Good morning,
Following yesterday's major announcements from both the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District, the civic focus this morning shifts to the challenge facing our public schools. Here's what you need to know.
At a Glance
12 AISD schools received their third consecutive "unacceptable" TEA rating; turnaround plans due Nov 14.
Options on the table: campus closure or outside management; prolonged failure risks district takeover.
Parents: check your campus, review your plan, public attendance welcome Oct 9 (info) and Nov 9 (vote).
AISD Turnaround — What's Changing
State-mandated "turnaround plans" are now required for 25+ schools; 12 received their third consecutive failing rating, triggering the most intensive interventions. Plans must be submitted to TEA by Nov 14. If any campus receives five consecutive failing ratings, the district risks state takeover.
How this affects you (checklist):
Search your campus rating: txschools.gov
Review your campus improvement plan timeline: see your school site or principal updates
Add board sessions and comment: austinisd.org/board/meetings (Oct 9 info; Nov 9 vote)
Expect your campus plan before Nov 14; read it and submit feedback
Source: Letter from Superintendent Segura, reported by KVUE News
The Rundown
🏙️ City Government: Following yesterday's unveiling of Austin's first-ever unified brand, the city's Communications Director stated the new logo is inspired by the area's "rivers, hills, and bridges." The gradual, multi-year rollout of the brand is intended to be budget-neutral, replacing assets only as they expire. Source: FOX 7 Austin
🚌 Public Transit: Capital Metro is currently seeking public input on its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The transit agency has launched a public feedback portal as it finalizes spending priorities for potential service expansions and upgrades. How This Affects You: Residents can submit feedback on CapMetro's budget priorities at [email protected] or visit capmetro.org/engage to influence potential service changes in their area. Source: CapMetro Community Engagement
🏫 Education Funding: As AISD navigates its accountability challenges, it is also expanding services. The district recently launched free, full-day after-school care for 3-year-old Pre-K students at nine elementary schools. The program is funded by a $3.7 million grant from Travis County and is aimed at families who meet specific income requirements. How This Affects You: Parents of 3-year-olds can check income eligibility requirements and apply for the free full-day after-school program by contacting AISD's Early Childhood department at 512-414-2578 or visiting austinisd.org/early-childhood. Source: KVUE News
By the Numbers
12
That is the number of Austin ISD schools that received a third consecutive "unacceptable" rating from the TEA. These schools are now the subject of the most intensive turnaround plans and face the most critical deadlines from the state. The campuses are Mendez, Webb, Dobie, Martin, Burnet, and Sadler Means middle schools, as well as Overton, Pecan Springs, Winn, Barrington, Hart, and Guerrero elementary schools.
Source: List published by KVUE News
The Civic Calendar
Oct 9th: AISD Board Information Session where the proposed campus turnaround plans will be presented. Open to public attendance and comment.
Nov 9th: AISD Board Special Meeting to vote on the turnaround plans. Open to public attendance and comment.
Nov 14th: Deadline for AISD to submit its final plans to the Texas Education Agency.
Details and agenda: austinisd.org/board/meetings
Have a great weekend.
— The CivicIn7 Team
