South Austin, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Parents in South Austin are voicing their concerns over the Austin Independent School District’s proposal to close and consolidate over a dozen campuses, impacting six local schools. This plan aims to combat a significant budget deficit and declining enrollment, but parents fear the closure could disrupt their communities. A virtual Q&A session highlighted issues such as transportation challenges and safety for children commuted to new schools. With the school board set to vote on the proposal soon, ongoing community feedback underscores the gravity of the situation for families.
South Austin parents are expressing significant concern over the Austin Independent School District (AISD) proposal to close and consolidate over a dozen campuses, which would affect six schools in their neighborhoods. The proposed plan is part of an effort to address a budget deficit of $19.7 million and declining enrollment across the district. Should the proposal be approved, the closures will take effect in the 2026-27 school year.
A virtual Q&A session was conducted on Tuesday night to provide parents the opportunity to discuss the consolidation plan and voice their concerns. Among the schools facing potential closure is Widen Elementary, a location that has left families in shock as they seek answers and solutions. Patrick Perez, a parent at Widen, noted that closing the school would disrupt the community heavily and demanded a reassessment of the proposal.
Transportation issues were also a major focal point during discussions. Parents raised concerns that the nearest schools after potential closures could be more than a mile away, which complicates daily commutes for families lacking reliable transportation options. Additionally, safety concerns were highlighted, with parents mentioning the need for children to cross train tracks to reach their prospective new schools.
Austin ISD officials have acknowledged the feedback from the community and emphasized that they are considering these concerns in their decision-making process. The consolidation plan aims to close 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and the Montessori campus, impacting over 16,000 students across AISD. The plan is designed to save approximately $25.6 million amid continuing budget constraints.
The school board is scheduled to vote on the final proposal on November 20. Parents and community members are urged to provide additional feedback as AISD stresses that “nothing is final” before the vote occurs. Six of the ten elementary schools proposed for closure primarily serve low-income student populations. Parents worry about the disruption these closures might cause and emphasize the importance of the community schools that serve to connect neighborhoods.
The proposals come in the wake of a similar closure process conducted in 2020, during which community backlash resulted in only four campuses being closed despite a longer initial list. Board Vice President Kathryn Whitley Chu has stated plans to vote against the current proposal, advocating for schools that demonstrate strong academic results and maintain community ties.
AISD also plans to make adjustments to attendance boundaries and relocate dual-language programs as part of this restructuring effort. As enrollment figures have shown a decline from 84,000 in 2015 to 70,000 currently, a reduction of 17%, district officials are asserting that these changes are essential for securing educational resources for future generations.
FAQ
What is the main concern of South Austin parents regarding AISD?
Parents in South Austin are concerned about AISD’s proposal to close and consolidate over a dozen campuses, affecting six schools in their neighborhoods.
When will the proposed school closures take place if approved?
The closures would take effect in the 2026-27 school year if approved.
How much could the consolidation plan save the district?
The consolidation plan aims to save $25.6 million amid a $19.7 million budget deficit and declining enrollment.
What schools could be affected by the proposed closures?
The plan includes closing 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and the Montessori campus, affecting over 16,000 students across the district.
When is the school board expected to vote on this proposal?
The school board is set to vote on the final plan on November 20.
What concerns did parents raise during the virtual Q&A?
Parents highlighted transportation issues, safety concerns regarding children crossing train tracks, and the impact of these closures on their communities.
What was the outcome of the school closure process in 2020?
The closure process in 2020 faced community backlash and resulted in the closure of only four campuses despite a longer original list.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin School District Proposes Closure of 13 Schools
Students Protest Compact Limiting International Enrollment at UT Austin
Austin School District Proposes Closures Amid Budget Deficit
Investigation Underway After Body Found at Highway Interchange
Concerns Grow Over AISD’s Proposal to Close Schools
Austin School District Faces $19.7 Million Budget Shortfall
AISD Proposes Closure of 13 Schools Amid Budget Concerns
Community Protests School Closures in Austin
AISD Faces Opposition Over School Closures amid Budget Crisis
Austin ISD Board Faces Backlash Over Proposed School Closures
Additional Resources
- KXAN: Answering Questions About Austin ISD School Closures Plan
- KVUE: Austin ISD School Closure Proposal Parent Feedback
- Spectrum News: Austin ISD Releases Schedule for Information Session About Proposed School Closures
- Statesman: Austin AISD School Closure List Map Attendance
- CBS Austin: Austin ISD Faces Backlash Over Plan to Close 13 Schools
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- Google Search: Austin Independent School District
- Google Scholar: Austin Independent School District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Independent School District
- Google News: Austin Independent School District
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