News & Events

Dear Austin ISD Family,

Today, the Texas Education Agency released the 2024 and 2025 state accountability results and while we’re seeing promising growth districtwide, it’s clear there’s still work to be done.

Here’s what we’re seeing from the data from 2024 and 2025:

• 67 campuses showed overall growth,
• 34 campuses improved their rating,
• The number of campuses rated “A” jumped from 16 to 22,
• 11 campuses went from a “D” or “F” to a “C,” and
• The number of “D” or “F” rated campuses steadily declined for the last three years with 49 schools in 2023, 48 in 2024 and 41 in 2025.

These improvements reflect the dedication of our students, the tireless commitment of our teachers and staff and the unwavering support from our families.

While our overall accountability results show encouraging improvement, several campuses have received consecutive unacceptable ratings, underscoring the urgency of our efforts.

Although we have not yet received official guidance from the state on formal turnaround plan requirements, we have had early insight into these results since late spring. This has allowed us to plan with our teams, work closely with campus leaders to strengthen instruction and collaborate with community partners, because we can only do this work if we do it together.

We are committed to doing the hard work together because the moment is right for accelerated growth across our district. Student success takes many forms and is measured in more ways than one. We are a vibrant, loving and innovative community that cares deeply about the success of our students. Together, we are making our Austin ISD stronger.

Sincerely,

Matias Segura, PE, MBA
Superintendent
Austin ISD

Dear Austin ISD Family,

This year has been incredibly difficult with multiple waves of policy changes or updates that affect our work. And now, due to the federal government’s extended review of grants, we’re facing a significant loss in federal funding that will impact how we deliver some of the programs we deeply value.

On June 30, we learned that some federally funded grants (Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, and IV-B), which typically disperse on July 1, are on hold with no timeline or indication of when or if they will become available. This amounts to more than $9 million in funding for Austin ISD.

• The hold affects federal formula and discretionary grant programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), including support for instructional quality, student achievement and equitable access to education.
• Given our ongoing budget deficit and decreasing fund balance, we currently do not have alternative funding for these programs or staff and will need to have discussions about how we move forward without these funds.

These programs, which include multilingual support and after-school programs, among others, help Austin ISD build engaging and affirming learning environments where all students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. And while our values and commitment to our students remain unchanged, this new fiscal reality means we will have to change how we operate in some areas.

We believe every student deserves a high-quality education that affirms their identity, supports their mental health and prepares them to succeed in a global society. We believe in the power of bilingualism and biliteracy. We believe in the importance of social-emotional development and caring relationships in every classroom. These beliefs are not negotiable.

However, the way we deliver these services will need to evolve. We will be evaluating how to make the most of our remaining resources, which may mean restructuring some programs, consolidating efforts or scaling back in areas where we can no longer sustain the same level of support. These are not decisions we take lightly, and they will not be made without careful planning.

We also know that behind every program are students, families and educators who have come to rely on these services. That’s why we are committed to approaching this transition collaboratively with transparency and compassion.

In the coming weeks, we will share more specific information about the changes ahead. In the meantime, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and for trusting us with your child’s education. These are difficult times, but I believe in the strength of this community. We have weathered challenges before, and I am confident that, together, we will navigate this one with purpose and creativity.

Sincerely,

Matias Segura, PE, MBA
Superintendent

After significant cost reductions districtwide throughout the year, the Austin ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2025–26 budget with a $19.7 million deficit, — a steep reduction from the prior year adopted deficit.

The details: This budget includes $ 1.63 billion in revenue, including $715.5 million in recapture and $939 million in operating expenses.

• The new budget assumes $55 million in new revenue sources, including land sales and an estimated $9 million in new state funding from House Bill 2.
• The latest cost-cutting measures included a more than 20% reduction in the central office staff, totaling $9.6 million in savings.
• School improvement support is also included with an additional $8 million in funding.

Background: The road to this budget has been long and challenging. In June 2024, the board adopted a budget with a multi-million dollar deficit. A month later, projected property tax revenues came in lower than expected, increasing the shortfall by another $14 million– bringing the total to $92 million deficit.

• By January of 2025, the projected deficit had grown to $110 million, due to additional funding for Special Education and other services, as well as the loss of SHARS revenue.
• In March 2025, Austin ISD was able to reduce the deficit by an additional $9 million by implementing a hiring freeze and optimizing expenditure management strategies.
• We’re closing the year with a projected $90 million deficit that will be absorbed through our fund balance, or savings account.

On that note: With multi-year deficit budgets, our fund balance will now be below the 20% minimum required by board policy. To ensure a sustainable way to get back to 20%, the board also approved the updated fund balance policy to allow for a minimum fund balance of 15% for the 2025-26 school year and restore it to 20% by June 2028.

Looking Ahead: Austin ISD plans to bring an amended budget to the board in September once more is known about the rules tied to House Bill 2, which includes pay increases for campus-based staff. District leaders will work with Education Austin to finalize the compensation plan.

• Stay tuned as we continue working toward a balanced budget.

2022 Bond Update: Breaking ground on the future of Austin ISD

This Spring, Austin ISD celebrated the first completed project as part of the 2022 Bond!

• Odom Elementary School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their brand-new learning spaces with remarks from district leadership and student performances.

• We also broke ground on seven modernization projects — LBJ ECHS, Langford ES, Oak Springs ES, McCallum HS, Anderson HS, Northeast ECHS & International HS and Martin MS.

Zoom In: Construction is underway on 10 modernization projects across the district.

• Check out the construction footage from the Travis ECHS, Wooten ES and Harris ES projects.

