Comments on: Eanes eyes pared-down bond proposal

By: over taxed

over taxed — Wed, 26 May 2010 18:20:34 +0000

It is unfortunate that those who state facts are considered pompous by others. I have had children in private and in Eanes. I see both sides of the above statements.
Also, I would not live in Senna Hills because I believe it is far away from just about everything. I don’t want to spend big bucks on gas and all my time in the car. If driving and distance had been a concern to “Sienna”, then it should have been a concern to Sienna when purchasing a Senna Hills home. I know I will be scolded for daring to be so pompous, or something. Shame on me.

By: Grateful

Grateful — Tue, 25 May 2010 19:53:53 +0000

We are one of many district families who thought they were making an “informed decision” (i.e. believed the district’s PR) and bought homes here. Many of these families live within walking distance of Eanes ISD schools, pay high property taxes, and yet each day drive their children across town to private schools. They are writing tuition checks to private schools and paying Eanes ISD property taxes too. Because even though the district schools are right down the street, they are not an option. They are making an “informed decision” to place education (rather than athletics) as the priority.

By: No, that's not what it says

No, that's not what it says — Tue, 25 May 2010 13:58:21 +0000

Silver lining is saying that in his/her case, EISD does not provide educational services for his/her kid. That’s all. It’s very hard for people who have only typical children to understand, but many parents of children with special needs have simply opted out of the district. This happens at the both ends of the spectrum, from kids who are especially gifted to kids who need aides and modified curricula. Four years ago, there were 785 kids receiving services through special education (and yes, folks, special education can include super bright children who are off the charts smart) and now there are less than 550 according to the district. The rest? Most of them left. That’s about 200 kids. Isn’t it interesting to note that the transfer student population is about 160 kids today.

Hence, the accusation you’ve seen on these message boards repeatedly that EISD forces out kids who take more resources and then provides their “seat” to out of district transfers who can add to the district’s “scores” when exemplary measurement time comes around each year.

So what “Silver lining” is saying is that at least there is a school for your kids, even at the end of a long bus ride. I think his/her point is simple: that is not true for every child who lives in this district.

By: Sienna

Sienna — Tue, 25 May 2010 03:08:21 +0000

Wait — Did you just say I should be grateful my children can attend school in your district!!? I choose to live here inside the district because I value education over all else. I pay Eanes School Taxes. My decision on where to live is not something I need to be grateful for – it was an informed decision. And judging by your pompous response, maybe one would be better going to another school.

By: Quick and Dirty (to quote Ellen Balthazar)

Quick and Dirty (to quote Ellen Balthazar) — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:48:47 +0000

Your kids could live within walking distance of this fine facility:

http://www.keepeanesinformed.com/this_is_westlake_high.htm

By: Silver Lining

Silver Lining — Sat, 22 May 2010 00:50:56 +0000

Sienna, just be happy that your children can attend the district at all. Many cannot and are paying high property taxes, private school tuition AND driving their children to private schools all over Austin.

Here’s the silver lining: What a difference private school makes. Worth every cent and every mile.

By: We all go out of the way

We all go out of the way — Fri, 21 May 2010 21:30:42 +0000

Most people travel a distance for school. BridgePoint kids come from the depths of Westlake spening 45 minutes each way on Westalke Dr. Eanes Elem kids come from the depths of Westlake Dr, Rollingwood and areas off of Bee Caves. You just do it- you can’t always have a school in your backyard. Just because it is cheap to build does not mean it is cheap to operate. There is a District in Ft. Worth that sold the idea of cheap construction- they now have two new schools they cannot afford to open.

Second- school finance will change but what they are saying now is that it won’t be for the better for us. Even if miraculously we were able to keep more of our funds, the funds that the state gives us per student and for various programs are about to be reduced. We should be planning as if we have 80% of the dollars we now spend.

We need to wake up. It is a great idea but we are now making the choice- teachers and programs or buildings- ask yourself which educates your child? Then ask which you are willing to give up?

By: Sienna

Sienna — Fri, 21 May 2010 18:20:54 +0000

I find it odd that Eanes ISD can collect new taxes for Sienna Hills and the newer homes in the area for years, decide to move the now Valley View Students, and not plan for a new school. This has been a 15 year ordeal. I do not know how this was started and I do not care. I do care that this issue is fixed. Sending little children that far out of the neighborhood shows the neglect of the school district for this area. I do not want to pay more taxes either, but the district has already been collecting money for this school. I bet if Sienna Hills had not been moved to Barton Creek, they would be the ones hollering – and even louder.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:06:50 +0000

Why not move the kids from Eanes Elementary to Valley View once the new school is built? Valley View is much closer to Eanes than Barton Creek is to Valley View. Just seems to make sense. Once the new school is complete we can look at a good renovation for Eanes.

By: Eanes mom

Eanes mom — Thu, 20 May 2010 03:10:10 +0000

Since we need to raise revenue, if we’re not going to close an elementary, why don’t we charge the legally allowable transfer fee? that would probably generate about half a million dollars. It won’t close the $4 million gap closing a campus would, but it would be a start to adjusting our spending to our revenue. I don’t see how we can continue giving our tax revenue to nonresident students to keep all six elementaries open (even though we also accept secondary transfers). It should at least be a break even proposition.