AUSTIN, Texas — As Eanes ISD faces a budget deficit of about $6.5 million, an Austin business owner claims the district rejected a gift of more than $200 million.
In January, Eanes ISD leaders voted unanimously to close Valley View Elementary School as part of their plan to navigate the district’s budget.
The district attributed the move to a lack of significant public school funding, which has been an ongoing issue in Texas since 2019. However, Jeff Buch, a managing member of the Westlake Athletic and Community Center (WACC), said his “potentially historic gift” could have reshaped the future of Eanes ISD.
“I wanted to give back to my community with no strings attached,” Buch said. “Their lack of interest or basic curiosity to learn more about my proposal and strike a deal remains inexplicable.”
Buch said his plan would donate 100% of net income from the WACC and the Eanes Aquatics Center by converting the contract with WAC LLC, which manages the properties, into a nonprofit endowment dedicated to the district.
Buch claims the endowment could have delivered between $210-$317 million to the district over 40 years. However, Eanes ISD disputes the details of the ordeal.
“We are currently in a business relationship with Mr. Buch and he knows how to reach us,” the district said in a response. “We have repeatedly requested a formal proposal outlining his generous offer. However … Eanes ISD has yet to receive anything in writing.”
The district added that since it is a government entity, it can’t accept verbal or informal business propositions, regardless of how much money is involved.