More information: 36 schools are receiving secure entry vestibules over the summer to improve student and staff safety on campus.

• After this summer, we will have completed all of the secure entry vestibule projects included in the 2022 Bond!

What’s Next: The three remaining open-concept renovation projects at Cook ES, Oak Hill ES and Williams ES will be completed this summer ahead of the start of the 2025-26 school year.

• Big things are coming later this year, with the full modernizations at Allison ES, Harris ES and Wooten ES estimated to open in January.

Go Deeper: To learn more about the projects planned at a specific campus, check out the 2022 Bond Book or find your school on the Bond projects list.

• You can also submit questions and feedback through the questions & comments form at AISDFuture.com.

Last week we shared high-level details on the Gibson Audit , which looked at Austin ISD spending and cost-savings opportunities. We’re back to dig into the report more and outline how we’re using the audit moving forward.

Why it matters : As the district faces a $110 million deficit, this independent audit helped reinforce the work already underway.

What you need to know : While audits usually have findings or recommendations, this audit intentionally provided opportunities for the district to consider. These opportunities include high-level math that does not consider the intricate details to implement the ideas.

• Because of that, the cost-savings figures, totaling $63.1 million, should be taken with a grain of salt since more work is needed to find more accurate savings figures associated with each option.

The details : School consolidations is the top cost-savings opportunity outlined in the audit. As part of their calculation, the audit looked at 49 schools with a population less than 500 students for an elementary school and 750 for a middle school, however, those benchmarks were chosen arbitrarily.

• Closing 49 schools is not a realistic number or standard for the district.
• Instead, the district will take the audit’s findings and examine how a school closure would reduce expenditures and the budget deficit.
• Other options include disposal of portables across the district, cost recovery from nutrition services, optimizing master scheduling and reducing senior management positions.

What they’re saying : “All the other opportunities besides school consolidation are things we’ve worked on and progressed already,” Superintendent Matias Segura said. “We have put a considerable amount of time and energy into how to (implement these cost-savings) and how to do it well.”

What’s next : District leaders will continue working to balance the budget and explore cost-savings options. For consolidations, leaders will work with the community to develop a process and tool to assess which campuses may be candidates for consolidations and the values ​​that will drive those decisions.

• We’ll continue following budget processes and keep you in the loop along the way.

Audit Highlights Cost-Saving Opportunities Amid $110 Million Budget Shortfall

Last week, we shared a high-level of detail about the Gibson audit , which analyzed Austin ISD’s spending and cost-saving opportunities. We’re back to dive deeper into the report and describe how we’re using the audit to move forward.

Why It Matters : With the district facing a $100 million shortfall, this independent audit helped reinforce the work already underway.

What You Should Know : While audits typically have findings or recommendations, this audit intentionally provided opportunities for the district to consider. These opportunities include higher-level math that doesn’t consider the complex details when implementing ideas.

• Therefore, the cost savings figures, which total $63.1 million, should be taken with caution, as more work is needed to find more precise savings figures for each option.

The Details : School consolidations are the primary cost-saving opportunity outlined in the audit. As part of its calculations, the audit analyzed 49 schools with fewer than 500 students at the elementary level and 750 at the secondary level, but those benchmarks were chosen arbitrarily.

• Closing 49 schools is not a realistic number or standard for the district.
• Instead, the district will take the audit findings and examine how a school closure would reduce expenses and the budget deficit.
• Other options include scrapping portable buildings across the district, recovering nutrition services costs, streamlining master schedules, and reducing high-ranking administrative positions.

What they’re saying : “All the other opportunities other than school consolidation are things we’ve been working on and are already in progress,” said Superintendent Matias Segura. "We’ve invested a considerable amount of

time and energy on how (to implement these cost savings) and how to do it well."

What’s next? District leaders will continue working to balance the budget and explore cost-saving options. Regarding consolidations, leaders will work with the community to create a process and tool to evaluate which schools might be candidates for consolidations and the values ​​that will guide those decisions.

• We will continue to monitor the budget process and keep you informed throughout.

We’re back with another budget update! When we last checked in, we shared that the district was working to tackle a $92 million deficit over three years.

Since then we’ve gotten new information from the Travis Central Appraisal District that means we could be facing a budget deficit between $105–121 million for the 2025–26 school year.

Why it matters: A bigger budget deficit means our savings will run out faster if we don’t reduce spending — so we’ll have to make deeper cuts sooner than we’d expected.

How we got here: Austin ISD relies on estimates from the Travis Central Appraisal District to forecast how much revenue we can expect from local property taxes — our primary funding source.

• When we first began forecasting funding for the 2025–26 school year back in the fall, TCAD estimated that Travis County property values would remain flat.
• TCAD now anticipates they will go down by about 9–11%, which could amount to a loss of tens of millions in expected revenue.

**Yes, and…**The budget deficit continues to be a moving target as we grapple with higher costs than anticipated in areas such as special education and facility repairs.

• That’s why we’re implementing a districtwide hiring freeze, excluding special education staff, to reduce spending for the current year, effective March 1.

So now what? Previously discussed reduction strategies remain on the table as the district continues to reduce the current year deficit.

• The district has already cut roughly $60 million from the budget in the 2024-25 school year, which includes eliminating Central Office positions, reducing service contracts and operational efficiencies across the district.

• We’re now at the point where we must consider options that will have a direct impact on campuses such as eliminating programs and reviewing staffing levels.

• The board is also exploring selling real estate for a one time, cash infusion.

