Austin Journal

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Education

Austin ISD CFO Eduardo Ramos placed on leave before scheduled departure

Mr. Eduardo Ramos submitted his resignation from Austin ISD on Tuesday, July 23. His last day with the district was scheduled for Friday, August 16; however, Superintendent Matías Segura placed Mr. Ramos on leave on July 31, 2024.


Education

Astronomers use AI to discover polluted white dwarf stars consuming planets

Astronomers have recently identified hundreds of "polluted" white dwarf stars in the Milky Way, which are actively consuming planets in their orbit. These stars provide valuable insights into the interiors of these distant planets but are notoriously difficult to find.


Education

UT Austin researchers use AI tool for safer antibiotics

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have leveraged artificial intelligence to develop a new antibiotic showing promise in animal trials. Published today in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the study details how scientists used a large language model (LLM) to engineer a previously toxic bacteria-killing drug to be safe for human use.


Education

District outlines budget process; invites community feedback

The Board of Trustees convened on July 23 to discuss long-term budget planning and the potential for a Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) aimed at investing in teachers and staff.


Education

Austin ISD trustees discuss potential tax election amid budget challenges

The Board of Trustees will meet for a special information session on July 23 to discuss the possible Voter-approval Tax Ratification Election and long-range budget planning.


Education

Austin ISD receives 7,300 bus passes from CapMetro

CapMetro is aiding Austin ISD families by donating 7,300 single-day bus passes. This initiative aims to alleviate transportation challenges for parents accompanying their children to school or engaging in campus activities.


Education

Austin ISD's summer theater series sees record-breaking attendance

For the first time in the history of the Austin ISD Summer Theatre Series, a musical sold out completely, filling the Performing Arts Center to capacity.


Education

Kate's journey from Austin to Paris for Olympic rowing

As Kate Knifton prepares to represent Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, she carries not only her own dreams but also the hopes of her family and the Austin ISD community.


Education

UT's Texas Institute for Electronics awarded $840M for DOD microelectronics center

The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) has selected the Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE) at The University of Texas at Austin to develop the next generation of high-performing semiconductor microsystems for the Department of Defense. Under this agreement, TIE will establish a national open access R&D and prototyping fabrication facility aimed at creating higher performance, lower power, lightweight, and compact defense systems applicable to radar, satellite imaging, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other systems.


Education

Researchers identify nickel iodide as promising candidate for advanced computer memory

AUSTIN, Texas — For decades, scientists have been studying a group of unusual materials called multiferroics that could be useful for a range of applications including computer memory, chemical sensors, and quantum computers. In a study published in Nature, researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) demonstrated that the layered multiferroic material nickel iodide (NiI2) may be the best candidate yet for devices that are extremely fast and compact.


Education

Harry Ransom Center hosts Ansel Adams retrospective

A new exhibition at the Harry Ransom Center is spotlighting the environmental and artistic legacy of renowned photographer Ansel Adams. The exhibition, which opened on July 16, 2024, aims to present a comprehensive view of Adams' contributions to both photography and environmental conservation.


Education

Texas Advanced Computing Center named nation's Leadership-Class Computing Facility by NSF

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin as the nation’s Leadership-Class Computing Facility (LCCF). This designation, along with an initial investment of $457 million for construction, aims to revolutionize America's computational research over the next decade. The NSF's investment builds on TACC’s 20 years of providing advanced computing resources to the open science community and ensures continuity and sustainability in various scientific fields.


Education

LBJ School launches first undergraduate degree focused on public affairs

The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin is launching its first undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Public Affairs. Building on the school’s graduate education program, the new program will serve as the school’s premier offering for undergraduate students, focused on skills in leadership, policy analysis, data analytics, communication, and organizational management for a career in public service.


Education

New method accelerates ocean-based carbon storage without harmful chemicals

AUSTIN, Texas — Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method for storing carbon captured from the atmosphere that works significantly faster than current techniques and does not require harmful chemical accelerants.


Education

Austin ISD implements strategies for improving student achievement amid declining math scores

Results of the 2024 STAAR are now available and show Austin ISD, along with other Texas school districts, still struggling to get scores back on track post-pandemic.


Education

Board adopts five-year scorecard focused on student achievement

District leaders and the board of trustees will have a new way to track student achievement for the next five years with a new scorecard.


Education

Board adopts annual budget amid financial challenges

The Board of Trustees adopted the 2024–25 budget, totaling $954 million in operating expenses, at its June 20 Regular Voting Meeting.


Education

Austin ISD celebrates Juneteenth with parade honoring Black community

Juneteenth celebrations are in full swing in Austin as the community marks the end of slavery in the United States. The Austin ISD community joined in on the celebrations on June 15 at the annual Historical Juneteenth Parade in East Austin, celebrating the Black community.


Education

Austin ISD Board nears approval of budget with potential $60M deficit

The Board of Trustees is meeting weekly this month as they refine two major items that will determine how Austin ISD operates for years to come.


Education

Austin ISD launches inaugural summer internship program

Dozens of students began their first day of the inaugural Austin ISD Summer Internship program, in partnership with the Austin Ed Fund and the Austin Chamber. The new program collaborates with the Travis County Summer Youth Employment Program, which has historically placed students in paid summer internships throughout the city.