Austin, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District is reviewing a consolidation plan that may lead to the closure of 13 schools due to a budget deficit and declining enrollment. The plan aims to optimize resources and maintain local control while addressing failing accountability grades at several schools. A formal vote is expected soon, with implementation targeted for the 2026-27 school year. Community engagement efforts are underway as parents voice concerns over the decision-making process.
Austin
The Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees is reviewing a draft consolidation plan that could result in the closure of 13 schools and changes to district boundaries. The proposed actions are driven by a budget deficit, declining enrollment numbers, and a desire to maintain local control over district leadership.
Currently, three middle schools within the district have received four consecutive failing accountability grades, with nearly a dozen schools showing three failing grades. According to state law, if a school accumulates five failing grades, the Texas education commissioner is obligated to intervene, potentially resulting in school closures or management changes. This threat of state intervention has been magnified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) currently overseeing Houston ISD, which is under a takeover. There are concerns that, without proactive measures, AISD may face similar interventions.
AISD Superintendent Matias Segura has expressed that the instability caused by potential state interventions could disrupt the community-led governance and operations of local schools. In opposition to state intervention, Zeph Capo, president of Texas AFT, has criticized the outcomes from past TEA takeovers as detrimental to local education.
While the TEA has stated it cannot speculate about future interventions, as AISD has not met the criteria for a takeover or campus closures, failures within the district have sparked considerable criticism. David DeMatthews, a public education expert, has highlighted both district and state leadership’s contributions to the current issues and noted the negative impacts of state takeovers on community schools.
The AISD leadership insists that the proposed plan aims to optimize resources at every school, particularly to support historically underserved students. Over the past decade, the district has experienced a loss of over 10,000 students, which has resulted in approximately 25,000 empty seats. Amid a $19.7 million budget shortfall, consolidation has become a necessary consideration.
The consolidation plan includes rezoning approximately 98% of AISD schools and will involve adjustments to feeder patterns from elementary to middle schools and from middle to high schools. Specific schools slated for closure include Bedicheck Middle, which will shift students to other middle schools, and International High School, which will transition into a program at Navarro Early College High School.
AISD is anticipating annual savings of over $25.6 million through these closures and resulting staffing reductions. Transportation changes will also occur; certain students will continue to receive bus services if they live two or more miles from their zoned school or if their walk is deemed hazardous. Bus services will be limited otherwise.
In an effort to engage the community, virtual open houses are being scheduled to discuss the consolidation plan. A formal vote on the plan is expected on November 20, with implementation aimed for the 2026-27 school year. Parents have raised concerns regarding the district’s communication throughout this decision-making process.
FAQ Section
What prompted AISD to propose school closures?
The proposed closures are driven by a budget deficit, falling enrollment numbers, and a mission to keep district leadership under local control.
How many schools does AISD propose to close?
AISD is considering the closure of 13 schools.
What are the consequences of failing accountability grades?
If a school accumulates five failing grades, the Texas education commissioner must intervene, potentially leading to school closures or changes in management.
When is the vote on the consolidation plan scheduled?
The vote on the plan is scheduled for November 20.
When would the proposed changes take effect?
The consolidation and boundary changes are expected to take effect in the 2026-27 school year.
What financial savings is AISD expecting from the consolidation?
AISD aims to save over $25.6 million through the consolidation of schools and associated staffing reductions.
Key Features of the Proposed Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed School Closures | 13 schools |
| Budget Shortfall | $19.7 million |
| Anticipated Savings | $25.6 million |
| Student Enrollment Decline | 10,000 students in the past decade |
| Implementation Year | 2026-27 school year |
| Vote Date | November 20 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin School Closure Proposal Sparks Community Backlash
Austin ISD Faces Serious Budget Crisis
AISD Proposes Major School Closures to Address Budget Deficit
Austin Proposes Closure of 13 Schools Amid Declining Enrollment
Austin Schools Propose Closure of 13 Campuses Amid Budget Cuts
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
Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- KVUE
- Google Search: Austin Independent School District
- Fox 7 Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Independent School District
- Spectrum Local News
- Google News: Austin ISD school closures
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