We’re keeping an eye on the state legislature, which has multiple school funding bills under consideration, though it’s too early to tell what impacts those might have on our budget.

Get involved: This district is hosting a series of community and staff budget conversations in the coming months:

• Next up is Saturday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. via Zoom
• View the full schedule

Go deeper… with the presentation of the fiscal forecast to the board

Ahead of football’s biggest game this weekend, we have some big news from the 2022 Bond as we lay the groundwork for the future of athletics in Austin ISD.

• LBJ and Northeast early college high schools will be the first of many fields to be renovated with artificial turf.

Let’s go back: As part of the 2022 Bond Program, Austin ISD comprehensive high schools will receive artificial turf and other athletic field improvements.

• We originally aimed to complete the first few fields by the end of Summer 2024, but design challenges and permitting took longer than expected.

• We’ve worked with the City of Austin for the last year and a half to resolve any issues and get permits to move forward.

The bottom line: We now anticipate the majority of fields to be completed by the end of 2025, with a few wrapping up in early 2026.

• Check out the latest schedule for all comprehensive high school campuses.

Go deeper: For the latest information on the projects, including timelines and FAQs , please visit AISDfuture.com .

• You can also submit feedback through the Questions & Comments form .

First sports field to begin construction this spring, full construction schedule released

Ahead of this weekend’s big football game, we have some big news from the 2022 Bonus as we lay the groundwork for the future of sports in Austin ISD.

• LBJ and Northeast Early College High Schools will be the first of many fields to be renovated with artificial turf.

Step back in time: As part of the 2022 Bond Program, Austin ISD comprehensive high schools will receive artificial turf and other athletic field improvements.

• Originally, we aimed to complete the first fields by late summer 2024, but design challenges and permitting took longer than expected.

• We have been working with the City of Austin over the past year and a half to resolve any issues and obtain permits to move forward.

Bottom line:  We now anticipate that most fields will be completed by late 2025, with some completed in early 2026.

• View the latest schedule  for all comprehensive high schools.

Let’s dig deeper:  For the latest project information, including timelines and FAQs , please visit AISDfuturo.com .

• You can also submit your comments via the Comments and Questions Form .

Budget cuts can be scary! No need to panic. The district has a plan to save without making major impacts to operations and learning.

First, the cuts won’t happen all at once. Phew! There’s a plan in place to reduce the budget deficit over the next three years.

How is the district going to cut the budget by $92 million over the next three years you ask?

Well, it’s looking at several options including vacancies, finding operational efficiencies, and ensuring we are getting all the dollars we deserve for the services we provide to students.

Let’s review some of those options together!

Transportation: Over the next several months the district would like to rethink how it provides transportation to some of our magnet or application-based schools.

How could this save the district money?

The intent is not to cut transportation all-together but to explore streamlining routes, transportation hubs or reduced bus stops. This will save the district money on bus maintenance, fuel and staffing.

Master Scheduling: This would look at how our class schedules are built districtwide, ensuring we are making the most of the staff we have at each campus.

How could this save the district money?

Building a master schedule is like a puzzle that can be solved multiple ways — but some of the solutions are more streamlined and efficient. Consolidating where appropriate while also ensuring equitable distribution of resources can result in huge savings across. Note, we are not considering reducing teacher planning time or changing staffing formulas.

PEIMS Reform: Public Education Information Management System houses all data requested and received by the Texas Education Agency on public education, including student demographics and academic performance, personnel and financial information. This includes attendance, and any additional information that may impact funding, such as weights for special education and emergent bilingual students.

How will this affect the budget?

Accurately reporting student attendance and the services we provide ensures we receive every dollar our students deserve. Without strong systems in place to validate our data, we could be leaving money on the table.

Portable Reduction Strategy: Austin ISD operates the square footage of nearly two large high schools in portable buildings. Many are over 50 years old, are in poor condition and aren’t even needed by the campuses where they’re located.

How will this save the district money?

The cost to operate portables is not cheap. They’re exposed to the weather elements on all sides and aren’t even worth as much as they’d cost to remove. While it would take an initial investment to get rid of the ones we don’t need, over time we’d realize significant savings on utilities, maintenance and custodial costs.

I hope this helps serve as a guide on how the district is looking to save money and reduce its deficit. You can also learn more about the district’s budget reduction plan on the Austin ISD website.

The Board of Trustees Monday voted to put a tax rate election on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Why it matters: A tax rate election gives the community the option to vote for increased funding to pay for teacher and staff raises and additional support positions for campuses.

By the numbers: If approved, Austin ISD would gain an estimated $41M in funding annually.

• Austin ISD plans to spend about $17.8 million on a compensation plan that includes market adjustments for many teachers and staff members.
• $3.2 million would be spent on additional support directly to campuses. This includes Instructional Coaches, Content Interventionists, Special Education support and Mental Health support.
• About $20 million would be used to offset current costs and stabilize the budget.

A homeowner of an average value of $550k in Austin would see a monthly increase of about $34 in Austin ISD property taxes, or roughly $412 per year.

What they’re saying: “We are the largest provider of public education in Central Texas. Eighty-one percent of the students in Austin come to Austin ISD, and we have a responsibility to educate our students in a way that aligns with our community values,” said Superintendent Segura.

What’s next: Before the November election, the district will look at every aspect of how we do business and identify opportunities to streamline operations to reduce cost and stabilize the budget.

Go deeper… with our tax rate election FAQs

Austin ISD families, staff and community members provided feedback this week on a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election ahead of a possible vote to put the issue on the November 2024 ballot.

