The 2012-13 school year is in full swing and our students are learn-ing, engaging and collaborating using critical thinking skills that stimulate creativity and reason. Some students are working with pencil and paper, while others are learning through art or music. Many students are using technology such as iPads to create

online books, QR codes to integrate into podcasts or using presentations with animation or graphics to tell a story.

Our students are digital natives in a technology-filled world that does not and should not end when they en-ter our doorways. Instead of resisting technology and change, Eanes ISD has embraced it and is using every opportunity to further our students’ learning by engaging with technology.

We are thankful for our community’s support of the May 2011 bond, which allowed Eanes ISD to purchase much-needed computers and upgrade our infrastructure to keep up with the demand. Our students and staff have benefitted tremendously from these upgrades and are experiencing first-hand how learning can be innovative and fun. More bond program informa-tion is included later in this report.

We are also thankful for the partici-pation in the Community Dialogues last spring. These meetings not only brought together parents from around the district, but we also had several business leaders attend as well as resi-dents without children in our schools, two groups from whom we always want to hear input.

This progress report is an opportunity for the District to boast its accomplish-

ments, show how we rank across the state and nation and what we plan to do in our quest to constantly improve.

Thank you for your sup-port and for helping us to provide a top notch edu-cation for our students.

Sincerely,

Nola Wellman, Ph.D.Superintendent of Schools

Points of PrideFor 2011-13, Eanes ISD was rated Exemplary by the State of Texas, which only 44 districts (4.3 percent) statewide can claim. Eight Eanes ISD campuses were rated Exemplary by the Texas Education Agency, an accomplish-ment only 14.5 percent statewide achieved. Westlake HS is the third largest comprehensive Exemplary high school in the state.

The Austin Chamber awarded Eanes ISD for the district with the “Highest Rate of Direct-to-College Enrollment” award for 2011. This is the fourth consecutive year Eanes has won the honor.

Six Eanes ISD schools were included in the top 10 ranking of public schools in Central Texas by a Houston-based non-profit. Barton Creek Elementary ranked

second in public elementary schools, moving up from fifth last year, while Forest Trail Elemen-tary and Cedar Creek Elementary came in at fifth and sixth, respec-tively. West Ridge MS ranked sixth, Hill Country MS ranked 10th and Westlake HS ranked second in public schools in the region.

The National Center for Edu-cational Achievement (NCEA) named Barton Creek, Valley View Elementary, Hill Country MS, West Ridge MS and Westlake HS to the Higher Performance Schools list. This list identifies those schools in Texas that have consistently outperformed their peers with similar student popu-lations over a three-year period.

Continued next page

2012 Annual ReportResults for 2011-12 School Year

Eanes Independent School District

REVOLUTIONIZING EDUCATION

Barton Creek Elementary students learn about reptiles at Science Day.

Points of Pride (cont’d)• Barton Creek Elementary, Forest Trail Elementary and West Ridge MS earned recognition on the 2011 Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) Honor Roll. Of the more than 8,000 Texas pub-lic schools less than four percent achieve this honor. It was the sixth consecutive year for West Ridge to be honored by TBEC, and the third for Barton Creek.

• Westlake High School was ranked among the top high schools in the United States by Newsweek maga-zine. Westlake also earned recogni-tion on the 2012 national ranking of top high schools by U.S. News and World Report, as a Gold Medal recipient.

• A very high percentage of West-lake HS graduates (99%) applied for admission at the university level, and many were accepted into prestigious institutions.

83% 4-year institution16% 2-year institution1% Armed Services/ employment/other

• The Class of 2012 garnered more than $17.8 million in scholar-ships. Two WHS seniors were named Coca Cola Scholarship Finalists, named to a group of 250 students out of more than 80,000 applicants. For the first time in Westlake history, one student was named a Robertson Foundation Scholar, which awards a scholarship to attend both Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Generally, only 36 Robertson Foundation Scholars are chosen annually out of thousands of applicants.

• Westlake HS continues to post impressive numbers in Advanced Placement participation. In spring of 2012, Westlake HS administered 3,098 AP exams to 1,196 students; the previous year 3,110 exams were taken by 1,162 students. Of those exams, 77 percent of tests taken re-ceived a score of 3 or higher, which can earn college credit and 48 per-cent earned a score of 4 or higher.

More than 75% of Westlake HS stu-dents take an AP or Pre-AP course.

• Westlake HS had 12 National Merit finalists and 66 students who achieved the commended level as well as 10 National Hispanic Rec-ognition Program Scholars. These students were recognized by the College Board for their outstanding PSAT scores and their GPAs.

• Five Westlake students were named to the All-State Symphony

Orchestra and the All-State Philhar-monic Orchestra.

