Austin ISD

The programs are opening thanks to funding from a tax rate increase Travis County residents approved in November.

The long-term effects of school closures are coming to light as districts across Texas are poised to shutter more campuses.

The Trump administration has not released more than $6 billion in grants for schools nationwide. For Austin ISD, that amounts to a loss of about $9.6 million in funding that helps pay for more than 100 positions.

The budget includes roughly $1.6 billion for the district’s general fund, which is used to pay for things like salaries, school maintenance, transportation and utility bills. More than $715 million of that will also be used for Austin ISD’s recapture payment.

The school board decided Thursday to approve turnaround plans for Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools to avoid state intervention. But the Texas Education Agency will have the final say.

High schoolers, meanwhile, saw declines on the English exams but gains in Algebra I. Math scores for students in all grades remain below pre-pandemic levels.

Superintendent Matias Segura announced Wednesday the reorganization of the district's central office affected more than 170 employees.

A 2023 CDC report found youth mental health has worsened in the last 10 years. One of the campuses getting a mental health center is Martin Middle School in East Austin.

Austin ISD is collecting feedback as it prepares to evaluate schools for potential closure. The district says it must consolidate schools to address declining enrollment and its roughly $100 million deficit.

The district has been developing turnaround plans for Dobie, Webb and Burnet middle schools, which received failing grades from the Texas Education Agency. The school board has not yet voted on what the plans should be to avoid a state takeover.