Why it matters: The district is considering calling for a tax rate election to raise funding for Austin ISD’s schools and students in the face of a $78M budget deficit for the 2024–25 school year.

• This feedback is critical to trustees making an informed decision.

In case you missed the conversations, here’s what we heard and how we answered:

How much more money would benefit Austin ISD if voters approve a tax rate election?

• Austin ISD would benefit from about an additional $41M if voters were to approve a tax rate election.

How does Austin ISD plan to use the additional $41M?

• About $17.8 million will be spent on a compensation plan that includes market adjustments for many teachers and staff members.

• $3.2 million would be spent on additional support directly to campuses. This includes Instructional Coaches, Content Interventionists, Special Education support and Mental Health support. These allocations would be made based on the current enrollment and the student needs of each campus.

• About $20 million would be used to offset current costs to replenish our savings and stabilize the budget.

How will a VATRE affect the average homeowner’s school taxes?

• If approved, a homeowner of an average value home in Austin would see a monthly increase of about $34 in Austin ISD property taxes, or roughly $412 per year.

What’s next: The board may vote to put the tax rate election on the ballot at its Aug. 15 public hearing.

The public has the opportunity to provide comment at the meeting.

The Board of Trustees met July 23 for an in-depth conversation on long-term budget planning and the possibility of a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election to invest in our teachers and staff.

Why it matters: Our aim is to assure voters that we’ve considered every opportunity to reduce costs before asking taxpayers for additional funds to continue providing a stellar educational experience for our students.

The details: District leaders presented a comprehensive list of expenditures that the district is not legally obligated to fund, which means they could be under consideration for future cuts.

• Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized that the list reflects many of the things the district does because they align with the values of Austin ISD — which is why they feels so difficult to consider.

What they’re saying: “These investments that we’ve made over time are there for a reason,” Segura said. “What we wanted to do was to bring them forward, acknowledge that there is going to be a process, we’re going to have conversations, none of these are proposals, none of these are recommendations, they’re none of those things.”

The big picture: The district will rely on a joint committee to provide insight and ideas for how to reduce the $78 million budget deficit over the next two years:

• Given our current situation, we must plan to cut an additional $48 million from the budget, whether voters approve a tax rate election or not.
• We’ll also develop a plan to make additional cuts, in future years, understanding that the amount we have to cut will depend on the outcome of a potential VATRE and the next legislative session.

What’s Next: A timeline was created for the long-range budget planning with some key upcoming dates:

• Finalize selection of the committee — July 31
• Board Information Session — Aug. 8
• Special Board Voting meeting and possible call for tax rate election — Aug. 15
• Deadline for board to call for tax rate election — Aug. 19

Go Deeper_…_with our upcoming tax rate election community conversations.

The Board of Trustees will meet for a special information session July 23 to discuss the possible Voter-approval Tax Ratification Election and long-range budget planning.

Why it matters: Stagnant state funding and recapture payments that top $800 million have forced Austin ISD leaders to make difficult budget decisions and look to taxpayers for an infusion of cash.

Let’s go back: Last month, the board approved a $954 million budget, which includes a $78 million deficit for the 2024-25 school year.

• This deficit could dwindle to $41 million with expected vacancy savings, ongoing cost reductions throughout the year and possible approval of a tax ratification election.

• Staff raises and market adjustments, totaling approximately $17.8 million, would also be on the table if voters approve the tax ratification election.

The big picture: Before anyone goes to the polls, district leaders will present a plan to realign district operations to work more efficiently and better meet students’ needs. This could look like restructuring central office, reviewing staffing guidelines and adjusting campus programming and master schedules.

• Multiple opportunities will be announced for the community to weigh in on any changes and the final plan will be prepared by October.

Tune in on AISD.TV or the Austin ISD Facebook page to hear the discussion live starting at 5:30 p.m.

• Want to give your input? Sign up for public comment!

What’s next: Trustees could take action to call the tax ratification election as early as Aug. 8 by adding a voting item to the Board Information Session agenda. If called, the item will be on the ballot in November.

Mark your calendars: Staff and families will have three opportunities to give feedback via Zoom before the Aug. 8 vote. Conversations will be in English and Spanish with ASL interpretation.

• Noon, Aug. 6,

• 5:30 p.m. Aug. 7 for staff, and

• 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7 for community.

The Board of Trustees adopted the 2024–25 budget, totaling $954 million in operating expenses, at its June 20 Regular Voting Meeting.

The details: Austin taxpayers generated $1.69 billion in revenue for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1. However, after $821 million is sent to the state’s recapture program, the district will operate with a $78 million deficit for the 2024-25 school year.

• This deficit could dwindle to $41 million with expected vacancy savings, ongoing cost reductions throughout the year and possible approval of a Voter-approval Tax Ratification Election.

What they’re saying: “It’s really important that we do everything we can to communicate to our community that we’ve become as efficient as we can be without adversely impacting the classroom to the best of our ability,” said Superintendent Segura. “We know there is going to be an impact — I want to be very clear with the scale that we’re talking about.”

Of note: The 2024–25 budget does not include funding for staff pay increases. Any pay increases, including market adjustments, would need funding through a successful VATRE or other new revenue sources. All the details are outlined in a plan created in consultation with Education Austin.

• Without a successful VATRE, all active, regular employees in a full-time position would receive a one-time incentive payment of $500.

How we got here: The final budget comes after months of community feedback and reductions in staff at Central Office and districtwide contracts.

