Austin, Texas, October 13, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District has proposed closing 13 schools due to budget shortfalls and declining enrollment. Parents and community members have voiced significant opposition, citing lack of transparency and potential negative impacts on successful schools, particularly those serving low-income students. The district aims to save approximately $25.6 million from the closures, which could affect around 16,000 students. A vote on the plan is set for November 20, with implementation for the 2026-27 school year.
Austin, Texas – The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has proposed closing 13 schools due to budget concerns and declining enrollment. The draft consolidation plan has faced significant backlash from parents and community members, who believe the process lacks transparency and is being rushed.
Families have gathered at Becker Elementary School, one of the schools on the closure list, to express their opposition. In response, a districtwide rally took place outside AISD headquarters, organized by Education Austin, a group representing AISD employees. Hundreds of parents have voiced their concerns, including those from Bryker Woods Elementary School, who argue that the closures would disproportionately affect high-performing schools.
According to the AISD Superintendent, the goal of the proposed closures is to invest in historically underserved areas. However, parents assert that closures should not impact successful schools. The proposed plan includes shutting down 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and one Montessori campus, which could potentially affect around 16,000 students.
The potential savings from the closures are estimated at $25.6 million amid a $19.7 million budget deficit. A vote on the plan is scheduled for November 20, with the aim to implement changes for the 2026-27 school year. The closures would affect nearly a quarter of the district’s 70,000 students, leading families to possibly seek alternatives such as charter or private schools.
Notably, six of the ten elementary schools proposed for closure serve predominantly low-income students. Parent concerns have also highlighted the potential loss of historical and community ties resulting from shuttering long-standing schools. The proposed plan would impact more than 8,500 elementary school children, nearly 4,000 middle schoolers, and over 3,700 high schoolers.
The last major school closure in Austin occurred six years ago, which caused significant division within the community. Of the 13 proposed closures, seven schools have been deemed academically unacceptable by the state. Changes to dual language programs have also been proposed, including the relocation of some programs to different campuses.
AISD plans to implement limited grandfather clauses, allowing affected students to remain at their original schools until they naturally transition. However, no transportation will be provided for these students. The community is urged to continue providing feedback before the school board finalizes the proposal.
Key Details of the Proposed Closures
- Proposed Closures: 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 Montessori campus
- Estimated Savings: $25.6 million
- Budget Deficit: $19.7 million
- Scheduled Vote: November 20
- Implementation Year: 2026-27 school year
- Students Affected: Approximately 16,000
- Schools Serving Low-Income Students: 6 of the 10 proposed elementary closures
- Community Impact: More than 21,000 students including elementary, middle, and high school levels
- Last Major Closure: 6 years ago
FAQ
What is the reason for the proposed school closures?
The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has proposed closing 13 schools due to budget concerns and declining enrollment.
How many schools are proposed to be closed?
The proposed plan includes shutting down 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and one Montessori campus.
How many students could potentially be affected by the closures?
The proposed closures could potentially affect around 16,000 students.
When is the vote scheduled on the closure proposal?
A vote on the plan is scheduled for November 20.
What are the estimated savings from these closures?
The potential savings from the closures are estimated at $25.6 million amid a $19.7 million budget deficit.
How many of the proposed closures serve low-income students?
Six of the ten elementary schools proposed for closure serve predominantly low-income students.
What will happen to the students after the schools close?
Plans are in place for limited grandfather clauses allowing affected students to remain at their original schools until they naturally transition. However, no transportation will be provided for these students.
Key Features of the AISD Proposed Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Closures | 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 Montessori campus |
| Potential Savings | $25.6 million |
| Budget Deficit | $19.7 million |
| Vote Date | November 20 |
| Implementation Year | 2026-27 school year |
| Students Affected | Approximately 16,000 |
| Low-income Students Served | 6 of the 10 proposed closures |
| Community Impact | More than 21,000 students including elementary, middle, and high school levels |
| Last Major Closure | 6 years ago |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Protests School Closures in Austin
AISD Faces Opposition Over School Closures amid Budget Crisis
Austin ISD Board Faces Backlash Over Proposed School Closures
AISD Considers Closing 13 Schools Amid Budget Issues
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
Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- KVUE
- Google Search: Austin Independent School District
- CBS Austin
- Google Scholar: Austin Independent School District
- Axios
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Independent School District
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.
