News Summary
The Austin Independent School District has drafted a plan to close 13 schools, including 10 elementary schools, due to a budget deficit of $19.7 million and decreased enrollment. The closures, starting in the 2026-27 academic year, follow directives from the Texas Education Agency and aim to save approximately $25.6 million annually. Changes to attendance boundaries will affect over 16,000 students, prompting community workshops for feedback and ensuring educational services for displaced students.
Austin, Texas
Austin ISD Proposes Closure of 13 Schools to Address Budget Shortfall and Enrollment Decline
The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced a draft plan to close 13 schools beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, citing financial challenges and decreasing student enrollment as primary reasons behind the decision.
Details of the School Closures
The proposed closures include 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and a single high school program. The elementary schools slated for closure are Barrington ES, Becker ES, Bryker Woods ES, Dawson ES, Maplewood ES, Oak Springs ES, Palm ES, Ridgetop ES, Sunset Valley ES, and Widén ES. The middle schools affected are Bedicheck MS and Martin MS, which is expected to be temporarily closed. The high school program, International HS, is also included; however, its students will continue to be supported through a program relocating to Navarro Early College High School.
Reasons Behind the Closures
The district’s decision follows directives from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which requires 23 schools in Austin to close or undergo a leadership restart due to low performance metrics. This measure is part of a broader effort to improve educational outcomes within the district. Additionally, AISD faces a substantial $19.7 million budget deficit and has experienced a significant reduction in student enrollment, dropping from approximately 84,000 students in 2015 to about 70,000 today.
Financial Impact and Savings
District officials estimate that if the school board approves the closure plan on November 20, the district will realize approximately $25.6 million in annual savings. This financial infusion aims to help AISD manage its deficit and redirect funds to other educational priorities.
Redrawing Attendance Boundaries and Student Impact
As part of the proposed restructuring, 98% of schools will see significant changes to their attendance boundaries to accommodate the reorganization. Over 16,000 students will be affected by the boundary adjustments, which seek to optimize school capacities and resources. Parents will have the opportunity to access an interactive online tool to determine their new neighborhood schools based on their addresses.
Families affected by boundary changes can opt for a grandfathering process, allowing current students to remain at their existing schools until they reach their final grade level, thus easing transitions for some families.
Community Engagement and Feedback
The district intends to hold several community workshops on
October 14, October 16, October 27, and November 8, to gather input from parents, teachers, and community members on the draft proposal. Stakeholders have expressed concerns regarding communication, planning, and the potential disruption caused by the school closures and boundary changes.
Distribution of Closed Schools and Educational Services
The schools targeted for closure are scattered across different regions of Austin, many serving large populations of low-income students. The district’s plan includes relocating certain programs, such as dual language instruction and specialized education services, to other campuses to retain educational offerings and support student needs.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
District officials emphasized the necessity for drastic changes to adapt to ongoing funding shortages and the evolving educational landscape. Superintendent Matias Segura highlighted the need for the district to evolve in order to better serve students and improve academic outcomes. While acknowledging the emotional strain on the community, district leadership remains focused on implementing these changes thoughtfully and purposefully in the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: Austin ISD School Consolidation and Closure News
- Statesman: Austin ISD School Closure List
- KXAN: 13 Schools Named in Austin ISD Closure Plans
- Austin Chronicle: Austin ISD School Closure Recommendations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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