• Stagnant state funding has been a major factor in the budget shortfall since school funding formulas haven’t been updated since 2019, despite a mutli-billion dollar state budget surplus.
• Moreover, in anticipation of state funding coming during the 2023 legislative session, Austin ISD made a major investment in pay increases to recruit and retain staff after the pandemic. With the additional pay, the district started the 2023–24 school year nearly 97% staffed.

The bottom line: Austin ISD isn’t alone in this budget situation. Districts across the area and the state are grappling with deficit budgets and staffing cuts as another legislative session is set to begin in 2025.

• Moving forward, district leaders and the board will begin budget planning for the 2025–26 school year even earlier this fall while also keeping an eye on the upcoming legislative session in 2025.

“I also want to move into the legislative session with as little reliance on the need for additional funding as possible,” said Superintendent Segura. “But I do acknowledge 70 plus million is an ambitious goal, but I would like that to be the goal, it’s not going to be the required goal, but I do want to leave no stone unturned.”

La mesa directiva adopta un presupuesto anual de $954 millones

La mesa directiva adoptó el presupuesto para 2024–25 de un total de $954 millones para gastos operativos en su junta ordinaria de votación del 20 de junio.

Los detalles: Los contribuyentes fiscales de Austin generaron $1,690 millones en ingresos para el próximo año fiscal, que comienza el 1.° de julio. Sin embargo, después de que se envíen $821 millones al programa de recuperación del estado, el distrito operará con un déficit de $78 millones en el ciclo escolar 2024-25.

• Este déficit podría disminuir a $41 millones con los ahorros en vacantes esperadas, las reducciones continuas de costos a lo largo del año y la posible aprobación de los votantes de una elección para la ratificación de impuestos (VATRE, por sus siglas en inglés).

Lo que se está diciendo: “Es realmente importante que hagamos todo lo que podamos para comunicarle a nuestra comunidad que hemos alcanzado el mayor nivel de eficiencia que nos es posible, haciendo todo nuestro esfuerzo para afectar mínimamente el salón de clases”, dijo el superintendente Segura. “Quiero ser muy claro en cuanto a la magnitud de lo que estamos hablando, ya que sabemos que esto tendrá un impacto”.

Digno de mención: El presupuesto de 2024–25 no incluye financiamiento para aumentos en el pago del personal. Cualquier aumento de pago, incluyendo ajustes del mercado, requeriría financiamiento a través de una VATRE u otras nuevas fuentes de ingresos. Todos los detalles se describen en un plan creado con el asesoramiento de Education Austin.

• Sin una VATRE exitosa, todos los empleados regulares activos en un puesto de tiempo completo recibirían un pago incentivo único de $500.

Cómo llegamos aquí: El presupuesto final llega después de meses de comentarios de la comunidad y reducciones del personal de las oficinas centrales y de contratos en todo el distrito.

• El estancamiento del financiamiento estatal ha sido un factor principal en el déficit presupuestario, puesto que las fórmulas del financiamiento escolar no se han actualizado desde 2019, a pesar de un superávit de varios miles de millones de dólares en el presupuesto estatal.
• Además, anticipando que el financiamiento estatal vendría durante la sesión legislativa de 2023, el Austin ISD hizo una gran inversión en aumentos de pago para reclutar y retener personal después de la pandemia. Con el pago adicional, el distrito comenzó el ciclo escolar 2023–24 con una dotación de personal de casi 97%.

En conclusión: El Austin ISD no es el único en esta situación presupuestaria. Los distritos de todo el estado están bregando con presupuestos con déficits y recortes de personal mientras se tiene programado que comience otra sesión legislativa en 2025.

• A partir de ahora, los líderes del distrito y la mesa directiva comenzarán la planificación del presupuesto para el ciclo escolar 2025–26 incluso antes este otoño, y al mismo tiempo mantendrán en la mira la próxima sesión legislativa en 2025.

“También quiero pasar a la sesión legislativa dependiendo lo menos posible en la necesidad de fondos adicionales”, dijo el superintendente Segura. “Reconozco que más de 70 millones es una meta ambiciosa, pero me gustaría establecer eso como la meta, aunque no será la meta requerida, no quiero escatimar en esfuerzos”.

The Board of Trustees is meeting weekly this month as they refine two major items that will determine how Austin ISD operates for years to come.

Why it matters: With the ongoing financial strain due to outdated state funding and recapture, it’s critical for the district to keep a focus on student achievement while making every dollar count.

Let’s dig into the latest budget discussions:

• The Board is slated to vote next week on the final 2024-25 budget, which may include up to a $60 million deficit.
• A Voter-approval Tax Ratification Election, which could fund staff pay increases for next year, is still an option and could go to voters in November.
• Before voters make a decision, Superintendent Matias Segura will develop a plan to realign central operations to work more efficiently and better meet our students’ needs. The district will provide multiple opportunities for our community to weigh in on any changes and the final plan will be prepared by October.

And now to the Scorecard:

• The new district Scorecard is a requirement of the TEA Order and must include goals tied directly to student outcomes. The proposed goals consist of third-grade literacy, third-grade math, College and Career Readiness, middle school Algebra and biliteracy.
• The Scorecard also includes constraints, which are basically guardrails for what the administration should not do to achieve the goals. For example, a constraint could be put in place to make sure campuses don’t skip Social Emotional Learning activities for students who aren’t meeting the goals in reading and math.

What’s next: After two working meetings this month, the board will meet again June 20 for a voting meeting, including the 2024–25 budget and Scorecard.

• The board will also vote to adopt the district’s legislative priorities for the 89th Legislature that’s convening in January 2025.

Austin ISD recently hosted three groundbreaking ceremonies for schools undergoing full modernizations, marking the commencement of the first modernization projects since voters approved the 2022 Bond.

