Read about two recent education stories in Austin and Dripping Springs ISDs.
1. Nonprofits step in as Austin ISD budget cuts squeeze schools
Two Austin nonprofits are racing to cover what Austin ISD's budget can't this school year
Communities In Schools of Central Texas, or CIS, closed its Refuse to Lose campaign Aug. 31, having raised more than $354,200, over 100% of its goal. Austin Ed Fund, meanwhile, will deliver $350,000 to 48 teacher-led projects across the district Sept. 2 through its Inspire the Future grant program.
The push comes as AISD officials work through what grew to a $205 million reduction package for the 2026-27 school year, part of a budget crisis that's left the district's real deficit running ahead of its own projections.
The overview
CIS serves 110 campuses across its nine partner districts this year, including 44 in Austin ISD, and already funds the majority of service costs on every campus it serves through its longstanding district partnership model, CEO Sharon Vigil told Community Impact.
This year, 19 of those 110 campuses faced funding challenges that threatened the sustainability of that support. Without the money, these students risk losing the counselors and support staff who connect them to mental health care, basic needs assistance and attendance help, Vigil said.
The board of trustees approved a $0.10 increase for breakfast prices and a $0.25 increase for lunch.
Because the district had a deficit in the child nutrition budget for fiscal year 2025-26, Chief Operations Officer Scott Berry said the district is obligated by the Texas Department of Agriculture to take action. “Our expenses are trending upwards, and that’s expected because of inflation,” Berry said.
Find out more from Reporter Sienna Wight.
