Austin ISD board to discuss bond, EMHS at Feb. 23 meeting

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At a special board meeting this weekend, the Austin ISD board of trustees is scheduled to discuss the proposed size, scope and financial implications of a potential May bond, as well as the future of Eastside Memorial High School.

At its Feb. 23 meeting, the board is expected to review the $889 million bond package proposal prepared by the Citizens Bond Advisory Committee. The board is scheduled to vote on whether to call for a bond election at its Feb. 25 meeting.

The board talked about both the bond and the district's plans for EMHS during its Feb. 11 work session, but when that meeting extended past midnight, trustees decided to continue their discussion regarding EMHS at a later date.

EMHS is now facing potential consequences following the board's Dec. 17 vote to end the district's contract with IDEA Public Schools. Superintendent Meria Carstarphen explained that because of that vote, the Texas Education Agency now has the power to close EMHS or assume control of it, and AISD can try to keep the school open and maintain a role by finding an entity to serve as a partner.

The board could have to take action during its Feb. 25 meeting regarding a plan for the school and its vertical team, which comprises the high school and the middle and elementary schools that feed into it. Jayme Mathias, the trustee for the district in which EMHS is located, said the board wants to seek as much public input as possible, but time is running short.

"Many deadlines are passing if they have not already passed," he said, pointing to deadlines for student transfers, staffing and budget decisions.

No action is scheduled to be taken by the board during the Feb. 23 meeting, which will begin at 1 p.m. in the Carruth Administration Center boardroom at 1111 W. Sixth St. The agenda will be posted online at www.austinisd.org on Feb. 20.