Austin, Texas, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District is under fire for deciding to keep schools open on Good Friday, a move criticized by Texas Values, a religious nonprofit. They argue this undermines the holiday’s significance. The district has replaced Good Friday with Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Day in the school calendar. Amid financial challenges, AISD plans to close 13 schools, prompting reassignment for affected students. The Board of Trustees will finalize closure decisions on November 20, while community feedback sessions are scheduled for families to discuss next steps.
Austin, Texas – A recent controversy has emerged regarding the Austin Independent School District’s (AISD) decision to keep schools open on Good Friday, a move that has drawn criticism from Texas Values, a religious nonprofit organization. The organization has formally protested this decision, claiming that it undermines the significance of Good Friday, a day when many churches conduct services.
The AISD board and Superintendent Matias Segura received a letter from Texas Values requesting that Good Friday be restored as a holiday in the school calendar. Currently, the approved school calendar, which was finalized in December 2024, designates March 31, 2026, as Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Day, replacing Good Friday, which was previously a holiday slated for April 18, 2024, for AISD staff development.
AISD officials have defended their decision, emphasizing that it was made after considering a wide range of perspectives, including Christian viewpoints. They argue that keeping schools open during this period helps to meet operational needs and instructional mandates. To prevent scheduling conflicts, AISD has decided that Good Friday will not be a student holiday. However, teachers wishing to observe the day can request personal leave.
In addition to the tensions surrounding Good Friday, AISD is grappling with a significant budget crisis, prompting plans to close 13 schools starting in the upcoming school year. This measure comes under a state mandate requiring school closures or restructuring as part of the Turnaround Plan (TAP) to address substantial budget deficits. Should the district fail to reduce its financial shortfall, it risks a state takeover.
The final decisions regarding the school closures are not set until the Board of Trustees votes on November 20. Proposed closures include several elementary and middle schools, such as Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Martin, and Bedicheck, as well as the International High School, which will merge with Navarro High School.
Affected students will likely be reassigned to different neighborhood schools as most AISD campuses will experience boundary adjustments for the upcoming academic year. To assist families, AISD will implement a system that allows them to check their new school assignments based on home addresses. Optional grandfathering is also available, permitting current students to stay at their school until they reach the highest offered grade.
In light of these changes, AISD has organized feedback sessions for families to discuss the draft consolidation plan, scheduled for October and early November. It is clear that these developments highlight the complexities and challenging decisions faced by the district as it seeks to address both community concerns and financial realities.
FAQ
What is the controversy surrounding AISD’s decision on Good Friday?
Texas Values, a religious nonprofit organization, is protesting Austin ISD’s decision to keep schools open on Good Friday.
What holidays has AISD designated in the school calendar?
Austin ISD approved the current school calendar in December 2024, which designates March 31, 2026, as a holiday for Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Day instead of Good Friday.
What options are available for teachers on Good Friday?
Any teacher who wishes to observe Good Friday can request personal leave.
What is AISD’s current budget situation?
AISD faces a budget crisis, with plans to close 13 schools starting next school year due to a state mandate requiring school closures or restructuring under the Turnaround Plan (TAP).
When will decisions about school closures be finalized?
The closures will not be finalized until the Board of Trustees votes on Nov. 20.
What will happen to students affected by the school closures?
Affected students may be reassigned to different neighborhood schools, with most AISD campuses impacted by redrawn boundaries for the upcoming school year.
Key Features of the AISD Controversy and Budget Crisis
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Concerned Organization | Texas Values |
| Decision on Good Friday | Schools to remain open |
| Replacement Holiday | Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Day |
| Budget Crisis | Plans to close 13 schools |
| Final Vote on Closures | November 20 |
| Boundary Changes | Affected students reassigned to neighborhood schools |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Values Criticizes AISD for Good Friday Decision
Additional Resources
- KVUE: Austin ISD Good Friday Controversy
- KVUE: Video on AISD Good Friday Decision
- Austin Chronicle: AISD School Closure Recommendations
- Austin Monitor: AISD Closures and Communication
- Statesman: ICE Arrests Austin Teacher
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- Google Search: Austin Independent School District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Values
- Google News: Austin School Closures
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