Austin, Texas, October 6, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District has proposed closing 13 schools, including 11 elementary and 2 middle schools, due to a significant budget deficit and declining enrollment. With nearly 16,000 students affected, the district aims to save $25.6 million as it faces a financial crisis. The Board of Trustees will vote on the proposal, with plans for implementation in the following school year. Community open houses are planned for gathering input, highlighting concerns over the socio-economic impact of these closures.
Austin, Texas – The Austin Independent School District (AISD) recently proposed closing 13 schools, including 11 elementary schools and 2 middle schools, due to a $19.7 million budget deficit and declining enrollment. The district aims to save approximately $25.6 million by implementing these closures, which will significantly impact a large portion of the district’s 70,000 students, with almost 16,000 changing attendance zones across various grade levels.
The proposed schools for closure include Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, Widen elementary schools, Bedichek and Martin middle schools, and Winn Montessori School. Notably, International High School will also close as a physical campus, but it will continue operating as a program at Navarro Early College High School.
The AISD Board of Trustees is set to vote on the proposal on November 20, 2025. If approved, the changes are projected to take effect in the 2026-27 school year and will involve significant adjustments to school attendance boundaries throughout the district. This decision comes in light of a declining enrollment trend, as the number of students in the district has decreased from 84,000 students in 2015 to the current 70,000 in 2025, marking a 17% decrease.
Among the affected schools, six serve a majority of low-income students, raising concerns about the socio-economic impact of the closures. Changes are also in store for dual language programs, with plans to relocate “wall-to-wall” dual language initiatives to Pickle, Wooton, Odom, and Sánchez elementary schools. Moreover, the district intends to introduce “non-zoned programs” for some schools that will require students to opt-in rather than being automatically assigned.
Furthermore, the closure of Martin Middle School is intended to be temporary as the district reworks its educational model at that campus. Seven of the proposed schools have been deemed academically unacceptable by the state over the past three years, which adds urgency to the situation.
In an effort to gather input from the community, AISD will conduct virtual open houses preceding the final vote. This feedback process is essential for transparency and for understanding community concerns regarding the proposed changes. CEO Matias Segura stressed that these decisions are necessary responses to ongoing financial threats to maintain local control over schools.
Trustee Kathryn Whitley Chu has stated plans to vote against the proposal in its current form, citing worries about losing community ties and the impact on schools with good academic performance. The district’s revised plan will introduce “grandfathering” provisions, allowing students already attending a school that remains open to continue there, despite any boundary changes. However, they will not receive bus transportation.
Additionally, the district is restructuring its transfer processes, splitting requests into three rounds based on program type and family circumstances. AISD recognizes the complexities involved in cutting programs, as this might counteract the educational needs of its students and communities.
Key Points of the Proposed School Closures
- Proposed Closures: 13 schools (11 elementary, 2 middle)
- Budget Deficit: $19.7 million
- Projected Savings: $25.6 million
- Students Affected: Nearly 16,000
- Vote Date: November 20, 2025
- Implementation Year: 2026-27 school year
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What schools are proposed for closure in AISD?
The proposed schools for closure include Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, Widen elementary schools, Bedichek and Martin middle schools, and Winn Montessori School.
What is the budget deficit that led to these proposed closures?
The budget deficit that led to these proposed closures is $19.7 million.
How many students will be affected by the proposed school closures?
Almost 16,000 students will be affected, with changes across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the timeframe for voting on the proposal?
The AISD Board of Trustees is set to vote on the proposal on November 20, 2025.
School Closure Overview
| Type of School | Schools Proposed for Closure |
|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, Widen |
| Middle Schools | Bedichek, Martin |
| Other | Winn Montessori School, International High School (as a physical campus) |
| Total Proposed Closures | 13 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Austin School District Proposes Closure of 13 Schools
Austin ISD Announces School Consolidation Plan
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AISD Holds Final Virtual Meeting on School Consolidations
Austin Independent School District Initiates School Consolidation
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Austin Schools Under Pressure to Submit Improvement Plans
Additional Resources
- Statesman: AISD School Closure List
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- KVUE: Parent Speaks Out on AISD Consolidation Plan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Spectrum News: AISD Proposed School Consolidations
- Google News: AISD Closures
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