Austin ISD board develops guidance for facilities use

"[The term] almost presumes that there is some theoretical equitable level to which we want to raise all of our facilities," trustee Jayme Mathias agreed.

Trustee Robert Schneider said such a level exists, pointing to educational specifications—the standards staff develops for program areas and other facility considerations.

Trustees continued to revise the draft principle, which states that the district will work to provide all schools and other sites with facilities based on current education specifications, public input and board-approved programs.

The board also discussed strategies to address overenrolled and underenrolled schools as part of its draft optimal utilization principle.

Part of the plan would be to be able to accommodate 75–125 percent of projected enrollment for the 2016–2017 school year. Trustee Robert Schneider said he thought the target range was too broad, and Superintendent Meria Carstarphen suggested the board change it to 75–115 percent to be in line with the FMP framework.

Trustees Lori Moya, Ann Teich and Amber Elenz said the board should omit some of the points addressed in its optimal utilization principle and revisit them later hearing from the public.

"I have great faith in our community they will come up with really great solutions if we allow them to," Elenz said.

The board will continue working on its FMP principles, which also are focused on health, safety and security; academics; protection of taxpayers' financial investment in AISD facilities; environmental stewardship and sustainability; and communication and community engagement.