AISD Plans School Closures Amid Enrollment Decline

News Summary

The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced plans to close and consolidate several schools due to declining enrollment rates, aiming for financial stability and improved educational efficiency. Superintendent Matias Segura indicated that this decision is driven by a projected budget deficit and significant funding cuts. Community feedback will be sought before finalizing the closures, with recommendations to be voted on in the coming months.

Austin – The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced plans to close and consolidate several schools in response to declining enrollment numbers. Superintendent Matias Segura indicated that this decision is part of a broader strategy to improve the district’s financial stability and enhance educational efficiency. Currently, the district serves approximately 73,000 students, a significant decrease from previous years.

AISD aims to achieve at least 85% enrollment across all campuses by the 2026-27 school year. To facilitate this goal, the district is targeting a cost reduction of around $30 million. The specific number of schools that may close remains undefined, but Segura mentioned it would be “more than a handful.” The schools under consideration include Ridgetop, Blackshear, and Maplewood Elementary Schools, Covington Middle School, and McCallum High School.

AISD’s plans come as the district confronts a projected budget deficit of $19.7 million, triggered by significant cuts in local, state, and federal funding. The reduction includes a staggering 56% decrease in federal funding. In light of these financial pressures, AISD is engaging in a comprehensive evaluation process to help determine which schools may need to be closed. A recent report highlighted campuses with the highest number of open seats, providing insights for potential consolidations.

To assess building utilization and operational costs, AISD is employing a two-part analysis tool that considers factors like cost per student, facility condition, and transportation access. This systematic approach aims to ensure that all decisions regarding school closures are based on data-driven findings and considerations.

Prior to finalizing any plans, AISD is committed to gathering input from the community and stakeholders. Feedback sessions are scheduled to take place between October 9 and November 13, 2025, allowing parents, teachers, and community members an opportunity to express their views on the proposed closures. The final recommendations regarding school consolidations will be presented for a vote on November 20, 2025.

The district’s ability to manage staffing changes with a healthy teacher attrition rate of 5% has provided some flexibility during this transition period. With the potential for significant staff shifts due to campus closures, AISD can absorb some job transitions without causing major disruptions to the educational process.

In addition to the consolidation efforts, AISD is also adapting to new legislative measures. Among these is a new restriction on cell phone use within schools and a mandate to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms. However, due to resource constraints, the district does not plan to implement this posting requirement.

The upcoming changes at AISD represent a critical juncture for the district as it seeks to align its resources with current enrollment trends. With community feedback as a crucial factor in the decision-making process, administrators hope to foster a collaborative approach to find effective solutions despite ongoing financial challenges.

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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