• Two Westlake Choir students were selected for the 2012 Texas Music Educators Association’s All-State Choir.

• Two Westlake students won National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Out of 200,000 works sub-mitted, only 1,500 were recognized at the national level.

• The Westlake Visual Arts pro-gram had 26 Qualifiers for State, 16 All-State Winners, and 4 Gold Seal Winners (the highest honor) at The Texas Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE).

• Westlake HS had a Technical Entertainment Crew student named as one of four students chosen from across the nation to participate as a crew member in the US Army All-American Bowl.

• A West Ridge Middle School 8th grader qualified to compete at the Primary Math World Contest in Hong Kong, China. He competed with 540 other students for one of four slots on the team. He won the

Eanes ISD Board of TrusteesDr. James “Kal” Kallison, PresidentMr. Rob Hargett, Vice PresidentDr. Colleen Jones, SecretaryMs. Ellen BalthazarMr. Mike FrostMs. Ronna MartinMr. Beau Ross

AdministrationDr. Nola Wellman, SuperintendentMr. Bill Bechtol, Asst. Superintendent, Curriculum, Instruction and AssessmentMr. Larry Keiser, Asst. Superintendent, Business ServicesMr. Lester Wolff, Asst. Superintendent, Human Resources

Hill Country MS Latin students won second in state competition.

first individual prize, and his team won the Po Leung Kuk Cup as the top non-Asian team.

• A Hill Country Middle Schooler finished 10th in the state at the National Geograph-ic Bee.

• Hill Country MS Latin students won second in state competition. Students had high marks in Grammar, Vocabulary, Latin Derivatives, Reading Comprehension, Mot-toes and Geography.

• West Ridge Middle School 6th, 7th and 8th graders won Sweepstakes and first place in all grade levels at the regional UIL Aca-demic competition. West Ridge has placed first the last nine years! Hill Country 6th, 7th and 8th graders placed second in the Academic UIL Competi-tion and finished second in Sweepstakes.

• Hill Country MS had 22 students recognized by Duke University’s Talent Identification Program for 7th grad-ers, which identifies academically talented 7th graders based on high school standardized test scores achieved while attending middle school. Hill Country had one Grand Recognition and 21 State Recognitions, while West Ridge had 45 students recognized, seven Grand Recognition and 38 State Recognitions.

• A West Ridge MS student was the State of Texas Champion and the National Champion in the Ameri-can Scholastic Achievement League. Other West Ridge students were named Gold medalists. Students are expected to draw from their knowledge base, use logic, and solve problems as they answer 100 questions in a 60 minute timeframe.

• The tax rate for Eanes ISD residents will remain at 1.2125 per $100 of taxable value for 2012-13, one of the lowest school district tax rates in our region (see chart below).

Area Tax Rates for 2012-13

M&O I&S TOTALPflugerville ISD 1.04 .50 $1.54Leander ISD 1.04 .47 $1.51Dripping Springs ISD 1.04 .45 $1.49Bastrop ISD 1.04 .441 $1.481Hays CISD 1.04 .4213 $1.461Lake Travis ISD 1.04 .36 $1.4Georgetown ISD 1.08 .318 $1.398Round Rock ISD 1.04 .34 $1.38Austin ISD 1.079 .163 $1.242Eanes ISD 1.04 .1725 $1.2125

By the Numbers

26252423222120

26.6

2012 ACT Scores

WHS Texa

s

Nat’l

20.8 21.1

2012 SAT Scores

1800170016001500140013001200

1764

1434 1498

WHS

Texa

s

Nat’l

2012 % of AP Students with Scores 3+

Globa

l

Texa

s

WHS

77%

51%61%80

706050403020

Eanes ISD staff have an average of 14.3 years of experience.

Inside the ClassroomStrong instructional programs in core subject areas are complemented by a wide variety of elective op-tions. Specialized programs meet student needs and allow students to reach their highest potential. Below are instructional highlights for 2011-12.

• The six elementary campuses have built FIT (Fo-cused Instructional Time) time into their schedules to facilitate small group sessions with the grade level teachers, or in some cases, with specialists who have been trained in research-based, higher intensity inter-ventions.

• Secondary campuses maintain a student support team and specialists trained to provide intensive inter-vention in reading including dyslexia, math and lan-guage acquisition for English Language Learners (ELL) students. Since secondary instruction is structured through separate courses and credits, student sup-port includes tutoring after school and in the evenings, credit recovery courses and summer school. Success-ful transition to high school and high rate of graduation in four years attest to the success of student support during the secondary years.

• Both middle schools are offering Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) to 8th grade students as a high school science credit. This course seeks to prepare

District Goals1. All students achieving higher levels of performance in a safe, supportive and technologically-rich environment through a guaranteed and well-rounded curriculum, differentiated instruction, and strategic assessment.

