Austin, Texas, October 6, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District has proposed closing 13 campuses, including 11 elementary and 2 middle schools, due to declining student enrollment and budget constraints. This decision has raised concerns among parents regarding the loss of key educational programs, particularly treasured dual-language offerings. The proposed closures aim to save approximately $25 million annually and address the district’s significant financial challenges. The AISD Board is set to vote on this matter soon, while families are encouraged to engage in discussions on the plan.
Austin, Texas — The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has unveiled a draft proposal to close 13 campuses, encompassing 11 elementary schools and 2 middle schools. This decision arises from declining student enrollment and significant budgetary constraints faced by the district. The proposals have sparked considerable concern among local parents regarding the future of educational programs, especially the dual-language programs that many families cherish.
The specific schools earmarked for closure include Becker Elementary School and International High School. Parents like Joseph Arriaga have expressed their worries about the implications for their children’s education, particularly due to the valued dual-language programs these schools provide. AISD Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized that the closures are necessary to tackle severe financial risks and to ensure that the district retains local control over its operations.
Expected savings from these proposed closures are approximately $25 million annually. This figure reflects the combined impact of school closures and necessary staffing reductions, which are aimed at reallocating resources to better serve the remaining schools. Over the past decade, AISD has experienced a steep decline of more than 10,000 students, leading to around 25,000 vacant seats across the district. These changes have triggered a comprehensive review of the school boundaries, affecting 98% of the district’s schools.
According to the proposed plan, several campuses will be closed, including Becker Elementary and International High School, while other programs may be relocated to new campuses to continue serving the community. In light of these changes, families will be given a platform to voice their opinions during virtual open houses scheduled to occur shortly. The AISD Board of Trustees is slated to vote on the recommendation on November 20, which has generated anticipation among the community.
Local parents have expressed dissatisfaction with the announcement’s timing, receiving the news on a Friday afternoon. The hastiness has raised questions regarding the potential impact on their children’s education. In response to concerns regarding the proposed changes, AISD has committed to providing “grandfathering” options for students attending schools that remain operational. This provision will allow those students to continue at their current schools irrespective of boundary modifications.
The district has outlined its intentions to host future meetings and community input sessions, thereby offering families the chance to further discuss the consolidation plans prior to the ultimate vote. This initiative is part of AISD’s efforts to engage with the community during a significant period of transition.
Key Details of Closure Proposal
- Proposal Type: Closure of 13 campuses (11 elementary schools, 2 middle schools)
- Reason: Declining enrollment and budget shortfall
- Annual Savings: Approximately $25 million
- Number of Students Lost: Over 10,000 in the past decade
- Empty Seats: 25,000 across the district
- Affected Schools: Becker Elementary, International High School, and others
- Vote Date: AISD Board of Trustees to vote on November 20
Community Engagement
Parents and community members are encouraged to engage in upcoming virtual open houses to share their thoughts on the proposed school consolidations. These conversations will be crucial as the district moves forward in addressing its current challenges while striving to maintain quality education for its students.
FAQ
What schools are proposed for closure?
The proposed plan under the AISD includes Becker Elementary, International High School, and others.
What is the reason for the proposed closures?
The closures are due to declining student enrollment and budget constraints.
How much money is projected to be saved by the closures?
The proposed plan is estimated to save approximately $25 million annually through closures and associated staffing cuts.
When will the AISD Board of Trustees vote on the proposal?
The AISD Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the proposal on November 20.
What options are available for students at schools that remain open?
The district plans to allow “grandfathering” for students at schools that remain open, ensuring they can stay regardless of boundary adjustments.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Closures | 13 campuses, including 11 elementary and 2 middle schools |
| Budget Savings | Estimated at $25 million annually |
| Student Decline | Over 10,000 students lost in the last decade |
| Empty Seats | 25,000 vacant seats in the district |
| Voting Date | November 20 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin School District Proposes Closure of 13 Schools
Austin ISD Proposes Closure of 13 Schools Amid Budget Concerns
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
Additional Resources
- KVUE: AISD Parent Speaks Out
- FOX 7: AISD Consolidation and Boundary Changes
- CBS Austin: AISD Proposes School Closures
- KVUE: AISD School Consolidation Plan
- KXAN: AISD School Consolidation Draft Plan
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
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