Austin, Texas, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has put forth a draft proposal to close 13 schools, affecting various educational levels, in response to financial difficulties and declining student enrollment. This opportunity for significant savings is necessitated by a mandate from the Texas Education Agency regarding underperforming institutions. Community workshops are planned to gather feedback, as stakeholders navigate the repercussions of this substantial restructuring.
Austin, Texas
Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced a draft proposal to close 13 schools within the district, starting in the 2026-27 school year. The impacted institutions include 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school program, marking a significant shift in the district’s educational landscape.
Details of the Proposed Closures
The list of elementary schools proposed for closure encompasses:
- Barrington Elementary School
- Becker Elementary School
- Bryker Woods Elementary School
- Dawson Elementary School
- Maplewood Elementary School
- Oak Springs Elementary School
- Palm Elementary School
- Ridgetop Elementary School
- Sunset Valley Elementary School
- Widén Elementary School
The middle schools facing closure are:
- Bedicheck Middle School
- Martin Middle School (which is to be temporarily closed)
The solitary high school program listed for closure is International High School, which will transition to support enrolled students as a program within Navarro Early College High School.
Reasons Behind the Proposal
This closure proposal is a response to a mandate from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), requiring the closure or restart of 23 schools showing poor academic performance. AISD is facing a budget deficit of $19.7 million alongside a decline in student enrollment, dropping from approximately 84,000 in 2015 to about 70,000 in recent years. Should the board approve the closures on November 20, the district anticipates savings of around $25.6 million.
Additionally, 98% of remaining AISD schools will experience significant redrawn attendance boundaries, affecting over 16,000 students. To assist families, AISD will launch an interactive tool allowing parents to check their updated neighborhood schools based on home addresses. Options for a grandfathering process are also available, permitting students to remain in their current schools until they finish the highest grade level offered.
Future Community Involvement
AISD is organizing community workshops on October 14, 16, 27, and November 8 to collect stakeholder feedback regarding the draft proposal. The president of the AISD Board has acknowledged the emotional difficulties faced by the community during this transition. The proposed school closures will affect various regions of Austin, with many of the schools serving a high population of low-income students. The plan also outlines relocating dual language programs and other educational services to different campuses.
District officials have emphasized the urgency for radical changes necessary to adapt to long-standing underfunding and current educational demands. Concerns have been raised regarding the communication and implementation processes during this critical phase. The AISD superintendent has stressed the importance of evolving to better meet student needs and enhance educational outcomes.
Summary
The proposed closing of 13 schools is poised to be a pivotal moment in AISD’s reconsideration of its educational framework, responding to both fiscal realities and the pressing need for improved student performance.
FAQ
What action has AISD proposed?
AISD has proposed closing 13 schools starting in the 2026-27 school year.
Which schools are affected?
The closure plan affects 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school program.
What is driving the closures?
The proposed changes are mainly due to a $19.7 million budget deficit and a significant drop in enrollment, worsened by a TEA mandate regarding low-performing schools.
How will this affect students?
Students will be affected by new attendance boundaries, with over 16,000 students possibly relocated to new schools. AISD is providing a way for families to find their updated schools and has included options to grandfather students currently enrolled.
What is AISD doing to communicate these changes?
AISD is hosting community workshops to gather feedback and inform the public about the proposals.
Key Features of AISD’s Proposed School Closures
| Type of School | Number of Schools | Projected Savings | Students Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 10 | $25.6 million | 16,000+ |
| Middle | 2 | N/A | N/A |
| High School Program | 1 | N/A | N/A |
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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
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