Austin ISD Board to Decide on School Closures Amid Budget Cuts

The Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on November 30, 2023, regarding a controversial plan to consolidate schools in response to a budget shortfall of approximately $19.7 million. The proposed changes include the closure of ten campuses, which would affect nearly 4,000 students as they are reassigned to different schools ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.

Proposed Closures and Boundary Changes

The schools slated for closure are Becker, Barrington, Dawson, Oak Springs, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, and Widen elementary schools, as well as Winn Montessori and Bedichek and Martin middle schools. Additionally, some international high schools are also included in the closure plan.

Alongside the campus closures, the updated consolidation plan proposes changes to school boundaries and adjustments to dual-language programs. Students at Sanchez, Pickle, and Wooten elementary schools would have access to English and Spanish instruction at their respective campuses. The dual-language program is also set to expand to students currently attending Becker, Sunset Valley, Ridgetop, and Reilly elementary schools.

Boundary changes will impact student assignments beginning next year, with significant shifts including:
– Students from Wooldridge Elementary will now attend Pardon Elementary instead of Guerrero-Thompson Elementary.
– Sunset Valley Elementary students will transition to Boone Elementary.
– The majority of Bedichek Middle School students will move to Mendez Middle School.
– High school students from the Barton View neighborhood will be assigned to Austin High School.

For detailed boundary updates, the full version of the district’s plan is available for public review.

Background and Community Response

The consolidation process was initiated in August 2023 as part of an effort to raise school capacity levels from 76% to 85%. Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized the need for a balanced student population to foster sustainable, vibrant educational environments. Following community feedback, the district released an updated plan on October 31, 2023, which initially identified thirteen schools for closure. However, on November 4, three schools—Bryker Woods, Palm, and Maplewood elementary schools—were removed from the closure list.

As the consolidation plan unfolded, backlash from parents and community members intensified. Protests have emerged outside several schools, including Garza Independence High School, where demonstrators argued against the closures. One protestor highlighted the importance of the school’s support services, stating, “This school literally saves lives.”

On the evening of the upcoming board meeting, students and parents from Ridgetop Elementary are expected to rally in opposition to the proposed closures. Ridgetop, which maintains a B accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency, is one of three closures not directly linked to the turnaround plan. Parent Karla Lopez expressed her concerns, revealing that families chose Ridgetop for its dual-language program and now fear separation from their community.

During public testimony, a third-grade student from Ridgetop Elementary also voiced his concerns, stating, “You tell us to be leaders and to speak up, so I am speaking up today. I don’t think kids should be split from each other. We want to stay together. All kids matter the same.”

The board’s decision will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the district and the communities surrounding these educational institutions. Following the vote, any approved changes will be submitted to the Texas Education Agency for final review, making this a pivotal moment for AISD families and educators alike.