Austin News

Some Eanes ISD students returned to school on Sept. 8, but this school year is much different than past years. 

Superintendent Tom Leonard said 25% of its approximately 8,000 students have returned to school for in-person instruction. 

"For the most part, it has gone well," Leonard told Austin News.

"All of Texas has decided to go to in-person classes at some point or we lose all TEA funding," said Leonard. "If we lost funding, I can't pay any teachers. Under TEA's funding regulations, I must open for in-person instruction or I will lose funding. I'm operating under the rules I've been given and trying to keep everyone safe while doing so."

While remote learning works well for some students, Leonard said he wasn't meeting the needs of all the children in the district, particularly those with special needs, autism, and young students like first graders who have difficulty with Zoom classes. He estimated that 15% to 20% of his students couldn't do remote learning.

"Zoom could work, but it's different if you're 6 years old or a 6-year-old with special needs," said Leonard. "There always has been a social aspect to school, but you lost a portion of that when you're remote."

Following guidance put forth by Austin Public Health, county health officials and the Centers for Disease Control, Eanes put numerous protocols in place. The recommendations for schools were that they begin at 25% capacity and stay at that level for two weeks.

"They wanted to make sure wisely we'd have all our protocols in place and maintain in-person learning," said Leonard. "Our protocols are extremely well thought out."

Protocols include everyone wearing masks, adhering to social distancing, taking temperatures, constantly cleaning the environment, and installing plastic shield where necessary. Sanitation kits are in every classroom for students to clean desks when they enter rooms. Additionally, social distancing is in effect on school buses.

Leonard said during a pandemic there is no way to absolutely ensure no one will get the virus. 

"We are doing about the best anyone can do," he said. "We're just trying to keep everyone healthy."

Leonard said Eanes has offered "a safe environment for staff and students to meet their social, emotional and academic needs." 

Eanes can now increase to 50% of students returning for in-person classes. Leonard said that is slated to occur on Monday, Sept. 21.