Austin, Texas, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District is facing a nearly $20 million budget shortfall, prompting a proposal to close 13 schools and redraw district boundaries. Enrollment has decreased significantly, and the proposed plan aims to save over $25 million while addressing resource allocation. Community feedback will be gathered before a final decision is made by the Board of Trustees.
Austin, Texas – The Austin Independent School District (AISD) is facing a nearly $20 million budget shortfall and has proposed a plan to close 13 schools and redraw school zone boundaries districtwide. The budget passed in June included a $19.7 million deficit in the general fund, impacting teacher salaries and operational expenses.
AISD has seen a 14.5% decrease in enrollment over the past decade, dropping from over 84,000 students in 2014-15 to approximately 72,000 in 2024-25. Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized the need to consolidate schools to become more efficient and allocate resources where needed. The proposed closures include 11 elementary schools and 2 middle schools.
A scoring system was used to grade each school based on factors such as capacity, building costs, condition, educational costs, and suitability. The district aims to close schools while minimizing impact on commuting, balancing enrollment, ensuring clean feeder patterns, and providing long-term stability. AISD currently has three middle schools with consecutive failing grades, raising the possibility of a state takeover if one receives five consecutive F ratings.
Several schools targeted for closure have needed multiple turnaround plans due to previous failures in meeting accountability ratings. The district has a bond approved in 2022 for $2.4 billion for repairs and technology upgrades, with $188 million allocated to the schools set for closure.
Recommendations for the future use of closed campuses will be presented to the Board of Trustees by the end of the school year, with options for reuse, leasing, or selling. Boundary changes may split up communities and alter feeder patterns, potentially doubling travel distances for some families. Current students at closing schools may remain at their schools through the final grade level but will not receive transportation if the school is within a new attendance boundary.
The proposed plan is expected to save AISD more than $25 million, with significant amounts directed to support campuses with turnaround plans. A series of community meetings will occur to gather public feedback; AISD intends to refine its draft plan based on community responses. The final decision on the proposal is set for a Board of Trustees vote on November 20, 2025, and if approved, will take effect in the 2026-27 school year.
Key Features of the AISD Proposed Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School Closures | 11 elementary schools; 2 middle schools |
| Budget Shortfall | Nearly $20 million |
| Enrollment Decrease | 14.5% drop since 2014 |
| Expected Savings | More than $25 million |
| Future Use of Campuses | Recommendations will include reuse, leasing, or selling |
| Community Feedback | Series of meetings scheduled |
| Final Vote Date | November 20, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the proposed school closures?
The Austin Independent School District (AISD) is facing a nearly $20 million budget shortfall.
How many schools are proposed to be closed?
The proposed closures include 11 elementary schools and 2 middle schools.
What factors were considered in choosing which schools to close?
A scoring system was used to grade each school based on factors including capacity, building costs, condition, educational costs, and suitability.
When will the final decision be made regarding the proposed plan?
The final decision on the proposal is set for a Board of Trustees vote on November 20, 2025.
What will happen to current students at the closing schools?
Current students at closing schools may remain at their schools through the final grade level but will not receive transportation if the school is within a new attendance boundary.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KXAN: Answering Questions About AISD School Closures Plan
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- KVUE: Parent Feedback on AISD School Closure Proposal
- Google Search: Austin Independent School District closures
- Spectrum Local News: AISD Information Session Schedule
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- CBS Austin: Backlash Over AISD School Closures
- Google News: Austin school closures
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