Austin, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District administration has announced a draft proposal to close 13 schools, including elementary, middle, and high school programs, due to a $19.7 million budget deficit and declining student enrollment. If approved, these closures are expected to save the district approximately $25.6 million starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The plan will impact around 16,000 students and includes workshops for community feedback. The board is set to vote on this proposal on November 20.
Austin
Austin Independent School District (AISD) administration has unveiled a draft proposal to close 13 schools across the district, which includes a mix of elementary, middle, and high school programs. This significant decision comes in the wake of a $19.7 million budget deficit and a noticeable drop in student enrollment, with numbers decreasing from approximately 84,000 in 2015 to around 70,000 currently. If the board approves the draft proposal on November 20, these closures are anticipated to save the district about $25.6 million beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
Details of Proposed Closures
The plan details the closure of 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school program:
- Elementary Schools: Barrington ES, Becker ES, Bryker Woods ES, Dawson ES, Maplewood ES, Oak Springs ES, Palm ES, Ridgetop ES, Sunset Valley ES, and Widén ES.
- Middle Schools: Bedicheck MS and Martin MS (temporarily closed).
- High School Program: International HS, which will continue as a program at Navarro Early College High School.
Reasons for Closures
This proposal is part of AISD’s response to a mandate from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) which requires the closure or restarting of 23 schools due to underperformance. The district’s financial challenges and dwindling enrollment numbers prompted the administration to consider significant restructuring.
Impact of Changes
The proposed changes will affect approximately 98% of AISD schools, leading to a major redrawing of attendance boundaries. More than 16,000 students are expected to be impacted by these boundary changes. To assist families, AISD plans to launch an interactive site where parents can check their updated neighborhood schools based on their home addresses. Furthermore, families may have the option to engage in a grandfathering process, allowing students to remain at their current schools until they finish their final grade level offered.
Community Engagement
AISD is committed to involving the community throughout this transition and will hold workshops on October 14, October 16, October 27, and November 8 to gather feedback regarding the draft proposal. District officials, including the president of the AISD Board, have acknowledged the emotional impact that these closures may have on families and the community at large. Additionally, the relocation of dual language programs and other educational services to different campuses is part of the proposal.
Background and Future Steps
This decision to propose school closures is framed within the context of AISD’s ongoing struggle with historical underfunding and the ever-evolving educational landscape. Stakeholder feedback has raised concerns about the communication and implementation processes involved. The superintendent has emphasized the necessity for the district to adapt in order to better meet students’ needs and enhance educational outcomes.
Conclusion
The draft proposal represents a formative shift for AISD in facing its financial realities while attempting to provide quality education across the district. With the Board meeting scheduled for November 20, this proposal will soon be subject to further scrutiny and discussion.
FAQ
Why is Austin ISD proposing to close schools?
The proposal is a response to a $19.7 million budget deficit, declining enrollment, and a Texas Education Agency mandate requiring 23 schools to close or restart due to low performance.
How many students will be affected by these changes?
More than 16,000 students will be impacted by the proposed boundary changes.
What assistance will be available to families?
AISD plans to create an interactive site for parents to check updated neighborhood schools and offer a grandfathering process for students to remain at their current school until their final grade level is completed.
When will the final decision be made about school closures?
The AISD Board is set to vote on the proposal on November 20.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Schools Proposed for Closure | 13 schools total: 10 elementary, 2 middle, and 1 high school program. |
| Budget Impact | Projected savings of approximately $25.6 million. |
| Enrollment Decline | Drop from 84,000 students in 2015 to about 70,000 currently. |
| Boundary Changes | Affecting over 16,000 students across the district. |
| Community Engagement | Workshops scheduled for public feedback on October 14, 16, 27, and November 8. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Parents Protest Proposed School Closures in Evanston
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Kyrene School District Adjusts Closure Plans Amid Community Feedback
Evanston District 65 Considers Closure of Elementary Schools
Houston Cougars Secure Overtime Win Against Oregon State
Homecoming Events Canceled at Peabody Magnet High School
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Norfolk School Board Delays Vote on School Closures
Top Public High Schools in Houston Area Shine in New Rankings
Additional Resources
- KVUE: Austin ISD School Consolidation and Closure News
- Statesman: Austin ISD School Closure List
- KXAN: 13 Schools Named in Austin ISD Closure Plans
- Austin Chronicle: Austin ISD School Closure Recommendations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
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