• The modernization projects aim to create safe, innovative learning environments that meet the evolving needs of our students and community and align with the district’s Educational Specifications.

Two schools also celebrated kick-offs on the construction of the renovations to their open-concept floor plans, adding full walls and doors between learning areas to enhance safety and the overall student experience.

• Cook Elementary will also receive improvements to outdoor learning spaces and the addition of a dedicated area for a school mental health center and community pantry.

What they’re saying: “As we reflect on our campus’ history and celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are also looking to the future with great excitement,” said Cook Elementary Principal Priscilla Sanchez Emamian. “The improvements planned from the 2022 Bond will make a tremendous positive impact on our students and staff. We can’t wait to see our school’s transformation.”

What’s next: Construction on the modernizations of Harris Elementary School, Wooten Elementary School and Sadler Means Young Women’s Leadership Academy will kick off this summer, with Harris and Wooten expected to open in January 2026, and Sadler Means anticipated to open in January 2027.

• Construction will also begin on the renovations of Cook and Williams Elementary Schools this summer, with anticipated completion before the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Go deeper: For more information about 2022 Bond projects, visit www.AISDFuture.com or message us on Let’s Talk by texting (512) 856-6123 or online at https://bit.ly/Letstalkaisdbond

A VATRE would ask the community to consider approving a tax rate that would allow Austin ISD to gain an estimated $44M in funding annually.

Why it matters: Those additional funds would help Austin ISD continue to recruit and retain highly-qualified teachers and staff by funding pay increases.

• Much like our previous bond elections, we’d let voters know exactly what the increased revenue would fund.
• We’re currently working with Education Austin and our board to determine exactly how the funds would be spent.

Where we stand: The board has set the total tax rate at 0.8595 for every $100 in taxable value for FY 2023-24, the lowest rate in Austin ISD history in 34 years.

• Austin ISD currently maintains one of the lowest tax rates compared to other Texas school districts.
• An increase of $0.091 to the maximum allowable rate of $0.17 would result in an increase of approximately $35 per month for the median valued home.

What they’re saying: “When a state refuses to pay for public education and one legislative session after another refuses to invest in our kids, it’s on us here locally to invest in our kids,” Ken Zarifis, Education Austin President, said in an interview with KVUE.

By the numbers: Due to the state’s recapture formulas, roughly 25% of funds raised by an increased tax rate would stay in Austin ISD.

“It’s up to the voters and we have to give them that choice,’ said Kathryn Whitley-Chu, District Trustee. “Austinites went to the capitol, thy called their friends in rural areas, they let people stay in their homes to testify [for increased school funding], and they weren’t listened to [by the Texas Legislature] "When we campaigned for the bond, people were excited for the things our students were getting but they would always say ‘what about the teachers and what about raises…’ and I think we have an obligation to our students and our community who are asking for it.”

How we got here: Despite Texas’s $33B budget surplus, virtually no additional per-student funding was approved during the last 88th Legislative Session.

• That meant Austin ISD had to make about $30M in non-campus based budget cuts which still leaves the district facing a $30M budget shortfall.

Yes, and… Inflationary costs such as energy, fuel, insurance and other cost of living expenses have increased by roughly 17% since the last time the state increased per student funding.

What’s next: The board would need to vote to include the VATRE on the November ballot no later than August 19, 2024.

Austin Independent School District (“Austin ISD”) plans to price approximately $750 million of Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, Series 2024 (the “Bonds”) on or about March 26, 2024. The pricing date is preliminary and subject to change. The Bonds are the second installment of bonds being issued to fund district-wide projects approved by voters as part of a $2.44 billion November 2022 bond election.

Cabrera Capital Markets LLC will serve as Lead Manager in the sale of the Bonds, with UMB Bank, N.A. serving as Co-Lead Manager.

Austin ISD anticipates the issuance of a single series of bonds with a 25-year amortization. The preliminary official statement and official statement for the Bonds will be available via BondLink at BondLink.com and via the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s Electronic Municipal Market Access system at emma.msrb.org.

Austin ISD anticipates that the proceeds from the sale of the Bonds will be used for (1) the design, construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, improvement and equipment of school buildings in the District (including but not limited to improvements to enhance safety, security, and energy efficiency) and the purchase of the necessary sites therefor and the purchase of new school buses, (2) the design, construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, improvement and upgrading of technology systems, infrastructure and equipment, (3) the design, construction, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, improvement and equipment of stadium facilities in the District, and (4) paying costs of issuing the Bonds.

This news release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Bonds. Any such offer or solicitation will only be made pursuant to the applicable preliminary official statement and/or official statement that prospective investors should review in entirety before making any investment decision.

The Austin ISD School Board of Trustees appointed Matias Segura as the district’s superintendent at its regular board voting meeting Thursday.

Segura’s deep roots in the Austin ISD community, as both a former student and the son of a longtime teacher, make him uniquely qualified to understand and address the needs of the district.

He attended Kocurek Elementary, Covington Middle School and graduated from James Bowie High School. His mother was a former teacher serving more than four decades at Austin ISD.

The board officially extended and approved a contract for Segura during the meeting.

Segura is currently completing a Superintendent Educator Preparatory Program, which along with other requirements would allow him to obtain a Superintendent Certification.

Background

• On Dec. 14 the board unanimously approved the selection of Segura as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent.
• State law requires that the board allow at least 21 days after a finalist is approved to sign the employment contract for the position of superintendent.
• Public Forums took place last week for the community to ask questions of the lone finalist.
• Segura has worked for the district since 2018, serving as chief of operations and leading the implementation of the $1.05 billion 2017 bond.

