Austin ISD is actively addressing various issues as summer begins, with the latest board meeting covering topics such as advanced math for sixth graders, school improvement plans, consolidation strategies, special education support systems, and the proposed budget for the 2025-26 school year.
The district’s efforts to increase enrollment in accelerated math courses have shown progress. “Accelerated math enrollment climbed from 21% in Fall 2024 to 30% mid-year,” surpassing the target of 25% for the 2024-25 school year. A new state law has facilitated this by offering more students automatic placement in these courses. The Sadler Means School for Young Women Leaders stands out for its approach of daily math classes or “double-blocking.” Seven middle schools will implement a schedule allowing daily reading and math instruction starting in August.
Superintendent Matias Segura updated on improvement plans for Burnet, Webb, and Dobie middle schools. Each plan includes adding nine staff members per school and outlines strategies like weekly observations and data-driven support cycles. Public comments raised concerns about campus engagement levels in these plans.
A draft of the Austin ISD Consolidation Tool was introduced to evaluate potential school consolidations or closures based on factors like enrollment versus capacity and community feedback. Virtual open houses and surveys will be conducted over the summer to refine this tool.
The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) implementation across the district was reviewed. This system aims to provide strong core instruction while identifying students needing additional support. Training sessions were held throughout the previous school year to ensure alignment with districtwide standards.
Budget discussions highlighted a projected $90 million deficit for the current fiscal year due to lower property values and increased costs. The proposed budget for 2025-26 anticipates a $19.7 million deficit despite new state funding from HB 2, which adds approximately $36 million but is largely earmarked for specific expenses like teacher raises.
Trustees are considering policy changes that would allow short-term budgets below the existing fund balance threshold due to insufficient state funding. They plan to vote on compensation packages in August after consulting with Education Austin regarding pay increases.
Public hearings on both the budget and turnaround plans are scheduled before final votes at upcoming meetings.
