On Oct. 29, Austin Independent School District trustees voted to adopt six turnaround plans, four targeted‑improvement plans and 16 local‑improvement plans for campuses that have received unacceptable state ratings, according to Community Impact. The decisions launch a discussion on cutting at least $60 million from the district’s 2027‑28 budget, a step that could reshape staffing and program funding for families across the city.
Board members Arati Singh and Candace Hunter voiced concerns that the plans lack explicit parent‑engagement language. Singh noted that parents were mentioned only in meeting notices, while Hunter emphasized that “parents got choice. They’re going to vote with their feet,” and called parents “our best partner.” District officials said the Texas Education Agency’s template does not include a parent‑engagement section, but they agreed to add such language to the campus improvement plans before the vote.
Superintendent Matias Segura presented several cost‑saving options. These include cutting turnaround school funding—currently nearly $20 million—by up to $3 million, revisiting stipends that total more than $20 million, expanding last year’s reductions in music, art and physical‑education staffing, and monetizing the central office building. No final action on any option was taken at the Oct. 29 meeting.
Financially, the district projects a $39 million surplus for the current year, up from the $19 million originally budgeted. The boost stems largely from the $16 million sale of the former Brooke Elementary site and stronger‑than‑expected property values, Community Impact reported. Despite the surplus, reserve levels are expected to end the year at 13.77 percent, below the 15 percent minimum required by board policy. Reaching the 15 percent threshold would require roughly $10 million in additional cuts.
Staffing data show progress on teacher qualifications. The share of uncertified teachers fell from 10.96 percent of the workforce last year to about 5 percent, and teacher retention rose to 85 percent from 73 percent in the 2021‑22 school year. The district aims to have no uncertified new hires by the 2029‑30 school year.
In a separate agenda item, trustees unanimously approved the first phase of a boundary realignment for the 2027‑28 school year. The changes give Marshall Middle School its inaugural attendance zone, drawing students from Blanton, Harris, Jordan and Overton elementary schools as well as parts of Andrews and Pecan Springs. A portion of Linder Elementary’s zone will shift to Travis Heights Elementary. Residents can verify their address on the district’s interactive boundary map.
What’s next: Board President Lynn Boswell said trustees will continue the $10 million‑cut discussion at a Nov. 5 information session. The next voting meeting is scheduled for Nov. 12, according to the district’s meeting calendar.
Sources: communityimpact.com
