Austin, Texas, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District has proposed closing 13 schools due to a nearly $20 million budget deficit and declining enrollment, affecting around 16,000 students. Parents express concerns about safety and community impact. The AISD Board will vote on the proposal in November, with potential closures set for the next school year. The district aims to save $25 million by consolidating underperforming schools.
Austin, Texas – The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has proposed the closure and consolidation of 13 schools amid a nearly $20 million budget deficit and declining enrollment. This proposal affects approximately 16,000 students throughout the district. Among the schools facing closure are Widen Elementary, ten other elementary schools, two middle schools, and the district’s Montessori campus.
During a recent virtual meeting, parents expressed their concerns regarding the potential closures, particularly highlighting issues such as longer commutes and safety risks for their children. Many parents worry that the closures will disrupt community ties and access to education, especially for families reliant on public transportation.
AISD officials have acknowledged the feedback from the community and indicated that they will consider it in their decision-making regarding the closures. Over the past decade, the district has experienced a 14.5% decrease in enrollment, with numbers dropping from over 84,000 students in the 2014-15 school year to about 70,000 projected for 2024-25.
Superintendent Matias Segura highlighted the necessity for efficiency in resource allocation, emphasizing that limited funds must be directed toward the most pressing needs. The proposed plan includes adjustments to school boundaries that will impact the transitions from elementary to middle and high schools.
All of the 13 proposed closures have received poor academic ratings, with some schools receiving multiple “F” ratings from the Texas Education Agency. The district estimates that the consolidation could save approximately $25 million in budgetary expenditures, with $12.6 million earmarked for improving schools that have turnaround plans.
The AISD Board of Trustees is set to vote on the proposal on November 20, 2025. If approved, the closures will take effect in the 2026-27 school year. Following the last major school closure process in 2020, where four elementary schools were closed, the district experienced significant community division and backlash.
Parents will have the option for their children to remain at their current schools if they are not closing, although this arrangement does not include provided transportation. The district continues to face systematic funding challenges attributed to dwindling resources at state and federal levels, coupled with the ongoing pressure to improve school performance.
FAQ
What is the reason for the proposed school closures in AISD?
How many students will be affected by the school closures?
What are the expected cost savings from the proposed closures?
When will the AISD Board of Trustees vote on the proposal?
Key Features of the School Closure Proposal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Schools Proposed for Closure | 13 |
| Estimated Budget Deficit | Nearly $20 million |
| Students Affected | Approximately 16,000 |
| Expected Savings | Approximately $25 million |
| Vote Date | November 20, 2025 |
| Transition Period | Effective in the 2026-27 school year |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Community Protests School Closures in Austin
AISD Faces Opposition Over School Closures amid Budget Crisis
Austin ISD Board Faces Backlash Over Proposed School Closures
AISD Considers Closing 13 Schools Amid Budget Issues
Additional Resources
- KVUE: AISD School Closure Proposal Feedback
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- KXAN: Questions About AISD School Closures
- Google Search: Austin Independent School District closures
- Statesman: AISD School Closure List
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Independent School District
- Spectrum News: AISD Information Session Schedule
- Google News: Austin school closures
- FOX 7 Austin: AISD Considers Closures
- Google Scholar: Austin Independent School District
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.
