The Austin Independent School District is inviting community input at a public hearing tonight about the 2013–2014 Annual Academic and Facilities Recommendations (AAFR) tonight at the Carruth Administration Center on West Sixth Street.
There are a several important issues on the AAFR, the most polarizing being single-sex schools, improvements for athletic facilities and fine arts programs, and the expansion of the dual language program.
Here's a roundup:
- The conversion of two middle schools to Single-Sex schools in northeast Austin were talked about back in August, but a School for Young Men was often left out of the headlines. The proposed School for Young Men would be college and career preparatory academy that develops a community of leadership and character centered young men. Enrollment could start as early as next school year.
- The recommendation to improve athletic facilities has three potential proposals to throw out to community members with price ranges from $82 million to $179 million. Increased pay and flexible schedules for coaches are included within these proposals.
- The recommended improvements for fine arts include improving facilities and programs over a ten-year period through an initiative called the Any Given Child initiative. Improvement cost may range from $22 to $53 million.
- The expansion of dual credit programs took off in six schools at the beginning of the 2011 school year in attempt to produce students that were biliterate and bicultural. The expansion is part of AISD’s five-year strategic plan and may continue through 2015.
- Two scenarios will be propositioned for Career and Technical Education. Scenario One proposes opening two hubs for 5,000 students, while the second scenario proposes three different sorts of magnet schools that are open to all students. Potential programs may include the following sorts of schools: Agriscience, Architecture and Construction, Health Careers, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math), and Government, Public Administration and Human Services
- Renovations are being recommended for Rosedale and for Clifton Career Development School in an attempt to “support educational programs for the special education populations that these schools serve.” The renovations may cost $2.4 to $10.2 million.
- The Responsive Education Solution program will be discussed. The potential expansion and continuation of first year program will also be look at.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Community members may sign up to speak starting at 5:30 p.m. at the AISD’s Board Auditorium.
