The Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD) Board of Trustees has released a message to the community recognizing progress in meeting the needs of students receiving special education services. The board credited Superintendent Matias Segura for his leadership and noted the collaborative effort required across the district.
“After two and a half years of focused effort, a real difference has been made in how we are meeting the needs of students who receive special education services and in the systems required to ensure that good work continues. As trustees, we are deeply grateful to Superintendent Segura for leading with purpose, strategy, and heart, and with the goals of better serving students and better supporting staff always in mind. Reaching this milestone took immense effort and vast resources that will continue to be directed towards continued improvement across our district,” said Board President Lynn Boswell on behalf of the trustees.
The message also highlighted ongoing commitments: “As we take time to mark this moment, it’s also crucial to look ahead. We are proud of the work and grateful for the difference it will make for our students, but what we have achieved to date is only one step in our continuing journey to improve outcomes for our students. As trustees, we are committed to continued work to improve services and supports for Austin ISD students with special needs. And we are committed to an inclusive education that goes beyond compliance by celebrating and supporting every student in Austin ISD.”
Acknowledgment was given to teachers, campus leaders, families, caregivers, staff, current and former board members as well as community members who contributed feedback or advocacy during this process. “Thank you to every teacher who took on hours of extra training during this time. Thank you to our campus leaders for your work supporting your staff, students, and new, stronger systems. Thank you to everyone who improved our data systems, our family partnerships, and our opportunities to listen to our community. And thank you for running toward this problem with us, rather than away from it.”
In addressing broader governance issues related to a TEA Agreed Order affecting the district’s operations around special education services, Boswell wrote: “For the board, the TEA Agreed Order required an intense focus on governance, including extensive training, numerous new requirements, and a laser focus on progress in both academics and meeting the order’s requirements. As a board, we have also worked closely with the administration to ensure strategic use of financial resources, protect the time of staff who are working on solutions, and support and oversee the superintendent we selected to do this essential work.”
Austin ISD serves more than 72,000 students across 116 school communities including elementary through high schools as well as specialized campuses such as early college academies according to its official website. The district employs over 5,000 classroom teachers and maintains a graduation rate of 93.3 percent. Students come from diverse backgrounds; over 100 languages are spoken among them and instruction is provided in more than 11 languages besides English.
Board President Boswell closed her remarks stating: “Our board cares deeply about this district. All of us serve because we believe in the power and promise of public education, because we value this community, and because we know there will always be more important work to be done… Thank you to everyone who chooses Austin ISD – as an employee or as a family. Thank you to everyone who advocates for our students and staff. And thank you to everyone who shares our faith that great things are possible in Austin’s public schools.”
