One year after all graduation events were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Austin ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said the district is on track to host in-person graduation ceremonies this May for the class of 2021.

“We are really happy to announce that, all things being where they are now and possibly even improving, we will be holding open-air, in person graduations,” she said during a March 25 AISD board of trustees meeting.

Elizalde said district staff believes ceremonies can be held safely. Graduations are being scheduled at outdoor locations, which she said could include House Park, Nelson Field and the Toney Burger Activity Center.

Current plans would allow each graduate to invite up to four guests, all of whom will sit socially distanced during the event, she said.

“We know that it’s what our students really want, and if we can [do it safely], we should. So we will,” she said.