2. Exemplary employees and systems that support the District’s mission through innovative and efficient use of resources and assets.

3. Active engagement of the community in meaningful ways through increased, personalized and targeted communication strategies to inform stakeholders and energize advocacy for excellent public education.

2012-13

students for advanced science courses by building a substantial foundation in the concepts of both physics and chemistry through practical lab applications. Stu-dents will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills in specially designed lessons, labs, and inquiry based activities that will challenge them in unique, relevant and extending ways.

Staff Highlights• Eanes ISD Staff have an average of 14.3 years of experience, 55 percent have 11+ years experience and 38.1 percent have advanced degrees.

• Hill Country Middle School Librarian Heather Schubert was awarded the Texas Library Association’s “Libraries Change Com-munities” Award for her work with the Austin Teen Book Fes-tival. This award is given in recognition of a collaborative com-munity effort to promote outstanding library-based initiatives in Texas.

• Westlake HS teacher Robert Witowski was selected for the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, a program of the U.S. Department of State. Out of 300 applicants, Mr. Witowski was among 65 teachers who were selected. He participated in two Global Education Symposia in Washington, D.C, and participated in an international field experience in Ukraine, where he delved into the education system and conducted research on global education.

The 650 students making up the 2012 senior class of Westlake High School participated in Senior Service Day by volunteering

throughout the community.

Outside the Classroom

Eanes ISD offers a variety of activities outside of the classroom that help to provide a well-rounded educa-tion. Students excel in academic clubs, athletics and fine arts, to name a few.

• West Ridge Middle School Future City Engineering had a team win the Regional Finals and advance to the National Finals in Washington, D.C. Competing against

37 other top teams from around the nation, Team Aeterna won the Best Use of Aerospace Technology Award.

• Westlake High School had a Destination Imagination Team advance to Globals, finishing 10th in the world.

• Westlake Boys Soccer finished in the state semifi-nals, Girls Golf finished third in state, Boys Golf fin-ished second, while one Mixed Doubles Tennis Team won the State Championship. Westlake also boasts the State Girls 5A Individual Golf Title, and the State Boys 5A Individual Golf Title for 2011-12.

• Westlake HS students were named individual state qualifiers in Girls Track, Swimming and Wrestling as well as All Americans in Girls Soccer and Volleyball.

• Westlake HS cheerleaders placed second in the nation at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships.

• The Westlake HS Chaps in Service program recog-nized 320 graduating seniors who earned at least 70 hours of community service.

Eanes ISD hosted four nights of Community Dialogues in April, bringing in approximately 200 people to discuss district goals and priorities. Parents, teach-ers, students and business leaders participated in lively discussion about the desires for an Eanes ISD education. The Dialogues resulted in reaffirming the district’s direction and identified eight themes in which the community would like the district to focus. Follow-up will continue throughout the 2012-13 school year.

Dr. Nola Wellman visited every campus in her State of the District tour and presented information on the district’s goals and accomplishments, as well as bond program proposed projects. She also attended nu-merous Eanes Education Foundation events to discuss the district’s achievements and priorities.

Campuses offered numerous opportunities for com-munity participation in principals’ coffees, informa-

Read more www.eanesisd.net/dialogues

Community Engagementtional sessions on the iPad initiative expanding into elementary and middle schools as well as school carnivals, bingo nights and other fundraisers.

May 2011 Bond Program Highlights

Curriculum and InstructionSpecial Education ImprovementsRenovated Special Education areas at Westlake High School, West Ridge Middle School, Forest Trail Elementary and Valley View Elementary. Lavatories, water closets, showers and changing tables were installed and a motor skills area was built to assist students with special needs.

Classroom and Library ImprovementsSeveral classroom upgrades were completed over the summer, including a makeover of the Consumer Science Classroom at Westlake HS (pictured below), which had original equipment from 1969. The Eanes Elementary library was renovated to accommodate a better learning environment and more flexible space.

Musical InstrumentsMusical equipment and instruments that exceeded their useful life due to wear-and-tear and damage were replaced at the middle and high school level.

Americans with Disabilities Act ImprovementsMany projects in the Life Safety and Functional Access categories were completed, including installing grab bars in accessible restroom stalls and showers, renovating steep ramps and accessible routes and replacing non-compliant hardware.

Technology UpgradesLast year, the Westlake Initiative for Innovation (WIFI) program provided iPads for juniors and seniors, and some underclassmen taking upper-level courses. The pilot provided hands-on technology for students and teachers so that instruction was mobile and tailored to the fast-paced environment of high school students. The initiative has expanded to 8th graders at both middle schools and two selected grades at each elementary school for 2012-13. While 8th graders are allowed to take the tablet computers home, elementary schools leave the iPads in the classroom.

