The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has scaled back its controversial proposal for school closures, announcing that 10 campuses will now be considered for closure in fall 2026, down from an initial 13. The district has also postponed major changes to attendance boundaries that would have rezoned approximately one-quarter of its 70,000 students. This decision follows significant community pushback and calls for a slower review process.
Key Takeaways
- Austin ISD will consider closing 10 schools, not 13, in fall 2026.
- Proposed attendance boundary changes affecting 17,500 students are postponed.
- Maplewood, Bryker Woods, and Palm elementary schools are removed from the closure list.
- Superintendent Matias Segura cited community feedback and process integrity concerns.
- The school board is scheduled to vote on November 20.
District Narrows Closure List and Pauses Boundary Adjustments
Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura confirmed on Tuesday night that three elementary schools — Bryker Woods, Maplewood, and Palm — are no longer under consideration for closure. This change marks a significant shift from the district's earlier proposal to close 13 schools. The decision to postpone attendance boundary updates is also notable, as these changes would have impacted a substantial portion of the district's student population.
The superintendent stated in a letter to families that the delay aims to allow for more robust community feedback. He acknowledged concerns from community members regarding the integrity of the process for applying feedback to the updated plan. This indicates a direct response to public pressure.
Fact Box
- Initial proposal: 13 schools for closure.
- Revised proposal: 10 schools for closure.
- Students affected by rezoning: Roughly 17,500 (one-quarter of 70,000 total students).
- New school board vote date: November 20.
Community Outcry Influences District Decisions
The original proposal to close 13 schools and rezone thousands of students met with widespread opposition from parents, students, and community members. Rallies and gatherings, such as one held at the Cherrywood Coffeehouse on October 29, saw hundreds of people expressing support for their schools and discussing the potential impact of closures.
Students from schools like Maplewood Elementary held signs, and speakers addressed concerns about academic standards, budget deficits, and the emotional toll on families. The community's organized efforts appear to have played a crucial role in prompting the district to re-evaluate its plans.
"We are at a crossroads," Segura wrote in his letter. "If we fail to take action by Fall 2026, the consequences to our students, teachers and school community are significant."
Remaining Schools Facing Closure and Program Relocations
Despite the narrowed scope, 10 schools still face potential closure next fall. These include Barrington, Becker, Dawson, Oak Springs, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, and Widén elementary schools, along with Bedichek and Martin middle schools, and Winn Montessori School.
The district plans to relocate several specialized programs. Wall-to-wall dual language programs would move to Wooten, Pickle, Odom, and Sánchez campuses. The Montessori program is also slated for relocation, though its new home is still uncertain. Initially, Govalle Elementary was considered, but Zavala or Ortega are now being floated as possibilities.
Background on AISD Challenges
Austin ISD faces a looming $19.7 million deficit. The district also contends with pressure from campuses that have not consistently met state academic standards. These financial and academic challenges are central to the district's push for school changes.
Superintendent Segura had previously expressed an "adamant" stance against slowing down the closure process, citing the fiscal risks. However, the recent announcement reflects a shift towards accommodating community concerns while still emphasizing the urgency of action.
The Path Forward: Final Recommendation and Board Vote
The district is expected to release its final recommendation on November 14. This document will outline the specifics of the 10 proposed closures and any associated program relocations. The Austin School Board of Trustees is then scheduled to cast their vote on November 20.
This upcoming vote is consequential. It will determine the future of these 10 campuses and set a new direction for the district as it attempts to balance financial stability, academic improvement, and community input. The reduced number of closures and the postponed boundary changes suggest a district grappling with complex issues under intense public scrutiny.
- November 14: Final recommendation release from AISD.
- November 20: School Board of Trustees vote on closures.
The community will be watching closely as these final decisions are made, hoping for solutions that serve the best interests of all students and families in the Austin ISD.
