Austin, TX, October 6, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District has proposed the closure of 13 schools due to budget challenges and declining enrollment rates. This plan involves rezoning students to other campuses and reallocating resources. Several elementary and middle schools are affected, and the International High School program will transition to Navarro Early College High School. These changes aim to address systemic issues and ensure efficient resource handling. Community feedback will be sought before a final decision is made by the Board of Trustees.
Austin, TX – Austin Independent School District (AISD) announced a proposal that could lead to the closure of 13 schools due to ongoing budget challenges and declining enrollment rates. The district’s plan aims to rezone students to other campuses, reallocating resources with the goal of reducing costs.
The proposed school closures include several elementary schools such as Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, and Widén. Additionally, middle schools Bedicheck and Martin are also on the closure list. As part of the changes, the International High School program will transition to Navarro Early College High School.
The decision to propose these closures comes as AISD faces a “C” rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the 2024-25 school year, receiving a score of 79 out of 100. Several middle schools, including Dobie, Burnet, and Webb, received failing scores, raising earlier concerns regarding possible closures. Specifically, Dobie and Webb scored 59 out of 100, while Burnet received a score of 54, eliciting serious discussions about their futures.
Despite these ratings, Dobie, Burnet, and Webb will continue operating under approved turnaround plans aimed at improvement. However, staff at these underperforming middle schools had to reapply for their jobs due to the schools’ repeated low performance.
In response to parent concerns regarding communication throughout this decision-making process, district officials have acknowledged the importance of community input. To address these concerns, AISD administration plans to hold virtual workshops to gather community feedback on the draft proposal before making any final decisions.
The transition to new boundaries and campus closures is set to take place in the 2026-27 school year. Students from the schools slated for closure will be reassigned to other schools based on their residential address. Approximately 10 campuses are anticipated to lose bus service, although AISD students will still be eligible for transportation if they live two or more miles from their zoned school, or if walking is deemed hazardous.
An interactive map has been published by the district to show the proposed closures and boundary changes, helping families to navigate the potential adjustments. The AISD Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the proposal on November 20, which will determine the future of these school closures.
Summary of Proposed School Closures
- Elementary Schools: Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, and Widén.
- Middle Schools: Bedicheck and Martin.
- High School Program: International High School transitioning to Navarro Early College High School.
Parent Concerns and Feedback
The district is aware of parent concerns regarding transparency and communication during the school closure proposal process. To facilitate community engagement, virtual workshops will be held to gather feedback from parents and stakeholders before the final vote is conducted.
TEA Ratings Context
The proposed school closures are not tied to the recent TEA ratings, but the low performance of several schools has influenced discussions surrounding potential changes. The district aims to address systemic issues affecting historically underserved students in the community, as highlighted by Superintendent Matias Segura.
Transportation Considerations
As schools close and boundaries shift, the district has made provisions regarding transportation. Students who live two or more miles from their assigned schools will still be able to take advantage of bus services, ensuring minimal disruption to their education despite the changes.
Looking Ahead
AISD will finalize closures based on community feedback and a Board of Trustees vote on November 20. The aim is to streamline resources efficiently, while taking necessary steps to support the students’ educational needs across the district.
FAQ
Why is Austin ISD proposing school closures?
Austin ISD announced plans to potentially close 13 schools due to declining enrollment and budget constraints.
What schools are proposed for closure?
Proposed school closures include:
– Elementary schools: Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, and Widén.
– Middle schools: Bedicheck and Martin.
– High school program: International High School to transition into a program at Navarro Early College High School.
How will the school closures impact transportation?
AISD students can ride the bus if they live two or more miles from their zoned school or if walking is hazardous; about 10 campuses will lose bus service.
When is the Board of Trustees vote on the proposal?
The Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the proposal on November 20.
Key Features of the Proposal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Closures | 13 schools (10 elementary, 2 middle, 1 high school program) |
| Community Feedback | Virtual workshops planned to gather input from parents and stakeholders. |
| Transport Impact | 10 campuses to lose bus service; transportation available for some students. |
| Final Vote Date | November 20 by AISD Board of Trustees. |
| TEA Rating | Austin ISD received a “C” rating with a score of 79 out of 100. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
AISD Proposes Closure of 13 Schools Amid Budget Deficit
Austin School District Proposes Closure of 13 Campuses
Austin School District Proposes Closure of 13 Schools
Austin ISD Announces School Consolidation Plan
Austin ISD Proposes Closure of 13 Schools Amid Budget Crisis
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
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Additional Resources
- KXAN: 13 schools named in Austin ISD closure plans
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- CBS Austin: Parents react to proposed list of AISD school closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin, Texas
- Austin Chronicle: AISD announces school closure recommendations
- Google News: Austin ISD school closures
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