Austin, Texas, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Texas Values has raised objections to the Austin Independent School District’s decision to keep schools open on Good Friday in its 2025-26 and 2026-27 calendars. The district opted to observe March 31, 2026, for Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Day instead. This decision has sparked debate about respecting religious holidays amidst diverse cultural celebrations. AISD maintains that the calendar was developed with community input, aiming to balance instruction and operational needs, while also facing significant financial challenges including proposed school closures.
Austin, Texas – The religious nonprofit Texas Values has raised concerns regarding the Austin Independent School District (AISD) decision to keep schools open on Good Friday as part of its calendar for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. Texas Values has sent a letter to the AISD board and Superintendent Matias Segura asking for Good Friday to be reinstated as a student holiday.
AISD’s approved calendar excludes Good Friday from its list of holidays, favoring instead a holiday on March 31, 2026, for Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Day. This decision has been recognized since 2019. In the previous school year, 2024-25, AISD students had Good Friday off, as it was designated a staff development day. The change has ignited a debate over the district’s approach to balancing holiday observances for its diverse student population.
Mary Elizabeth Castle of Texas Values criticized AISD’s calendar decision, suggesting it undermines respect for Good Friday while seemingly prioritizing political holidays over the religious freedom of students and staff. Meanwhile, AISD officials have stated that the scheduling decision was shaped by input from a Calendar Task Force, which considered various faiths and cultures. The district emphasized that the revision aimed to balance operational needs and instructional requirements with the perspectives of the community.
Calendar Planning and Decision Process
AISD highlighted that were Good Friday to be designated as a holiday, it would lead to two holidays, Cesar Chavez and Good Friday, occurring in the same week, leaving only two instructional days in between. The calendar’s competing priorities were reviewed by campus principals, and a majority recommended the approved calendar, which does allow for “Easter Monday” as a staff development day.
Although AISD does not observe Good Friday as a student holiday, it allows teachers to request personal leave to celebrate Good Friday or observe other religious holidays. The district is encouraging parents and community members to engage in upcoming discussions regarding calendar planning, which are planned for spring 2026.
Financial Pressures on AISD
In related news, AISD is addressing financial challenges that include proposals to close 11 elementary schools and two middle schools due to budget deficits and underenrollment. The list of schools in the proposed consolidation plan comprises Ridgetop, Becker, Sunset Valley, and others, with a final vote expected in late November. Superintendent Segura acknowledged the disruption that consolidation will bring but stressed the focus on enhancing academic performance and operational efficiency in the district.
AISD is currently facing a $19.7 million deficit and aims to save approximately $25 million through the proposed school closures. This decision reflects the district’s ongoing efforts to manage its finances effectively while continuing to serve its diverse student body.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate about holiday observance and school closures highlights the complexities AISD faces as it seeks to accommodate the needs of its students and families amid financial distress. The decisions made today will shape the district’s educational landscape and community engagement in the years to come.
FAQ
What is the controversy surrounding Good Friday in AISD?
Texas Values is opposing AISD for keeping schools open on Good Friday and has requested that it be reinstated as a student holiday.
What are the holidays included in the AISD calendar for 2025-26 and 2026-27?
The calendar does not include Good Friday as a holiday, instead observing March 31, 2026, for Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Day.
What financial challenges is AISD facing?
AISD is facing a $19.7 million deficit and aims to save approximately $25 million through proposed closures of 11 elementary schools and two middle schools.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Good Friday Decision | AISD keeps schools open on Good Friday for 2025-26 and 2026-27. |
| Holiday Observances | Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Day will be observed instead of Good Friday. |
| Financial Situation | AISD is facing a $19.7 million deficit. |
| Proposed School Closures | 11 elementary schools and 2 middle schools are proposed for closure. |
| Community Engagement | Parents are encouraged to participate in future discussions on calendar planning. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KVUE: AISD Good Friday Controversy
- Wikipedia: Religion in Schools
- CBS Austin: AISD Consolidation Plan
- Google Search: Austin ISD school closures 2023
- Austin Monitor: AISD Closures and Communication
- Google Scholar: AISD calendar planning
- Austin Chronicle: AISD School Closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closure Impact
- KXAN: Segura on AISD Closure Plans
- Google News: AISD financial challenges
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