Austin ISD calls special meeting March 30 to extend agreement with interim superintendent, slow search

After hiring a search firm for $42,000 to find a superintendent Jan. 26, Austin ISD trustees have called a special meeting for March 30 to possibly slow the search and extend interim Superintendent Matias Segura's contract through next year.

The extension with Segura would be through June 30, 2024, AISD Media Relations Specialist Nayeli Santoyo said in a released statement March 27.

“The district is focused on improving the systems to meet students' most pressing needs and giving those systems time to take root,” AISD board President Arati Singh said in a statement. “Hiring the next Austin ISD superintendent is an immensely important decision that will shape the success of our students, the work of our employees and the future of our city in deep and lasting ways.”

Singh said the district should also address immediate needs that would benefit from uninterrupted district leadership at this time. Some of those needs she mentioned include early literacy for historically marginalized students, special education, staff morale and lifting up the most struggling schools.

“Thursday's meeting will give us a chance to consider a revised process and timeline, hear from our community and hold a vote if we choose to do so,” Singh said. “Trustees have spent many hours listening to the community, discussing the qualities we need in the next superintendent, creating a superintendent profile and working to identify the process most likely to connect us with the best person for this position.”

The meeting March 30 is open to the public, and those seeking to speak on the subjects to be discussed can do so either in a recorded message or in person.

“We welcome your continued input and look forward to the chance to discuss and deliberate the best path forward,” Sing said.