Lake Travis ISD superintendent placed on paid leave pending investigation

LAKE TRAVIS, Texas - Lake Travis ISD superintendent Paul Norton has been placed on paid administrative leave, says the school board.

The board held a special-called meeting on Dec. 17 to discuss and review reported allegations of misconduct by Norton. Following a closed session, trustees voted unanimously to place Norton on paid administrative leave, effective immediately.

The nature of the allegations is said to be "confidential and protected from disclosure," said Board President Erin Archer in a Dec. 17 letter to district staff, parents and guardians. However, the allegations were presented "as new information to the board."

While Norton is on leave pending an investigation, Pam Sanchez will serve as acting superintendent. Sanchez has been with the district since Oct. 2020 and currently serves as the assistant superintendent for business services.

Read the full Dec. 17 letter from Board President Erin Archer:

Dear Lake Travis ISD Staff and Parents/Guardians,

Earlier this evening, the Lake Travis school board held a special called meeting to discuss a personnel matter pertaining to Superintendent of Schools, Paul Norton. During closed session, the board reviewed a report containing allegations of misconduct. These allegations, while confidential and protected from disclosure, have been presented as new information to the board. Upon conclusion of our closed session, and as per established district policies and procedures, trustees voted unanimously to place Mr. Norton on paid administrative [leave] effective immediately.

As a result, the board also voted to name Pam Sanchez as Acting Superintendent. Ms. Sanchez has been a member of the LTISD family since October 2020, serving as our Assistant Superintendent for Business Services.

We understand that this decision may raise questions and concerns, and we want to assure our staff, students, families, and the greater Lake Travis community that the board remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a fair and thorough process. Our primary focus continues to be the success and well-being of all those we serve.

Furthermore, we are committed to transparency and will provide updates as circumstances allow. Thank you for your trust and support of Lake Travis ISD. Together, we will continue to uphold the high standards that define our exceptional district.

Sincerely,

Erin Archer
Board President