In addition, 400 computers were purchased district-wide, and more than 1,800 computers were upgraded with more memory.

Energy SavingsHeating/Air Conditioning Equipment UpgradesWest Ridge MS and Barton Creek Elementary had major system replacements to improve energy efficiency and air quality. Both campuses added a new central plant with energy-efficient chillers, boilers, towers, pumps and controls. Cedar Creek, Eanes, Forest Trail and Valley View also saw HVAC upgrades. The district will receive more than $100,000 in rebates from the City of Austin for mechanical and roofing upgrades.

Lighting ImprovementsReplaced lamps and ballasts with energy-efficient equipment and retrofitted campuses with current technology. Motion-activated lights were installed in common areas to save energy during non-use.

Eanes ISD voters approved a $54 million bond proposal in May 2011. The approved bond proposal focuses on projects in the following categories: Americans with Disabilities (ADA), Curriculum and Instruction (C&I), Energy Conservation, Flooring, Painting, Plumbing, Roofing, Safety, Technology, Transportation and a new facility for the Adult Transition Services program (formerly the 19+ program). The following are highlights of bond program projects.

May 2011 Bond Program Highlights

Playground UpgradesAfter an initial assessment of existing playground equipment, district facility personnel and playground consultants conducted meetings with campus committees at Cedar Creek, Eanes and Valley View elementaries to derive goals for each campus. These goals were based on inventory, guidelines, as well as all applicable Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) safety standards.

A critical goal for the district was to create playgrounds with ramps and elements so that all students could access and participate with other students on the playground. This involved designing

ramps and appropriate elements on the playscapes. The topography of the school sites made this process especially challenging.

The process involved parents, campus P.E. teachers, Special Education staff and administrators, with a multitude of input from vendors, playground architects and accessibility specialists.

The fourth campus, Bridge Point Elementary, will begin its playground design process this Fall.

Read more www.eanesisd.net/bond

Playfield UpgradesBoth middle school fields were replaced with synthetic turf and erosion controls were installed. This will allow the district and community year-round use of the fields, will cut down on irrigation costs and eliminate erosion due to drainage and water run-off.

The structural steel of the bleachers at Chaparral Stadium was improved. The subsoil under the track was removed and replaced with stabilized, lime-injected soil and a new track was installed.

Safety UpgradesThe fire alarm in the Ninth Grade Center at Westlake HS was replaced and panic device doors for emergency exit capability were installed at Chaparral Stadium. In addition, emergency exit lighting in several schools was replaced.

The district phased out 25 buses and added new buses equipped with the latest safety standards, fuel efficiencies and lower emissions. Included are cameras and LED signs to alert drivers of stops.

ATS ProgramThe Adult Transition Services (ATS) building was completed in March of 2012. The facility serves the district’s young adults with special needs and includes an accessible kitchen and laundry facilities, computer lab, classrooms and group work areas that enhance instruction in vocational, independent living and recreational skills.

Property Tax Revenue 100,841,843 State Revenue 8,963,932Other Local Revenue 3,197,604Other Resources 998,000TOTAL $114,001,379

Recapture Payment 54,340,491Instructional 42,657,171Administration & Operations 12,572,259Student Services 4,313,936Instructional Leadership 4,161,970TOTAL $118,045,827

Each year, the Eanes ISD budget is prepared with the dis-trict’s mission in mind, using a conservative and careful approach while keeping a personal mandate of a quality education first and foremost.

The 2012-13 budget is comprised of hundreds of moving parts. With 85 percent of the budget dedicated to payroll, any major cuts are sure to impact personnel and services.

A positive aspect of this year’s budget is the tax rate will remain at 1.2125 per $100 of taxable value, one of the lowest school district tax rates in our region.

The Eanes Education Foundation provides crucial finan-cial support for staffing on a district-wide level. In 2012, EEF’s record-breaking grant of $1.272 million will help fund 24 teacher positions, as well as the Partnership for Teacher Excellence Program that reimburses half of tuition costs to teachers seeking master’s degrees.

Non Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 2501

Austin, Texas

Eanes Independent School District601 Camp Craft Rd.Austin, TX 78746

Financial Summary 2012-13 Budgeted Revenues

2012-13 Budgeted Expenditures

Property Taxes

State Revenue

Other Local Revenue

Other Resources

Property Taxes

State Revenue

Other Local Revenue

Other Resources

Recapture

Instructional

Admin/Operations

Student Services

Instr. Leadership

Recapture

Instructional

Admin/Operations

Student Services

Instr. Leadership

Mission: The Eanes community is vitally commited to educational excellence that prepares and inspires all students for life-long success by engaging each student in rigorous academic experiences and enriching opportunities.