Austin, TX, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District (AISD) unveiled a school consolidation plan addressing a budget deficit and declining enrollment, proposing the closure of 13 schools. Public feedback sessions are set before a Board vote on November 20. Superintendent Matias Segura highlighted the necessity of this plan, projecting $25.6 million in immediate savings, primarily from staffing cuts. Boundary changes will impact 98% of schools, with a grandfathering policy allowing current students to remain at their schools. The consolidation aims to begin in the 2026-27 academic year.
Austin, TX – Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced a consolidation plan aimed at addressing a severe budget deficit and declining student enrollment. This plan, unveiled on Friday evening, proposes the closure of 13 schools across the district and significant adjustments to school boundaries. Public feedback sessions will be organized prior to the Board of Trustees’ vote on the proposal scheduled for November 20.
AISD Superintendent Matias Segura indicated that the consolidation plan is necessitated by “severe organizational risks.” The schools slated for closure include International High School (which will continue as a program at Navarro Early College High School), Bedicheck Middle School, and Martin Middle School, among others. The district aims to implement substantial boundary changes affecting 98% of its schools, designed to distribute student enrollment more evenly across the remaining facilities.
To ease the transition, a grandfathering policy will be in place, allowing current students to remain at their respective schools despite these boundary changes. Furthermore, the transfer process will be modified to accommodate requests across three rounds based on various criteria.
If the consolidation plan is approved, AISD expects to realize immediate cost savings of $25.6 million. A significant portion of these savings, over $20 million, will come from staff reductions. Additional anticipated savings include $300,000 from lower utility costs and $3 million from the removal of portable classrooms.
This proposal comes in response to a staggering $100 million budget deficit that AISD faced at the start of the year, prompting the need for drastic measures. The district previously secured $2.4 billion in funding through voter approval in 2022 for improvements to school facilities and equipment. However, any financial commitment already made toward projects at the soon-to-be-closed schools will be deemed irrecoverable.
Future plans for the properties of the closing schools include potential repurposing, leasing, or selling options. The district intends to begin implementing the new school boundaries and closures in the 2026-27 academic year, recognizing that clear communication about these changes will be crucial to community acceptance.
Despite ongoing concerns regarding this consolidation initiative, AISD leadership asserts that it is not connected to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) rating systems, although a number of middle schools have received failing scores. Adjustments to bus services will also be made for students residing within specific distances from their schools following the boundary modifications.
Summary of Key Details
- Closure of 13 Schools: Includes major middle and high schools.
- Public Feedback: Meetings planned ahead of the Board of Trustees vote on November 20.
- Immediate Savings: Projected $25.6 million in savings if approved.
- Implementation Year: Changes are set to begin in the 2026-27 school year.
- Not Related to TEA Ratings: The proposal does not link to school ratings, despite some failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which schools are proposed for closure in the Austin ISD consolidation plan?
The 13 schools proposed for closure include International High School, Bedicheck Middle School, and Martin Middle School.
When will the Board of Trustees vote on the proposed consolidation plan?
The Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the plan on November 20.
What are the expected savings from the consolidation plan?
The consolidation plan is expected to generate an immediate cost savings of $25.6 million if approved.
When will the changes from the consolidation plan take effect?
The district plans to begin implementing new boundaries and school closures in the 2026-27 school year.
Is the consolidation plan related to Texas Education Agency (TEA) ratings?
No, the consolidation proposal is not linked to Texas Education Agency (TEA) ratings.
Chart: Breakdown of Proposed Changes
| Change | Description | Projected Savings |
|---|---|---|
| School Closures | 13 schools scheduled for closure | N/A |
| Boundary Changes | 98% of schools will undergo substantial adjustments | N/A |
| Immediate Cost Savings | Projected total savings if approved | $25.6 million |
| Staffing Cuts | Over 20 million savings by reducing staff | $20 million |
| Utility Reductions | Estimated savings from decreased utility usage | $300,000 |
| Portable Classrooms Elimination | Removing additional portable classrooms | $3 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin ISD Proposes Closure of 13 Schools Amid Budget Crisis
Austin Parents Call for Pause on Proposed School Consolidations
Texas Education Agency Investigates Teacher Comments Post-Assassination
AISD Holds Final Virtual Meeting on School Consolidations
Austin Independent School District Initiates School Consolidation
Texas State University Student Expelled for Mocking Shooting Victim
Austin Schools Under Pressure to Submit Improvement Plans
University of Texas at Austin Ends Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
AISD Weighs School Consolidations Amid Enrollment Challenges
Austin Woman Shot Near Zilker Park Leaves Community in Shock
Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- KVUE
- Google Search: Austin ISD consolidation plan
- KXAN
- Google Scholar: Austin ISD consolidation plan
- Community Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin ISD
- KVUE Video
- Google News: Austin ISD consolidation
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