Austin, Texas, August 11, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District plans to implement a new school consolidation process starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. District leaders introduced a two-part evaluation plan to assess schools, with the potential for closures based on a rating scale that considers various factors such as funding, building conditions, and enrollment data. The capacity for schools currently stands at about 76%, with a goal of reaching 85%. Community feedback will be collected from October 9 to November 13, with a school board vote scheduled for November 20.
Austin, Texas
Major changes are set to significantly impact the Austin Independent School District (AISD) during the 2026-2027 academic year, as the district announces a new school consolidation process that may include potential school closures. District leaders stressed that the newly released data rubric, which lists various schools, does not indicate a finalized list of closures.
Over the next two months, AISD will implement a two-part evaluation plan to determine which schools may undergo changes. Each school will be rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with a rating of 5 signaling the highest need for changes. This evaluation will consider various factors, including cost per student, overall building condition, and student enrollment.
Additional criteria for evaluation will encompass transfer rates and any associated bond projects for each campus. Superintendent Marias Segura highlighted that every campus within the district will be influenced in some capacity, whether that involves school closures or adjustments to school boundaries. The district aims to minimize the impacts on students, ensuring that transition periods are provided to assist students in adjusting to any changes.
Current Enrollment and Goals
As it stands, AISD’s schools are operating at approximately 76% capacity, which translates to 22,353 open seats. The district aims to improve school occupancy to an ideal capacity of 85%. Superintendent Segura noted that resource depletion has limited the district’s ability to foster thriving schools. It is essential to create balanced student populations that can be supported effectively over the long term.
Timeline for Consolidation Plan
The final draft of the school consolidation plan is expected to be released on October 9. Following the unveiling, a community feedback period will be open from October 9 through November 13, allowing community members to share their feedback and concerns regarding the proposed changes. The AISD school board plans to vote on the recommended plan on November 20.
Future Considerations
In addition, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is set to release its ratings for the 2024-2025 school year soon, which may be significant for schools currently under turnaround plans due to poor performance as indicated by the 2023 TEA ratings. Looking ahead, school enrollment in AISD is expected to continue to decline, which could have implications on state funding allocated for schools in the district.
Overall, the consolidation plan seeks to address the current challenges faced by AISD and create a more sustainable educational environment for students in the long run.
Key Features of AISD Consolidation Plan
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Consolidation Process | Introduction of a two-part evaluation to determine potential changes. |
| Rating Scale | Schools rated on a scale from 1 to 5 based on various criteria. |
| Current Capacity | Schools at 76% capacity with 22,353 open seats. |
| Target Capacity | Aiming for an ideal capacity of 85% across schools. |
| Community Feedback | Feedback period scheduled from October 9 to November 13. |
| Board Vote Date | The school board will vote on the plan on November 20. |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the AISD consolidation plan?
The consolidation plan aims to assess the condition and utilization of schools within the district, potentially leading to adjustments and closures in response to resource allocation and enrollment challenges.
What factors will be considered in evaluating schools?
Schools will be evaluated based on cost per student, building condition, enrollment levels, transfer rates, and associated bond projects.
What is the expected capacity goal for AISD schools?
The district aims to increase school occupancy from the current 76% to an ideal capacity of 85%.
When will the community be able to provide feedback on the plan?
The community feedback period will take place from October 9 to November 13.
When will the AISD school board make a decision on the plan?
The AISD school board is scheduled to vote on the recommended plan on November 20.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
AISD Prepares for School Closures and Consolidations
Austin Schools Host Enrollment Open Houses Amid Restart Plans
AISD Announces Staffing Cuts Due to Funding Uncertainty
Austin Independent School District Faces Staffing Cuts
Austin Independent School District Announces Staffing Cuts
Austin ISD Faces Major Job Cuts Amid Federal Funding Review
Austin School Board Approves Special Election for Facility Improvements
Austin School Board Approves Turnaround Plans for Struggling Middle Schools
AISD Implements Turnaround Plans for Underperforming Schools
AISD Implements Turnaround Plans for Struggling Middle Schools
Additional Resources
- KVUE: AISD Consolidation Plan
- Statesman: AISD School Start Dates
- Governing: Texas High School and Workforce
- KXAN: AI in Texas Classrooms
- CultureMap: Texas School District Phone Policies
- 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
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.
