AISD Considers Campus Closures Due to Declining Enrollment

Austin, August 21, 2025

News Summary

The Austin Independent School District is evaluating potential campus closures and consolidations in response to a significant drop in enrollment, which has fallen to around 73,000 students from over 80,000 a decade ago. Superintendent Matias Segura announced a target enrollment of 85% for all campuses by the 2026-27 school year, while the district also plans safety enhancements, including a cell phone ban and updated protocols for water-related field trips. Community feedback is being solicited, with final decisions expected by October.

Austin – The Austin Independent School District (AISD) is preparing for potential campus closures and consolidations due to significant declines in student enrollment. Superintendent Matias Segura announced that the district is grappling with shrinking numbers, which currently stand around 73,000 students—down from over 80,000 a decade ago. In response, AISD is looking to cut costs by approximately $30 million.

While Segura did not specify how many schools might be affected, he did indicate that the number would exceed “more than a handful” of campuses. To better manage the situation, the district is targeting a minimum enrollment goal of 85% for all campuses by the 2026-27 school year.

As part of the review process, AISD is actively analyzing enrollment data and intends to engage with community members and stakeholders to obtain feedback before finalizing a list of schools that may close. A deadline has been set for this review, with decisions expected by October.

Over the past decade, AISD’s enrollment has steadily declined, prompting the district to reassess how resources are allocated across its campuses. Segura highlighted the importance of addressing boundary changes and alignment issues among the schools to improve operational efficiency.

The district has reported a healthy annual attrition rate of 5%, which allows for natural transitions without leading to substantial job losses for teachers and staff during this time of adjustment. As of now, AISD is 97% staffed, demonstrating a solid level of stability as the new school year begins.

In addition to the discussions around enrollment and campus closures, AISD is also implementing new safety measures for the upcoming school year. Among these is a ban on cell phones during school hours, with students required to keep their devices in their backpacks and out of sight.

AISD is enhancing safety protocols for field trips, particularly those involving water-related activities, following tragic incidents in recent years. New policies will necessitate parental permission slips for all water-related school outings, and students who cannot swim will be required to wear flotation devices while participating in such activities.

To facilitate community input, AISD has launched a survey for parents to voice their concerns and provide feedback regarding the consolidation process and other issues affecting the district. Furthermore, the district has made recent improvements to safety infrastructure around schools, including the installation of pedestrian crossing islands and better school zone signage.

Key Statistics

• Current enrollment: 73,000 students
• Historical enrollment: Over 80,000 students a decade ago
• Target enrollment goal: 85% for all campuses by the 2026-27 school year
• Annual attrition rate: 5%
• Staffing level: 97% as of the start of the new school year

Summary

Austin Independent School District is undergoing a critical evaluation of its schools due to falling enrollment numbers. Strategies include potential campus closures and cost-cutting measures. Concurrently, the district is enhancing safety protocols to ensure student well-being during school activities.

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HERE Resources

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AISD Announces School Consolidation Process
AISD Prepares for School Closures and Consolidations
Austin Independent School District Faces Staffing Cuts
Austin Independent School District Announces Staffing Cuts
AISD Implements Turnaround Plans for Underperforming Schools
AISD Implements Turnaround Plans for Struggling Middle Schools
Austin School District Faces $47.3 Million Budget Deficit
Austin School District Announces Major Staff Cuts
Austin School District Faces $110 Million Budget Deficit

Additional Resources

• KXAN: Austin ISD Superintendent Outlines School Closure Plans
• CBS Austin: Superintendent Message on School Consolidations
• Statesman: Austin School District Back to Classes
• Google Search: Austin Independent School District closures
• Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District

Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

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