Austin, Texas, August 20, 2025
News Summary
In response to declining enrollment, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced plans for campus closures and consolidations. With enrollment down to about 73,000 students, district officials aim to ensure at least 85% capacity by 2026-27 while addressing a budget deficit of $19.7 million. Schools under consideration include Ridgetop, Blackshear, and Maplewood, among others. Community feedback sessions will take place from October 9 to November 13, allowing local families and educators to participate in the decision-making process.
Austin, Texas – AISD Announces Campus Closures and Consolidations Due to Declining Enrollment
The Austin Independent School District (AISD) is set to implement campus closures and consolidations as part of a strategic plan to address a significant decline in student enrollment. The announcement was made by AISD Superintendent Matias Segura, who revealed that the district’s current enrollment stands at approximately 73,000 students, experiencing a downward trend from previous years.
AISD has set a goal to ensure all campuses achieve at least 85% enrollment by the 2026-27 school year, putting further pressure on district officials to respond effectively to the budget and enrollment challenges. In an effort to save costs, the district aims to streamline operations by reducing expenses by around $30 million through these consolidations.
Potential Campus Closures
While Superintendent Segura hinted that more than a handful of schools could be targeted for closure, specific names have yet to be confirmed. A report from the district has outlined campuses with the highest number of unused seats, signaling which schools are under consideration. Schools included in the preliminary assessments are Ridgetop, Blackshear, and Maplewood Elementary Schools, as well as Covington Middle School and McCallum High School.
Before finalizing the list of campuses slated for closure, AISD plans to conduct community and stakeholder feedback sessions, ensuring the involvement of local families and educators in the decision-making process. These feedback sessions are scheduled to occur from October 9 to November 13, 2025, with a definitive recommendation expected in early October. The final vote regarding the consolidation plan is aimed for November 20, 2025, highlighting the district’s commitment to transparency and community engagement in navigating these changes.
Budget Deficit and Financial Challenges
AISD is grappling with a projected budget deficit of $19.7 million, largely attributed to significant reductions in funding sources, both local and federal. The district has seen a staggering 56% decrease in federal funding, critically impacting its financial resources. However, the district maintains a healthy teacher attrition rate of 5%, which aids in managing staffing changes and mitigating the impact of potential job transitions resulting from the school closures.
Evaluation Process for Campus Changes
The evaluation of which campuses to close will utilize a two-part assessment tool that considers various factors such as building utilization, cost per student, the condition of facilities, and accessibility for transportation. This thorough approach aims to ensure that the decisions made are ones that will benefit the community and improve the economic standing of the district.
New Regulations in Schools
As part of its ongoing reforms, AISD is also implementing new laws, including restrictions on cell phone usage in schools. Additionally, there has been a requirement to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms; however, due to limited resources, the district will not be following through with this posting.
The district has committed to keeping the community informed as these plans progress, prioritizing the input of parents, teachers, and stakeholders in shaping the future of the schools within AISD.
FAQ
What is the reason for AISD’s campus closures?
AISD is closing campuses primarily due to declining enrollment numbers and the need to address a projected budget deficit.
How many schools are being considered for closure?
While specific numbers have not been disclosed, Superintendent Segura indicated that “more than a handful” of schools are potentially at risk.
What schools are currently under consideration for closure?
Schools under consideration include Ridgetop, Blackshear, and Maplewood elementary schools, Covington Middle School, and McCallum High School.
When will the final decisions on campus closures be made?
The final vote on the consolidation plan is scheduled for November 20, 2025, following community feedback sessions from October 9 to November 13, 2025.
What steps is AISD taking to involve the community in this decision?
AISD will collect community and stakeholder feedback before finalizing the list of campuses for closure, emphasizing involvement from local families and educators.
Key Features of AISD’s Campus Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Enrollment | Approximately 73,000 students |
| Target Enrollment Goal | 85% by the 2026-27 school year |
| Projected Budget Deficit | $19.7 million |
| Cost Reduction Goal | $30 million through consolidations |
| Schools Under Consideration | Ridgetop, Blackshear, Maplewood, Covington, McCallum |
| Community Feedback Dates | October 9 to November 13, 2025 |
| Final Vote Date | November 20, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KXAN
- Austin Chronicle
- CBS Austin
- KVUE
- K12 Dive
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- Google Search: Austin Independent School District closures
- Google Scholar: Austin ISD enrollment declines
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Independent School District
- Google News: Austin ISD closure plans
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