Austin ISD board to consider YMCA lease agreement to combat budget shortfall

Staff from the fifth floor would move to the fourth floor, district officials said. Fourth floor staff will move to AISD’s Metz School, which houses staff in departments such as STEM support, construction management, library services, health services and nursing and more.

As part of the agreement, YMCA can make improvements to the space, install exterior signage and extend the lease if needed, according to AISD agenda documents.

The revenue generated from the rental fees would offset operating costs for the AISD central office. The budgeted funds that would be used for operating expenses could be “redirected” to other expenses, officials said.

How we got here

The new lease comes as the district is working toward combatting its budget shortfall through generating revenue and implementing budget cuts.

Part of the plan to combat the shortfall includes the lease or sale of various district properties, according to agenda documents. The district is working toward monetizing their properties, such as deeming former campuses as surplus, as previously reported by Community Impact.

The district is also working on its recruitment and retention strategy, which includes implementing a hybrid remote work policy for administrative employees who work at the central office.

This policy, which launched in January, allows central office administrative employees to work from home at least two days per week, subject to approval by their department supervisor. The remote work policy allows AISD to utilize the vacant space for leasing.

The current Great Austin YMCA Association Hub is located at 55 N. I-35 frontage road, Austin. With more construction on I-35 on the way, a portion of the land has been claimed by the Texas Department of Transportation through eminent domain, Great Austin YMCA officials said.

YMCA officials decided to look for alternative office space before the construction impacting their building commences, YMCA officials said. The lease will move the downtown office further south at the AISD central office.

The Greater Austin YMCA has partnered with the district for over 50 years through preschool programs, children's camps, educational programs and after-school care services, YMCA officials said.

What’s next

The board will vote on approval of the lease at their next voting meeting Feb. 27.