Austin ISD is asking parents for feedback on a plan to release students early on some Fridays this spring.

The district floated the idea in a Jan. 20 newsletter.

AISD asked for community feedback on three options: three-hour early releases on one Friday per month and twice in May, five total days; two-hour early releases on Fridays nine times during the spring semester; and no change to the weekly schedule. The new schedules would go into effect in February.

The district said it is proposing these changes to support its teachers during a challenging time. AISD has struggled with falling test scores and teacher shortages during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan would include enough minutes of instruction with the early releases without adding more days to the school year, according to the district. AISD families can provide feedback on the proposed options here.