Claim OwnershipEanes Parents Unite
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© 2025 Aaron Silva
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We’re trying to start a productive conversation about the current state of Eanes Independent School District. Our hope is to find common ground as parents and leaders by discussing the history of EISD, the merits of leadership decisions happening right now, and the change in the district’s stated mission that could hold sway over its future. This conversation is vital because, like all parents, we want our children to grow as individuals, learn in a culture of excellence, and remain safe while doing it. EISD has delivered on all of these promises in the past, and now we must work hard to preserve it for our kids. No matter your stance on the issues, please join the conversation and believe in Eanes!
34 Episodes
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Join guest host Brad Swail as he interviews Aaron & Ivana Silva about their efforts to pass the RESTORE Act into Texas law. They delve into the Westlake Athletic Community Center (WACC) scandal and discuss how Eanes missed a $210 million endowment opportunity. Aaron also discusses the closures of Valley View and Eanes Elementary as the district adapts to declining enrollment. The couple provides an update on the $1M defamation lawsuit against The Westlake Smear Cartel leaders.
The promise of an affordable and practical college education has been decaying for years. Many parents are worried about saddling their student or family with tons of debt and low employment opportunities. Eanes should keep the 4-year train going full speed yet add vocational opportunities to the curriculum so students can have an option to leave high school for a high-paying career if they want. Expand our mission statement to include: "...guarantee parents an excellent and market-ready education."Learn more about Aaron:https://www.silva4eanes.com/
I've been signing the front of paychecks since my early 20s. When you are an entrepreneur and CEO, you develop a creative way of thinking and solving financial problems. This is experience and thinking you cannot get from a nurse or career government bureaucrat (my opponents). We need a business leader on the board of trustees that can approach our budget differently. I will bring a new diversity of thought to Eanes ISD trustees.Learn more about Aaron:https://www.silva4eanes.com/
Yes, we can pay our best teachers $100,000 or more. It starts with a new way of thinking and a strong partnership with Eanes Education Foundation. Measuring excellence will be easy considering the top-talent we already have in the district. We must end 20% attrition by thinking differently about compensating teachers and keeping them here long enough to build a new legacy. I will lead this effort.Learn more about Aaron:https://www.silva4eanes.com/
Look around. Westlake is not growing. Young families can't afford $2 million homes. Parents and grandparents aren't moving out either. Our student population is in decline yet we must upgrade our facilities to contemporary standards, for sure. However, do we bring on as much as $1 Billion in bond debt to pay for a school district that is too big for our population...or do we build the future that suits our community size?Learn more about Aaron:https://www.silva4eanes.com/
There are many parents in our community that do not feel seen, heard or included. I intend to change that dynamic and bring people together like I have done over the past 2 years with this podcast. Viewpoints from all sides on all issues. Unafraid to communicate and a natural curiosity in what taxpayers, parents, teachers and students want to share. The current board of trustees must do a much better job to regain the lost trust in our community. I will lead that effort as your new trustee.Learn more about Aaron:https://www.silva4eanes.com/
Eanes has officially broken the Texas Public School Finance System (aka "Robinhood") and the implications of a potential "Success Failure" are more probable today than ever before in our history. Join host Aaron Silva as he discusses the major financial issues facing Eanes that every parent should know about and how new leadership on the Board of Trustees can make a difference in ensuring the legacy of our great school district. Eanes must climb to a new level of excellence if it intends to survive and thrive.Learn more about Aaron:https://www.silva4eanes.com/
Join Host Aaron Silva as he interviews new Police Chief Matt Greer about his career in the Austin PD, anti-terrorism and anti-gang task forces. Assistant Superintendent Jeremy Trimble discusses the challenges in standing up their first ever police force - a response to the tragic events in Uvalde and now ordered by Texas Law. Discover the details of how this armed police force will operate on every campus and its impact on your child's safety. Aaron Silva explores the Tesla controversy, the financial impact to our budget deficit and implications for taxpayers. Don't miss this informative and important episode.CONNECT:Website: https://eanesparentsunite.com
Join host Aaron Silva as he grades the legislative triumphs and shortfalls of Eanes ISD in the 2023 season. In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Arnett joins Aaron for an insightful house call to discuss the wins and challenges; school choice, future bonds and the success of the Spanish immersion program and the fate of Valley View Elementary. However, issues such as protecting children from sexually explicit library books and eliminating the access of males into female locker rooms remain legislatively unresolved. Special guests Mary Elizabeth Castle from Texas Values and parent Brian Talley join the conversation, providing valuable insights and perspectives.CONNECT:Website: https://eanesparentsunite.com
Enjoy this in-depth interview with board of trustee candidate Chandler Hatchett. Mrs. Hatchett is a Texas native and 100% product of EISD attending elementary, middle and High school, now with her own 2 elementary aged children enrolled. Hear her and Aaron discuss a wide variety of topics including library books, DEI, paying teachers more and reestablishing trust in the trustees by improving communication with parents through her student-first agenda.CONNECT:Website: https://eanesparentsunite.com
Join Aaron as he explores and unwraps the 2023 mega-BOND proposal made up of 3 propositions - A, B and C along with the help of Eanes' CFO Chris Scott and Asst. Superintendent Jeremy Trimble. Rising property values have inflated EISD property tax coffers, helping the district to retire the 2019 $80M Bond early - but just as tax relief is in sight the school board sends another bond to the voters using the same tax rate. What's in the Bond? Why three propositions? What happens to our children if the bonds don't pass?Don't vote until you hear this episode.CONNECT:Website: https://eanesparentsunite.com
As we approach the midpoint of our second season, we are bringing back by popular demand our election coverage interviews which cover the Eanes ISD Board of Trustees candidates and the 2023 Bond. Join Aaron as he previews what is upcoming in the next few weeks!
