On Oct. 29 the Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees voted to adopt six turnaround plans, four targeted‑improvement plans and 16 local‑improvement plans required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The board also began deliberating options to trim at least $60 million from the district’s 2027‑28 budget.
Parent involvement and transparency
Trustees Arati Singh and Candace Hunter raised concerns that the proposed plans did not sufficiently address parent engagement. Singh noted that a review of several plans showed parents mentioned only in the meeting notice. District officials explained that the TEA’s template lacks a dedicated section for parent input, and the board agreed to incorporate parent‑engagement language into each campus improvement plan moving forward. “Parents got choice. They’re going to vote with their feet,” Hunter said. “They’re our best partner. We’ve got to invite them in.”
Budget context and proposed cuts
Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery reported that payroll accounts for 89.9% of AISD’s budget, well above the national average of 81‑83%. Superintendent Matias Segura presented several cost‑saving measures, including:
- Reducing turnaround school funding—currently nearly $20 million—by up to $3 million.
- Revisiting stipends that total more than $20 million.
- Expanding last year’s cuts to music, art and physical‑education staffing.
- Exploring ways to monetize the central office building.
No final action was taken at the Oct. 29 meeting.
Surplus and reserve goals
AISD projects a $39 million surplus for the current fiscal year, up from a $19 million budgeted surplus. The increase stems largely from the $16 million sale of the former Brooke Elementary site and higher‑than‑expected property values. However, reserves are expected to end the year at 13.77% of the budget, below the district policy minimum of 15%. Montgomery said reaching the 15% threshold would require roughly $10 million in additional cuts.
Teacher certification and retention
The board noted progress on staffing quality: uncertified teachers fell from 10.96% of the workforce last year to about 5%, and teacher retention rose to 85% from 73% in 2021‑22. AISD aims to have no uncertified new hires by the 2029‑30 school year.
Boundary changes
Trustees unanimously approved the first phase of a district‑wide boundary realignment for the 2027‑28 school year. Marshall Middle School will receive its first attendance zone, drawing students from Blanton, Harris, Jordan and Overton elementary schools as well as portions of Andrews and Pecan Springs. Part of Linder Elementary’s zone will shift to Travis Heights Elementary. Families can view the new zones on the district’s interactive boundary map.
Next steps
Board President Lynn Boswell announced that trustees will continue the $10 million cut discussion at an information session on Nov. 5, with a follow‑up voting meeting scheduled for Nov. 12.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