The budget process for the 2024-25 school year has begun!

**What to know: **The Austin ISD Finance Department presented a budget update to the school board and explained how we’ll work to reduce our $52 million budget deficit for this fiscal year.

The department is focusing on some key areas within the district to reduce the deficit.

• Vacancy savings
• Overtime
• Contract review
• Software

**What they’re saying: **“Our goal is to reduce our overall budget deficit by 50%. Once a budget is adopted we begin to perform budgetary reviews, making sure they align with the district scorecard and initiatives,” said, Eduardo Ramos, chief financial officer at Austin ISD.  “That process is year-round as we continually monitor our budgets.”

**What’s Next: **We’ll present a preliminary budget to the board in April and the final budget is scheduled to be adopted in June.

Get involved: The district will host a series of community conversation throughout the spring semester where everyone is invited to weigh in on budget priorities.

Full event details are listed on the district calendar.

Thank you for your support in 2023! Over the last year a lot of work has gone into the 2022 Bond projects and we’re wrapping up the year on a high note.

On Dec. 12, we hosted the construction kick-off for Odom Elementary School — the first major school renovation as part of the 2022 Bond. The upgrades to Odom’s open-concept floor plan will fully enclose learning spaces and improve safety for students, teachers and staff.

• The event included remarks from Principal Sondra McWilliams and Interim Superintendent Matias Segura and a presentation from the project team about the design of the new spaces.
• Students created a garland, which included messages about what they love about their school. The garland was then used to close off the construction area as a special welcome to the new campus design.
• Check out our quick video of the event to see our students in action. And don’t forget to follow Austin ISD on Instagram (@austinisd) to keep up-to-date on all the happenings with our Bond projects.

In the new year, we will continue gathering community input, which is an essential step for the bond projects. Keep an eye out for community meetings at the following schools in January and February:

• Allison Elementary School
• Anderson High School
• Burnet Middle School
• Crockett Early College High School
• Harris Elementary School
• Houston Elementary School
• Langford Elementary School
• LBJ Early College High School
• Linder Elementary School
• McCallum High School
• Northeast Early College High School & International High School
• Palm Elementary School
• Pecan Springs Elementary School
• Sadler Means Young Women’s Leadership Academy

Follow the 2022 Bond calendar or sign up for campus newsletters** here **to learn more about upcoming community engagement opportunities. Visit AISDFuture.com for more details about your school’s project.

In case you missed it, watch our 2022 Bond 1-Year Anniversary video to learn more about 2022 Bond progress and what has been accomplished so far. The Spanish version can be viewed here.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Austin Independent School District (ISD), Texas’ Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and unlimited tax (ULT) bonds as follows:

--Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘AA+’;

--Approximately $2 billion in outstanding ULT bonds at ‘AA+’ (underlying rating).

The Rating Outlook is revised to Stable from Negative.

It’s been one year since Austin voters approved the $2.44 billion 2022 Bond Program.

Thank you to the Austin community for supporting these much-needed improvements that benefit students across the district!

Over the past year, we’ve been building the foundation to support all the 2022 Bond projects.

**By the Numbers: **Some of the highlights from year one include:

• 23 safety and security projects underway;
• 21 Campus Architectural Teams began meeting and are in various stages of design; and,
• 18 community meetings to gather input on projects and share progress

The bottom line: These projects wouldn’t be possible without the support of our Austin ISD community. We are honored to work alongside students, teachers and staff to bring these projects to life and improve the learning experience across the district.

• The 2022 Bond is only just beginning, and we’re gearing up to celebrate many milestones to come!

Go deeper: Watch our 2022 Bond by the numbers video to find out more about the status of the 2022 Bond.

AUSTIN– Thursday evening, the Austin ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved changes to the Superintendent profile and voted to proceed with posting the position for the long-term superintendent.

Board President Singh explained that the board had several options to name a permanent superintendent. One of them was to do a national search, which would take several months to complete. The other option would be to post the position immediately if they felt a national search was not necessary. When school boards do this, it’s typically because a strong candidate has been identified already.

The board voted to post the position from November 17, 2023 until 5 p.m., December 7, 2023.

“There was an overwhelming message of wanting stability, focusing on strengthening systems to improve student’s outcomes and wanting someone with a demonstrating commitment to Austin ISD,” President Arati Singh said. “Although we have a strong internal candidate we are committed to considering every application that is received.”

On March 30, the Board of Trustees paused the current superintendent search and extended the contract of the Interim Superintendent through June 30, 2024. Their decision was to ensure that the most urgent issues were addressed and that the 2023-24 school year was strong and successful.

“We’ve been progressing, we see an improvement in climate and culture, increase in retention and staffing,” said Matias Segura, Interim Superintendent of Austin ISD. “I think Austin ISD is well positioned to do great things and I’d love to continue to be a part of it.”

At the end of October, the Board of Trustees resumed their community and staff conversations to seek input on the profile and hiring process. These conversations helped shape the board’s revision to the superintendent profile as well as their decision to forego a national search.

The board will review the applicants during their Dec. 7 executive session.

In November 2022, Austin voters approved $2.44 billion in bond funds for improvements across the district. Since then, the district has been designing projects, ordering materials and gathering community input.

What you need to know: We’ve held 33 Campus Architectural Team meetings for our communities to provide input on the design and function of the open-concept schools.

• During bond planning, we heard that spaces for mental health and community partners are a top priority, and the plans for these areas have become even more robust through the CAT process.