Eanes ISD has been embroiled in a non-stop discussion about parental rights vs. an educator's right to teach what they think is important for students. But what are parents' legal rights over education? Where do the rights of educators in Texas begin and can they ethically or legally assume the role of teaching their morals or political psychosocial standards to students - or is turning out great American citizens this the exclusive domain of parents? Join Aaron Silva as he talks with Stuart Baggish, an attorney for over 33 years representing teachers, parents and students across Texas, Florida and California dealing with these questions and concerns every day.CONNECT:Website: https://eanesparentsunite.com
The Eanes Education Foundation (EEF) has done incredible things for our children's education for many years. However, their annual $3 million gift has morphed from a "nice to have" to a "need to have" as the EISD board of trustees saddles the district with a $2 million deficit for this school year. What would happen to our quality of education if EISD remains insolvent? Are your donations financing the budget deficit - or helping to hire more great teachers? Hear from EEF leadership as they chart a path through these challenging times. ***NOTE: This episode was recorded before the December board update outlining a potential change to financial condition due to the impact or higher interest rates on market investments.CONNECT:Website: https://eanesparentsunite.com
WARNING: This episode contains passages read from actual EISD library books. Parental discretion is advised.The debate about pornography In School Library Books may be national but the controversy here is unique only to Eanes. Aaron explores the 3-way tug of war between trustees’ inaction; parents pro-porn and parents anti-porn and frames a struggle that puts innocent students and teachers in the middle. Will our board of trustees find the will to lead? Or will they wait for a Hail Mary pass from Texas legislators? Hear actual readings from books available to your kids without parental knowledge and learn what books are NOT in the library, but should be.CONNECT:Website: https://eanesparentsunite.com
Following the Safety and Security Town Hall meeting hosted for parents by EISD in September, Aaron interviews Assistant Superintendents Jeremy Trimble and Molly May as they strengthen physical deterrents and monitor the mental health of our students - but some parents at the meeting feel it may not be enough in the aftermath of the Uvalde tragedy. Hear about the hard work our leaders are performing and challenges they face to prevent the worst of outcomes. Aaron also meets with a parent attending the town hall who opines with his readiness assessment of the district safety and security plans that all parents should know about.CONNECT:Website: https://eanesparentsunite.com
Join Aaron as he introduces Varsity Football Head Coach Tony Salazar in his first year at the helm following three straight Texas state championships. Coach Salazar discusses how our football program and culture reinforces accountability, responsibility and leadership in Eanes' students ultimately shaping them to be outstanding leaders after they graduate high school. Part two of this episode introduces a new recurring segment from influential parent Jennifer Stevens in a heart-felt and sincere appeal to parents in our district to build bridges and unite for the sake of our children.
Join Aaron as he interviews Superintendent Dr. Jeff Arnett and Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jeremy Trimble about the safety status of our children in the wake of the Uvalde tragedy. Dr. Arnett also details his community engagement and communication plans known as "CAFE" - Conversations About Furthering Excellence - that will openly discuss with all parents in a town hall format: Safety & Security, Library Books, DEI and District Finances.
For nearly the entirety of this podcast season we have been focusing on what EISD administrators, leaders and parents believe is best for their kiddos - what WE THINK, THEY NEED. Now, hear a perspective from one of the brightest and most accomplished students in our entire school district - the Senior Class President of Westlake High School, Mr. Mark Sayegh. Mr. Sayegh has an incredible sense of what the student body of WLHS wants and needs and you'll be surprised to hear how little students and their collective opinions are actually included in the initiatives and programs contemplated by EISD leadership and implemented at WLHS. Mark weighs in on all of our seaon topics including the Mission Statement, Communication, Library Books, DEI, racism, student leadership and traditions of Eanes.
Eanes ISD Board of Trustee Public Square Candidate Forum sponsored by Eanes Parents Unite Podcast held on April 20, 2022 at 7:00PM with challenging candidates Jim Withers, Jay Lamy, David Barrutia at Riverbend Church in Westlake, Texas. Event moderated by Aaron Silva.Not present: Incumbent candidates Ellen Balthazar (ill) and Heather Sheffield (declined).
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