Here’s a bold statement: The future of education isn’t just about what happens in the classroom—it’s about the books students read, the support they receive, and the financial stability of the district. And the latest updates from the Lake Travis ISD board of trustees meeting on October 15th shed light on exactly these critical areas. But here’s where it gets controversial: the approval of library books has sparked debate, leaving some community members divided. Let’s dive in.
Library Books Approved—But Not Without Debate
The board greenlit a list of library materials recommended by the School Library Advisory Council (SLAC), a group established in response to Senate Bill 13 to oversee the approval and challenge process of these resources. You can view the full list here: Library Procurement List. Tasha Barker, assistant superintendent of organizational services, explained that the titles were chosen to support the curriculum and encourage reading. The list was publicly available for 30 days, receiving feedback from just one parent.
Out of 2,588 books under consideration, each SLAC member reviewed 189, with 92 receiving comments. However, Trustee Keely Cano, a nonvoting liaison to the SLAC, voted against the approval. Cano pointed out that 63 books were not discussed and that the committee’s final vote felt rushed due to time constraints. Of the 11 members present at the SLAC meeting on October 14th, six voted in favor, while five opposed it.
And this is the part most people miss: Cano raised a thought-provoking question: If 45% of the committee wasn’t comfortable with the list, should the broader community’s concerns be taken more seriously? Trustee Jonathan Bove countered that the meeting had a quorum and members had ample time to review comments. He also emphasized that the challenge process remains open, allowing community members to raise concerns about any book purchased for the curriculum.
Bold Question for You: Should the approval of library books require a higher threshold of consensus, or is the current process sufficient? Share your thoughts in the comments!
New Counseling Services and a Major Grant
Lake Travis ISD is stepping up its game in student support with two exciting initiatives. First, they’ve launched a Community Resource Directory, a one-stop hub for mental health services, housing assistance, and more. Second, a Virtual Parent Workshop Series is set to tackle critical topics like fentanyl awareness (October 27th, presented by the Forever 15 Project) and vaping (November 16th, by the Texas School Safety Center).
Adding to the good news, LTISD is one of just three Texas districts to receive the Effective Advising Framework grant. This grant, totaling between $50,000 and $120,000, aims to enhance advising practices and counselor capacity to better prepare students for college, careers, and military paths. It will roll out in the 2026-27 school year.
Financial Excellence for the 23rd Year in a Row
For the 23rd consecutive year, LTISD has earned a ‘superior achievement’ financial rating, scoring 94 out of 100 points in the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). This ‘A’ rating, based on the 2023-24 fiscal year, highlights the district’s unwavering commitment to financial accountability. Chief Financial Officer Pam Sanchez explained that the rating system ensures schools are held to high standards in financial management.
Out of 21 financial indicators, LTISD passed all 11 ‘pass/fail’ criteria, including timely financial reporting and debt compliance. The remaining 10 indicators, scored on a scale of 1-10, included two scored out of five points—average daily attendance projections and website transparency—both of which LTISD aced. One indicator was not scored due to COVID-19-related adjustments.
Final Thought: While financial stability and counseling services are widely celebrated, the library book approval process remains a hot topic. What’s your take? Is the current system fair, or does it need an overhaul? Let’s keep the conversation going!
