The Austin ISD board of trustees got an update Sept. 16 on the district's participation in a city of Austin disparity study that aims to increase fair competition among minority- and women-owned businesses to get access to contracting jobs from local government entities.

AISD trustee Lori Moya shared an updated timeline of AISD's participation with the board and said a draft interlocal agreement exists for the study, which she said will aim to determine whether there are disparities in the district's contracting practices.

Austin City Council approved a contract June 20 with National Economic Research Associates, Inc. allowing it to conduct the disparity study, according to the city. City spokeswoman Blender Hill said the disparity study contract with NERA began July 31 and will conclude by Jan. 30, 2015.

"The plan is to have our negotiations settled with NERA by Sept. 20 for us to take action on, as well as having the interlocal agreement signed we're moving as quickly as possible," Moya said.

AISD's current timeline indicates the board plans to take action Sept. 30 on the interlocal agreement, scope of work, contract with a disparity study consultant and authorization of funding. Moya said funding for AISD's participation in the study will come from rebates, "not funds that otherwise would go to campuses or students."