Austin, TX, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District plans to close 13 schools due to a significant budget deficit of $19.7 million and declining enrollment. The closure proposal affects 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and one high school program, with significant boundary changes impacting more than 16,000 students. Community workshops have been scheduled for feedback, while the district aims to save approximately $25.6 million annually. The school closures highlight ongoing concerns regarding underfunding and educational outcomes in the district.
Austin, TX: AISD Proposes Closure of 13 Schools Amid Budget Deficit and Declining Enrollment
The Austin Independent School District (AISD) administration has announced a draft proposal to close 13 schools as part of a strategy to address a $19.7 million budget deficit and declining enrollment rates. If approved by the board on November 20, 2023, the closures will take effect in the 2026-27 school year.
The proposed closures include 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and one high school program. The affected elementary schools are:
- 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 tied to the closure proposal are:
- Bedicheck Middle School
- Martin Middle School (which is planned for temporary closure)
Additionally, the International High School program will close, though it will continue to support students as a program at Navarro Early College High School.
The proposal is part of a broader response to a Texas Education Agency (TEA) mandate requiring AISD to close or restart 23 schools due to low performance. This comes at a time when AISD has seen student enrollment plummet from approximately 84,000 in 2015 to around 70,000 currently.
Closing these schools is projected to save the district around $25.6 million annually. Alongside the closures, 98% of AISD schools will experience significant adjustments in attendance boundaries, affecting more than 16,000 students. Parents will have access to an interactive site to determine their updated neighborhood schools based on their addresses.
Families will also have the option of a grandfathering process, allowing their children to remain at their current schools until they complete their final grade level there. AISD plans to host community workshops on October 14, October 16, October 27, and November 8 to gather public feedback on the draft proposal.
Lynn Boswell, President of the AISD Board, acknowledged the emotional impact these closures may have on the community. The schools identified for closure are evenly distributed across various regions of Austin, with many serving a significant population of low-income students.
The proposal also involves relocating dual language programs and other educational services to alternative campuses. District officials assert that radical changes are essential to adjust to ongoing underfunding and the evolving educational landscape.
Stakeholders have expressed concerns regarding the communication processes and the overall implementation as the district navigates through this transition. Superintendent Matias Segura has emphasized the need to adapt and improve educational outcomes for students through these changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are proposed for closure by AISD?
The proposed closures include 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and one high school program. The elementary schools are Barrington, Becker, Bryker Woods, Dawson, Maplewood, Oak Springs, Palm, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, and Widén. The middle schools are Bedicheck and Martin (temporary closure), and the high school program is the International High School program.
When will these school closures take effect?
The closures are slated to begin in the 2026-27 school year if approved by the board on November 20, 2023.
How many students will be affected by the boundary changes?
More than 16,000 students will be affected by the boundary changes associated with the school closures.
Will any educational programs relocate, and if so, which ones?
Yes, the proposal includes relocating dual language programs and other educational services to various other campuses.
Key Features of AISD Proposal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Schools Proposed for Closure | 13 schools: 10 elementary, 2 middle, 1 high school program |
| Projected Savings | $25.6 million per year |
| Enrollment Decline | From 84,000 in 2015 to 70,000 |
| Community Workshops | Scheduled for October 14, October 16, October 27, and November 8 |
| Boundary Changes | Affecting over 16,000 students |
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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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