A memorandum of understanding, or MOU, to continue the partnership between Austin ISD and Austin Community College to provide early college high school programs for students at six AISD high schools was approved by the AISD board of trustees at a meeting Dec. 19. The agreement is valid for three years—from Sept. 1, 2017, through Aug. 31, 2020.

According to AISD, early college high school programs "blend high school and college in a rigorous yet supportive program, compressing the time it takes to complete a high school diploma and the first two years of college."

Early college high school programs are currently offered to students at three district schools—Reagan, LBJ and Travis high schools—and if applications are approved by the Texas Education Agency, three more high schools—Crockett, Eastside Memorial and Lanier—will join the list.

If those applications for expanded implementation are approved, the total estimated cost for the memorandum of understanding will be $1,510,365 in fiscal year 2016-17, an addition of $461,550 to the current cost. The Early College High School Initiative will be funded through local district funds.

According to the agreement, AISD will pay for any tuition, fees or cost of textbooks not waived by ACC. ACC will charge AISD $100 per student per course taken. ACC also matches $100 per student per course taken, however, and according to Edmund Oropez, AISD chief officer of teaching and learning, ACC's contribution is reimbursed by the state.

Additionally, ACC will waive all tuition and fees for courses taken by AISD students in fulfillment of the requirements for their degree or certification plans for up to 60 credit hours.

Trustee Cindy Anderson suggested that for future agreements, a clear breakdown of cost as it pertains to each party be included.

"When we are evaluating MOUs it is helpful to see the split of cost to both the district and the partner so that it is very clear how much cost each side is absorbing and contributing to the partnership," she said.

Anderson also recommended that courses more appealing to high school students, especially freshmen, be added to the available curriculum.

"If classes are not off the charts and super interesting, it could be a factor a factor in the ability to attract and retain students in the program," she said.

Trustee Amber Elenz was concerned about the length of the agreement, since according to her, the ACC board of trustees has refused to meet with the AISD board to discuss the partnership. She recommended that an amendment to the agreement be put in place that reduced the length of the agreement to one year.

"We have been trying to meet with the ACC trustees for two years, and they refuse to meet with us," she said. "I'm confused as to what this partnership means to them. I very much appreciate the partnership, but I don't get the sense that they see us as a partner, but rather another form of income."

Oropez disagreed with Elenz, explaining that ACC President Richard Rhodes strongly supports the early college high school program model, which is why the partnership is pursuing implementation at three additional high schools.

"I think three years is important to the stability of the program," Oropez said.

Trustee Paul Saldaña agreed that a meeting with the ACC board of trustees was critical to the success of the program.

"If it is going to be a partnership, we should be able to talk and communicate with each other," he said. "It’s a long overdue conversation."

Trustee Jayme Mathias said he thought it prudent to clarify that the AISD board of trustees did meet with the ACC board three years ago, but that it might be the right time to meet again.

"I would hate for us on the dais to characterize their board as unwilling to meet. We had a very productive meeting with their board in 2013. It was very fruitful encounter," Mathias said. "It would be lovely to meet again as boards."

The agreement was approved in a 7-0-1 vote. Elenz abstained.