Austin, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District Board’s draft plan to close 13 schools due to budget shortfalls and declining enrollment has sparked significant public outcry. Parents express concerns over community fragmentation and the rushed nature of the proposal. Amidst emotional community meetings, the AISD faces pressure to reconsider its approach while ensuring mental health support for affected staff. A vote on the final plan is scheduled for November 20.
Austin, Texas – The Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees has come under fire for a controversial draft plan to close 13 schools as part of a strategy to address significant budget challenges and low enrollment numbers. The proposal was discussed during a recent board meeting, which drew substantial public concern and emotional reactions from affected families.
The proposed school closures target 11 elementary schools and two middle schools, specifically Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, Widen, and Winn Montessori elementary schools, along with Bedichek and Martin middle schools. The AISD aims to avoid potential state intervention due to a projected budget shortfall of approximately $19.7 million.
Many parents have voiced opposition to the plan, fearing that it would fragment communities and complicate daily commutes. They have described the transition as rushed and lacking transparency, with numerous parents and students expressing their sadness during community meetings. Seven of the targeted schools have received multiple failing grades from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) over the past three years. Furthermore, three middle schools are currently undergoing turnaround plans after receiving four consecutive failing grades; under state law, schools accumulating a fifth consecutive failing grade trigger intervention from the Texas Education Commissioner.
Despite AISD’s intention to invest in historically underserved areas, parents argue that schools with positive performance records should not be impacted by this consolidation plan. Superintendent Matias Segura has apologized for the disruptions caused by the announcement and reassured families that the proposal is still in draft form, emphasizing that it will be refined based on community feedback.
In response to the proposed closures, a community rally was organized by Education Austin, alongside various advocacy efforts from concerned parents and staff. These community members are now calling for more time to explore alternative solutions to the district’s budget and enrollment challenges. Furthermore, a Board vote on the final consolidation plan is scheduled for November 20.
As an immediate measure, mental health counselors have been made available at affected campuses to assist staff following the announcement. In addition, a hiring freeze for outside personnel has been implemented to allow current teachers to apply for positions in the schools where students from closed campuses would transfer.
The situation remains fluid as the community continues to grapple with the implications of the proposed school closures, which have triggered strong emotional and logistical concerns among families affected by the plan.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Schools Closing | 13 campuses (11 elementary schools and 2 middle schools) |
| Budget Shortfall | Approximately $19.7 million |
| Vote Date | November 20 |
| Mental Health Support | Counselors available at affected campuses |
| Schools Targeted for Closure | Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, Widen, Winn Montessori, Bedichek, Martin |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
AISD Considers Closing 13 Schools Amid Budget Issues
Austin School Closure Proposal Sparks Community Backlash
Austin ISD Faces Serious Budget Crisis
AISD Proposes Major School Closures to Address Budget Deficit
Austin Proposes Closure of 13 Schools Amid Declining Enrollment
Austin Schools Propose Closure of 13 Campuses Amid Budget Cuts
Austin School District Proposes Closure of 13 Schools
Austin ISD Proposes Closure of 13 Schools Amid Budget Concerns
AISD Proposes Closure of 13 Schools Amid Budget Deficit
Austin School District Proposes Closure of 13 Campuses
Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- KXAN News
- Google Search: Austin ISD school closures
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Austin ISD school closures
- Austin American-Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Independent School District
- KVUE News
- Google News: Austin ISD school closures
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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.
