News Story

The Board of Trustees is meeting weekly this month as they refine two major items that will determine how Austin ISD operates for years to come.

Why it matters: With the ongoing financial strain due to outdated state funding and recapture, it’s critical for the district to keep a focus on student achievement while making every dollar count.

Let’s dig into the latest budget discussions:

• The Board is slated to vote next week on the final 2024-25 budget, which may include up to a $60 million deficit. 
• A Voter-approval Tax Ratification Election, which could fund staff pay increases for next year, is still an option and could go to voters in November.
• Before voters make a decision, Superintendent Matias Segura will develop a plan to realign central operations to work more efficiently and better meet our students’ needs. The district will provide multiple opportunities for our community to weigh in on any changes and the final plan will be prepared by October.

And now to the Scorecard: 

• The new district Scorecard is a requirement of the TEA Order and must include goals tied directly to student outcomes. The proposed goals consist of third-grade literacy, third-grade math, College and Career Readiness, middle school Algebra and biliteracy. 
• The Scorecard also includes constraints, which are basically guardrails for what the administration should not do to achieve the goals. For example, a constraint could be put in place to make sure campuses don't skip Social Emotional Learning activities for students who aren't meeting the goals in reading and math.

What’s next: After two working meetings this month, the board will meet again June 20 for a voting meeting, including the 2024–25 budget and Scorecard. 

• The board will also vote to adopt the district’s legislative priorities for the 89th Legislature that’s convening in January 2025.