exceed $20,000 to Square One Consultants, Inc. for project management support services for the Barton Creek and Valley View Elementary blend was approved. The total amount of the contract is now $168,953.
Hill Country Alliance celebrates 20 years with performance by Robert Earl Keen
Hill Country Alliance is marking its 20th anniversary with a special event highlighting its journey protecting the Texas Hill Country.
The specifics: The nonprofit organization will host a performance by Texas musician Rober Earl Keen in addition to sets from Will & The Wilderness and Katie Shore of Asleep at the Wheel.
The event will showcase over 400 community leaders, conservation advocates and Hill Country enthusiasts who will come together for an evening of music and connection.
Get involved: All tickets for the event include a barbecue dinner, nonalcoholic beverages and access to the limited open bar.
Ticket prices are as follows, according to the event website:
Free - children 2 and under
$50 - children between 3 and 12
$100 - adult ticket for ages 13 and up
Knibbe Ranch, 9836 Spring Branch Road, Spring Branch
Q&A: CollegePros consultant Kate Trent offers Central Texas students college application expertise
CollegePros co-owners Kate Trent and Kim Heffernan assist dozens of Central Texas high school students in determining their next steps after graduation each school year.
The overview: Trent and Heffernan, who were formerly educators in the Austin area, started CollegePros in 2023 to provide a range of supportive services for students in selecting a career path, successfully finding and applying to colleges as well as receiving financial aid.
Why it matters: The Central Texas-based business helps alleviate pressure for families who may not have the time or resources to navigate the increasingly complicated college application process, Trent said.
Learn more: Community Impact spoke with Trent about what students need to know as they prepare for graduation and beyond.
More notice required for public meetings under new Texas law
Cities, counties and school district boards across Texas are required to provide more notice for public meetings under a new state law aimed at increasing public participation in government affairs.
The details: Local government agencies must post meeting notices at least three business days in advance of the meeting, meaning weekends and holidays do not count toward the minimum posting period.
House Bill 1522, which became law Sept. 1, increases the notice requirement from 72 hours.
The law change is part of “an effort to promote government transparency and citizen participation,” Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said during a May 13 legislative hearing.
The local impact: Some city and county governments across Community Impact’s coverage areas are changing their meeting schedules to comply with the new law, including:
Bastrop City Council
Conroe City Council
Fort Bend County Commissioners Court
Montgomery County Commissioners Court
The Woodlands Township
The new law does not dictate when local governments hold meetings, as long as they meet the three-day posting requirement.
