HAPPENING NOW: Live footage from tonight’s @ltisdschools board meeting. The board is considering back to school guidelines, that includes the ability to extend online learning (for some) an additional 4 weeks. Stay tuned for more. #BackToSchool

Several parents are pleading with the district to stick to the plan. The district has been grappling with guidelines kicking off the year remotely. Students (who wanted to) were set to return to campus Sept. 8. This could be delayed further for some. https://www.statesman.com/news/20200824/lake-travis-grapples-with-back-to-school-guidelines

"Please stick to the plan!... Teachers are essential workers and we need them back in the schools. If they are not willing to do that then please back fill their positions with someone who will,"one parent said.

So I’m in the overflow rooms, because it’s SO packed in the board room. Listen in (1 min delay) on some of what is being said tonight :

Other than the teachers here tonight, I have not heard many (any?) parents advocating to keep schools closed. A June survey said nearly 70% of Lake Travis school district parents said they planned to send their child to school.

One woman was just escorted from the mic, because she would not wear her mask (medical condition) at the podium. The district is requiring masks of everyone who is entering its facilities.

Ok 2 hrs into the meeting and we are now listening to the presentation from the district. Here are the 3 options being considered tonight.

A parent was just escorted out by police for disruption of the presentation. Several parents have spoke out tonight with lots of emotion.

Here’s is 3 options with more details. The board is expected to make a decision tonight.

Bob Dorsett, Jr. has asked about how to find a balance that allows teachers to work remotely while also bringing kids back to campus. "Teachers do have legitimate fears and that has to be recognized. Our kids have to get back to school. Its imperative. We have to find a balance."

177 teachers requested to be remote (not all medical concerns), and about a quarter were granted that request. @nortonp13 said those requests were easier to fill at the elementary level but it gets complicated in secondary levels bc teachers have specific certifications."

"We are all in this together and it takes all of us to get this right. Seeing this anger tonight is very disappointing because we are one community and we want to fight for teachers, students and parents!" @_bdorsett