Austin, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District plans to close 13 schools, affecting around 16,000 students, due to declining enrollment and a budget deficit of $19.7 million. The closures include 10 elementary schools and two middle schools, aimed at reallocating resources and saving approximately $25.6 million. The proposal has sparked concern among parents, with feedback opportunities available before a final vote by the school board on November 20.
Austin
Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD) has proposed closing 13 schools in response to falling enrollment and ongoing budget shortfalls. This significant move, affecting around 16,000 students, is designed to better allocate resources and reduce costs across the district.
The plan involves the consolidation and rezoning of students to different campuses. Among the schools slated for closure are 10 elementary schools: Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, and Widén. Additionally, two middle schools—Bedichek and Martin—and a Montessori campus, Winn, face closure. International High School will shut down as a campus but continue its program at Navarro Early College High School. Parents of approximately 8,500 elementary and 3,900 middle school students have raised concerns regarding the lack of communication during the decision-making process.
Superintendent Matias Segura has emphasized the need to support historically underserved students. The proposed closures come against a backdrop of decreasing financial resources, with district officials stating that these measures are necessary to avoid existential threats to the schools. The changes are anticipated to save the district about $25.6 million, which is critical amid a budget deficit of $19.7 million.
As part of the plan, students living more than 2 miles away from their new zoned schools will be eligible for bus transportation. However, those within 0.4 miles of 14 elementary schools or 1 mile of 10 secondary schools will lose bus services. Additionally, grandfathered or transfer students will not be afforded bus transportation under the new plan. The transition is set to take effect in the 2026-27 school year.
The proposal has attracted significant community reaction, marked by disbelief and frustration among parents at the affected schools, which they consider vital community hubs. The school board is expected to vote on the recommendation on November 20. This follows a historical context where four elementary campuses were closed in 2020 due to similar concerns, but that process was also contentious.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) ratings for the 2024-25 school year, which showed that the district received a “C” rating with an overall score of 79 out of 100, are not directly linked to the proposed school closures. It is notable that the middle schools of Dobie, Burnet, and Webb received failing scores—Dobie received a score of 59, Burnet a 54, and Webb a 59—yet these schools will remain operational.
Austin ISD is encouraging parents to provide feedback about the proposed changes through a survey. Additionally, community members can participate in virtual open houses planned prior to the board vote to discuss these proposed adjustments.
Summary of Key Details
- Total Schools Proposed for Closure: 13
- Students Impacted: Approximately 16,000
- Elementary Schools Closing: 10
- Budget Savings: Estimated $25.6 million
- Budget Deficit: $19.7 million
- School Board Vote Date: November 20
FAQ
Why is Austin ISD proposing to close 13 schools?
How many students will be affected by the proposed closures?
What potential savings will the school closures provide?
When will the changes take effect?
What can parents do to provide input on the proposed changes?
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Schools Proposed for Closure | 13 |
| Students Affected | Approximately 16,000 |
| Budget Savings | Estimated $25.6 million |
| Budget Deficit | $19.7 million |
| School Board Vote Date | November 20 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin Parents Call for Pause on Proposed School Consolidations
Texas Education Agency Investigates Teacher Comments Post-Assassination
AISD Holds Final Virtual Meeting on School Consolidations
Austin Independent School District Initiates School Consolidation
Texas State University Student Expelled for Mocking Shooting Victim
Austin Schools Under Pressure to Submit Improvement Plans
University of Texas at Austin Ends Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
AISD Weighs School Consolidations Amid Enrollment Challenges
Austin Woman Shot Near Zilker Park Leaves Community in Shock
AISD Plans School Closures and Consolidations Amid Concerns
Additional Resources
- KVUE
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- KXAN
- Google Search: Austin ISD School Closures
- CBS Austin
- Google Scholar: Austin Independent School District
- Austin American-Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin ISD
- CBS Austin: Parent Reactions
- Google News: Austin ISD School Closures
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
