Austin ISD board names Matias Segura as lone finalist for superintendent
The Austin ISD board of trustees named interim superintendent Matias Segura as the lone finalist for superintendent Dec. 14, after the district has been without a permanent superintendent for over a year. Public forums will be held in 2024 with Segura to allow the community to provide feedback. The board anticipates voting on a contract for the superintendent in January.
Austin ISD teacher to march in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Austin ISD band director and trumpet player Ryan Dufrene marched in the Band Directors’ Marching Band at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 23. Dufrene teaches at four elementary schools in AISD: Houston Elementary, Langford Elementary, Perez Elementary and Widén Elementary. It's here where Dufrene said he shares his love of music and the opportunities that come with it.
Austin ISD launches new enrollment system to streamline process
Austin ISD launched a new enrollment system for families Nov. 8 ahead of the 2024-25 school year. The new system, referred to as “Enroll Austin,” combines all applications into one system, including online registration, transfer requests and prekindergarten applications.
Austin ISD community celebrates opening of Dr. General Marshall Middle School
On Oct. 4, the middle school commemorated its opening with an assembly in the gym with speakers that included the school’s principal, Jordan Benson; interim Superintendent Matias Segura; board members Candance Owens and Kevin Foster; and General Marshall’s widow, Marian Lavon Marshall. The middle school was one two of new schools built as part of the 2017 bond program. The bond totaled $1.05 billion, and modernized 16 campuses in the district.
‘This is our way through’: Austin ISD agrees to state monitor proposal from TEA
After months of deliberating on an alternative to a conservatorship over special education, Austin ISD accepted a proposal from the Texas Education Agency on Sept. 26 for a state-appointed monitor, four days prior to the deadline set at Sept. 29 by the TEA. The board of trustees voted to approve the proposal by a vote of 8-1 with board member Kevin Foster voting against.
Austin ISD to place at least 1 armed officer at each school
Austin ISD will place at least one district police officer at each campus, with the ability for administration to assign additional officers if needed. The AISD board of trustees made the vote Aug. 31 in response to the passage of House Bill 3 from the 88th legislative session, which requires armed security on all campuses.
Austin ISD 2023 STAAR results show little growth from previous year
The Texas Education Agency released this spring's State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness results Aug. 16. In comparison to 2022, Austin ISD students have had little improvement in most subjects. A noticeable decline in passing scores from last year was seen in subjects such as fifth and third grade Spanish reading, according to results from the TEA.
Austin ISD estimates $845K in damages following Winter Storm Mara; board approves emergency purchases
On Feb. 23, Austin ISD trustees approved emergency purchases for an estimated $845,446 worth of damages related to Winter Storm Mara, which closed the district from Jan. 31-Feb. 3.
Austin ISD passes largest budget shortfall in 6 years to fund teacher raises
Austin ISD trustees approved a fiscal year 2023-24 budget with a projected $52.25 million shortfall during a board meeting June 22. This was the largest budget shortfall approved since the 2017-18 school year. Trustees approved a "historic" pay raise at a May 18 meeting, raising salaries for teachers and staff throughout the district. As a result, the district will spend about $53 million of its reserve funds to achieve the raise.
Families seek alternatives, raise concerns as AISD faces state consequences over special education issues
AISD parent Marie Le said her 17-year-old daughter has waited more than a year for a completed special education evaluation. Le said she plans to fight for her daughter, whom she believes is not ready to move beyond high school due to the district denying her the special education services she needs. Le said the report she received from the district is incorrect as it does not include all of her daughter’s disabilities nor needed accommodations.
Since November, the district has made strides on a backlog of special education evaluations. All initial evaluations from the 2021-22 school year and older have been completed, and as of Oct. 31, the district has completed over 98% of initial evaluations and eligibility determinations for students from the 2022-23 school year.
