From new bus pickup rules to a middle school closure and delayed STAAR science results, Austin ISD has had a busy summer ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Here are four developments parents should know before classes begin Aug. 18.
1. AISD eliminates neighborhood bus stops for secondary students
Starting with the 2026-27 school year, Austin ISD secondary students will no longer be picked up at neighborhood bus stops. Instead, students living more than two miles from campus will be assigned a "hub stop"—such as an elementary school, community college, library, post office or Capital Metro transit center—located up to three miles from home.
A closer look
District officials say the change, which eliminates 27 bus routes, is meant to cut rising transportation costs. AISD said it receives $1 in state funding for every $7.22 it spends per mile, and state law only funds transportation for students living two miles or more from their assigned campus. Elementary students' bus stops are not affected.
Families can find their hub assignment using AISD's Bus Stop Finder tool and track buses in real time with the Where's the Bus app. All K-12 students ride Capital Metro buses free. Concerns can be submitted through the district's Transportation Hub Stops Survey, open through August.
Parents can visit www.austinisd.org/transportation for district transportation updates.
Read the full story here.
2. AISD board votes to close Paredes Middle School
Austin ISD trustees voted 7-2 to close Paredes Middle School on July 30, marking the district’s 11th school closure in a year. The decision, effective upon Texas Education Agency approval, will transition 635 students to Bailey or Mendez middle schools before classes begin August 18.
Zooming in
Superintendent Matias Segura cited persistent failing state ratings and staffing shortages as the primary drivers, emphasizing the need to place students in stronger academic environments. While some trustees argued against vacancy-driven closures, the board moved forward with reassigning students by home address, with families also having a virtual learning option.
Learn more about it.
3. AISD retains control of Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools
Austin ISD will fully operate Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools for the 2026-27 school year after mutually agreeing to end its management partnership with the Texas Council for International Studies, officials announced July 20.
The details
The partnership officially ends July 31. This decision follows the Texas Education Agency’s May 28 denial of the district’s application for state partnership benefits, citing concerns regarding TCIS’ capacity to lead the necessary school turnaround work. While AISD submitted additional evidence to appeal, both organizations ultimately determined that dissolving the agreement was the most effective path forward for student continuity.
Despite the partnership ending, Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized that all investments tied to existing turnaround plans—approved by the TEA in 2025—will continue. These include the retention of content interventionists, instructional coaches, and additional campus-level funding. Preliminary 2026 testing data already shows significant gains, including a 100% Algebra I pass rate at Burnet and Dobie. Community Impact will continue to track the district’s accountability progress.
Check out the full story.
4. AISD surpasses state in most science STAAR exams
Austin ISD students outperformed most state averages on fifth and eighth grade STAAR science exams this spring, according to Texas Education Agency results released July 31. Science scores were delayed from the June statewide release to allow for "standard setting" following science curriculum updates fully implemented this year.
The gist
In fifth grade, 66% of AISD students approached grade level or above, edging out the 65% state average. The district led the state by 2 points in meeting grade level and 1 point in mastery.
Eighth grade followed a similar pattern; while the 74% passing rate was 1 point below the state, AISD pulled ahead with 58% meeting grade level and 38% reaching mastery, compared to 54% and 29% statewide.
Overall, AISD outperformed the state in 7 out of 15 exams for the 2026 spring cycle. These science scores will contribute to annual accountability ratings expected Aug. 14.
Learn more.
