Austin, TX, September 8, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District is convening virtual meetings to discuss possible school closures due to a decline in student enrollment. The first meeting is scheduled for September 9, with two additional meetings planned for September 10 and September 15. AISD is also working on turnaround plans for failing schools, engaging the community in discussions about the future of education in Austin. A recent survey highlighted community concerns and potential benefits of school consolidation.
Austin, TX – The Austin Independent School District (AISD) is set to hold virtual meetings to discuss potential school closures due to a decline in student enrollment. The first meeting will occur on Tuesday, September 9, from 6-8 p.m., with additional meetings scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, and Monday, September 15, at the same time.
These meetings aim to inform and engage the community regarding the district’s goals, limitations, school programs, capacity, and accountability. Decision-makers are considering school closures as a cost-saving measure in response to a trend of declining student enrollment over recent years.
The context surrounding these potential closures is complicated by state mandates. AISD is currently developing turnaround plans for approximately two dozen schools that have consistently received failing ratings. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) holds the authority to intervene and potentially take control of a district if schools continue to receive failing grades over an extended period.
Recently, twelve campuses received their third “unacceptable” rating, necessitating the submission of a turnaround plan (TAP) to the TEA by November 14. This plan may be implemented as early as January. Eleven schools have received a second “unacceptable” rating, requiring a TAP to be effective in the 2026-27 school year. Furthermore, nine schools received their first “unacceptable” grade and must create a Targeted Improvement Plan (TIP).
Eastside Early College High School is also under scrutiny, requiring a turnaround plan that meets federal accountability standards. AISD Superintendent Matias Segura recognizes that the timelines for turnaround initiatives and potential school closures are converging, which might lead to confusion among parents.
A recent community survey conducted by AISD garnered responses from over 14,000 people. The survey indicated public concerns regarding the quality of teachers, academic excellence, and travel distances to schools. However, it also identified potential benefits to consolidation, including more balanced resources and improved teacher quality.
To further analyze community feedback and survey data, AISD plans to conduct consolidation workshops in July. A consolidation proposal is anticipated to be presented to the AISD school board in mid-fall. Any school designated for closure would not shut down until the 2026-27 school year.
AISD is focused on addressing the challenges of failing schools by offering incentives to experienced teachers who choose to work in these schools as part of the turnaround efforts. However, some parents and community members have expressed concerns about how potential closures could impact local neighborhoods and increase student travel times.
The school district encourages all interested members of the community to participate in the upcoming virtual meetings to understand better the implications of potential school closures and to contribute to the discussion about the future of education in Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When are the virtual meetings about potential school closures scheduled?
The first virtual meeting is on Tuesday, September 9, from 6-8 p.m., with additional meetings on September 10 and September 15 at the same time.
Why is AISD considering closing schools?
The district is considering school closures as a cost-saving measure due to declining enrollment numbers over the years.
What is the timeline for any school closures?
Any schools that are targeted for closure will not close until the 2026-27 school year.
What is the role of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) regarding failing schools?
The TEA can intervene and take control of a district if schools continue to receive failing grades for an extended period.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Virtual Meeting | September 9 from 6-8 p.m. |
| Additional Meetings | September 10 and September 15, same time. |
| Declining Enrollment | AISD facing declining enrollment that impacts funding. |
| Turnaround Plans | Twelve schools require turnaround plans by November 14. |
| Community Involvement | 14,000 responses from community survey on concerns. |
| Timeline for Changes | Closures effective no earlier than 2026-27 school year. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin ISD Faces Accountability Challenges Amid TEA Ratings
Austin Schools Required to Implement Turnaround Plans
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Texas Schools Shine in Rankings: Top Public Middle Schools Identified
Student Arrested for Bringing Firearms to Austin High School
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Austin Independent School District’s Performance Mixed as TEA Releases Report
AISD Considers Campus Closures Due to Declining Enrollment
Additional Resources
- KVUE: AISD School Consolidation Process
- FOX 7: AISD Holds Virtual Meetings for Possible School Closures
- KXAN: School Closures on the Horizon for Austin ISD
- Austin Chronicle: AISD Scoring Schools Ahead of Closure Decisions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Education Agency
- Google Search: Austin Independent School District
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
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