**How it works: **Principals of the four open-concept school renovations and nine modernization projects selected the members of their CATs, which include teachers, parents, students and community members who will work with the architects to ensure that the schools are designed by and for the communities they serve.

• Austin ISD will continue to implement feedback from the CATs to ensure all open-concept, modernization and comprehensive projects meet the needs of the students and teachers who use these buildings every day.

**Get involved: **We’re still recruiting for CATs as we kick off more modernization and comprehensive projects this fall.

• Learn more about joining a CAT and stay up-to-date about upcoming CAT and community meetings.

• All open-concept, modernization and comprehensive projects with a CAT will host at least four community meetings throughout the design and construction process to share timely updates and continue to gather feedback.

**HUB support: **Since the voters approved the 2022 Bond, we’ve hired providers for 40 different services with more than 120 businesses.

• The Historically Underutilized Business program began in 2016, and has continued to grow, ensuring the businesses hired to work on the 2022 Bond are diverse and inclusive.

Go deeper: For more information on the 2022 Bond Program visit AISDFuture.com.

Board agrees to spend $52 million in savings to fund across-the-board pay raises

Early Friday morning, the Austin ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a $1.86 billion budget for the 2023–24 fiscal year, which starts on July 1.

The budget includes $940 million in recapture payments to the state, about 50% of the district’s total expenditures for the year.

On May 18, the trustees approved across-the-board pay raises for all district teachers and staff for the 2023–24 school year. Trustees agreed to spend $52 million of district savings to fund the pay increase.

“Our commitment to increased pay is already showing strong results. This time last year, the district faced about 1,000 teacher vacancies. Today, we have just 80 vacancies. When our students return in August, we expect every campus to be staffed with the highly-qualified teachers, librarians, principals, counselors, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and custodians who are essential to every child’s success,” Trustees Arati Singh and Lynn Boswell wrote this week in the Austin American-Statesman.

The new compensation package provides meaningful raises for all teachers and staff:

• $4 per hour flat raise for all classified employees (AUX, IS, NIS, IT, BD, PD pay scales), bringing the minimum hourly rate to $20/hour.
• 7% increase for teachers, librarians, counselors, instructional coaches, and Special Education-related services (employee receives the better of the percentage increase or placement on the new step).
• 5% increase for Administrative Professionals AP1–AP12 (up to high school principals and directors) and 3% increase for AP13–16 (executive directors and above) based on midpoint.
• **Above-market adjustments **for Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSPs) and Ed Diagnosticians.
• Increased stipends for bilingual and Special Education staff to $7,000 each, with an expansion of which positions qualify.

Austin ISD ongoing news and announecments

On Tuesday, voters passed all three of Austin ISD’s bond proposals, an investment of $2.44 billion in local schools.

Why it matters: Nearly every campus will receive improvements with these bond funds, which will help the district save money on repairs and maintenance by modernizing many of its older campuses, freeing up money that can be used to increase teacher pay.

What they’re saying: “This is a day to celebrate, and now we roll up our sleeves and get to work. We are 90% finished with work from the 2017 bond package, so we can hit the ground running on these new bond projects to advance equity in our community.” --Board of Trustees President Geronimo Rodriguez.

More info: Voters also elected four former new members of the Board of Trustees and re-elected one incumbent.

• David Kauffman, Andrew Gonzales, Candace Hunter and Kathryn Whitley Chu will join the board in December, and current Board Secretary Arati Singh will return as the at-large Position 9 trustee.

What’s next: The district will be forming architectural teams with families and community stakeholders for all campuses that are slated for renovations.

• Work will begin on bond projects in Summer 2023, starting with safety upgrades to keep students and teachers safe.

Yesterday evening, the current AISD Board of Trustees met with the four newly elected members who will be joining the board Dec. 1. Our shared goal was to begin discussing the process of choosing a new interim superintendent to serve Austin ISD until a permanent hire is made.

As current and future trustees, we stand together at a moment of many transitions. We know that you stand here with us – part of our Austin ISD community that cares deeply about our students, our staff, our district, and our shared success.

This is also a moment of opportunity. Our community sent a clear message of support for Austin ISD by passing a historic $2.44 billion bond last week. Enrollment is steady, with families across our district choosing Austin ISD schools for more than 73,000 students. Thousands of teachers, bus drivers, custodians, principals and other staff are working to ensure that great things happen every single day in our schools. The love we all share for the district and our students is a powerful source of strength, and we thank each of you for all that you do to support and improve our schools.

As we begin to plan for this important transition, we want to share an update with the Austin ISD community so you know where things stand, what to expect in the weeks ahead, and how you can be part of this process.

• A new application and instructions will be posted no later than Thursday, Nov. 17, at https://www.austinisd.org/board/superintendent-search. We are inviting applicants both internal and external to Austin ISD, and we are seeking applicants to serve solely in the role of interim – not people who might wish to fill the permanent superintendent role.
• Our goal is to name a new Interim Superintendent on Dec. 15.
• The new board will create and share the process for recruiting, selecting and hiring a permanent superintendent after new members are seated Dec. 1. At that meeting, we will begin the process by discussing the hiring of a search firm. Our goal is to identify a new superintendent who can begin working for Austin ISD by July 1, 2023.
• We will be holding a short series of listening sessions ahead of the Interim Superintendent hire.
• We are committed to robust and inclusive community engagement as part of the process of hiring a permanent superintendent.

Thank you for being part of our Austin ISD community, and thank you for working with us to serve our students, support our staff, and strengthen and celebrate our schools.