South Austin, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Parents in South Austin are voicing their opposition to the Austin ISD’s plan to close and consolidate over a dozen schools, including several local campuses. The initiative, aimed at addressing a $19.7 million budget deficit, has elicited concerns regarding community ties, school safety, and accessibility for families. A virtual Q&A session highlighted the growing unrest, particularly regarding potential risks for children traveling to new schools. The school board is set to vote on the closure proposal, which would impact approximately 16,000 students, on November 20.
South Austin Parents Oppose School Closures Proposed by Austin ISD
In South Austin, parents are raising concerns regarding the Austin Independent School District’s (AISD) proposal to close and consolidate more than a dozen schools, including six local campuses. The proposal aims to address a significant budget deficit of $19.7 million while potentially saving the district $25.6 million.
A virtual Q&A session was organized on a Tuesday night to address community concerns about the proposed school closures. Widen Elementary is notably one of the schools on the closure list, prompting shock among families and a demand for clearer communication. Many parents express fears that closing schools would disrupt crucial community ties, especially since the nearest remaining campuses could be over a mile away. This distance does pose a challenge for families without reliable transportation, making school access more difficult.
Safety concerns are also prevalent, as navigating to new schools may require children to cross train tracks, prompting apprehension among parents about the potential risks involved. AISD officials are in the process of collecting community feedback and assured attendees that they are considering various factors before making any final decisions. The Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the closures on November 20.
The proposed plan suggests closing ten elementary schools, two middle schools, and the district’s Montessori campus, which affects a total of approximately 16,000 students currently enrolled in AISD. The list includes Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, Widen Elementary, and Bedichek and Martin middle schools.
This urgent proposition arises amid ongoing enrollment declines in the district, which have witnessed a drop from 84,000 students in 2015 to around 70,000 now. Seven out of the eight schools targeted for closure have received unacceptable ratings from the state in the last three years, fueling discussions on the need for improvements rather than closures. Parents are advocating for more investment into their schools to enhance educational quality, rather than consolidating resources and services.
Boundary changes suggested in the proposal could further affect dual language programs within AISD, raising concerns among bilingual families. AISD Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized the necessity to make the best decisions for the district’s future amidst dwindling financial resources. The ongoing conversation regarding school closures has evoked memories of similar discussions from six years ago, when the district closed four elementary campuses and created divisions within the community. The next community discussion on proposed closures is scheduled for Thursday in North Austin, encouraging continued public input.
Key Features of the School Closure Proposal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Schools Proposed for Closure | 12 schools (10 elementary, 2 middle, and 1 Montessori) |
| Projected Savings | $25.6 million |
| Budget Deficit Addressed | $19.7 million |
| Current AISD Enrollment | Approximately 70,000 students |
| Voting Date for School Board | November 20 |
| Next Community Discussion | Thursday, North Austin |
FAQ
What is the main concern of South Austin parents regarding AISD’s proposal?
Parents in South Austin are opposing Austin ISD’s proposal to close and consolidate more than a dozen campuses, including six in their neighborhoods.
What schools are specifically mentioned in the proposed closures?
The list of proposed closures includes Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, Widen elementary schools, and Bedichek and Martin middle schools.
When will AISD’s School Board of Trustees vote on the closures?
AISD’s School Board of Trustees will vote on the closures on November 20.
How much could the closures save the district?
The proposed school closures could save the district $25.6 million while addressing a $19.7 million budget deficit and declining enrollment.
What are parents advocating for instead of closure?
Parents are advocating for the schools to be improved rather than closed, emphasizing community investment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Governor Deploys National Guard for Austin Protest
Parents Concerned Over School Closures in South Austin
Concerns Rise Over AISD School Closures in South Austin
Austin School District Proposes Closure of 13 Schools
Students Protest Compact Limiting International Enrollment at UT Austin
Austin School District Proposes Closures Amid Budget Deficit
Investigation Underway After Body Found at Highway Interchange
Concerns Grow Over AISD’s Proposal to Close Schools
Austin School District Faces $19.7 Million Budget Shortfall
AISD Proposes Closure of 13 Schools Amid Budget Concerns
Additional Resources
- KXAN: Answering Questions about Austin ISD School Closures Plan
- KVUE: Austin ISD School Closure Proposal and Parent Feedback
- Statesman: Austin AISD School Closure List and Map
- Fox 7: Austin ISD Considers Possible School Closures
- KVUE: Austin ISD Consolidation Plan for 2026-2027 School Year
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- Google Search: Austin school closures
- Google Scholar: Austin ISD school closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Independent School District
- Google News: Austin ISD school closure proposal
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.
