Happy Labor Day! I hope everyone is getting some extra rest after our first two weeks of school. Today is extra special for my family because it’s my 12th wedding anniversary, so I’m enjoying the extra day off to spend with my family.

Please help us as we interview our next Deputy Superintendent for Teaching, Leading and Learning! This person will be an integral part of this system and will ensure alignment among our schools. Please take a few moments and share possible interview questions for candidates to ensure we select a leader who reflects our values and supports our students’ success.

• Tuesday morning, I headed to Widén and Houston elementary schools and Uphaus Early Childhood Center to check in on our staff and students as part of my weekly visits. I had a couple of fun run-ins with special guests, including Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who was visiting Houston as part of the Austin Ed Fund Inspire the Future Grant awards. The Ed Fund awarded $517,000 in grant funding for 80 innovative, teacher-led projects through its Inspire the Future grant program!

  • Speaking of Congressman Doggett…as an alum of Austin ISD, he was awarded the inaugural Bryker Woods Alumni Achievement Award this week.

• Important new consent forms started going out last week from campuses. These consent forms are tied to Senate Bill 12, which goes into effect today and mandates parent consent for physical health-related services, mental health-related services and joining clubs. Because each campus has its own version of the form, it's essential that you complete the one provided by your campus.

• Finally, we closed out the week celebrating National College Colors Day! I had to go Scarlet Red for my alma mater, Texas Tech, but I saw lots of burnt orange and maroon around the office. I love that we’re able to show our college pride, especially as we work every day to prepare our next generation of college students.

• Tuesday, I meet with the Austin Association of Public School Administrators. I meet regularly with this group that represents every vertical team within Austin ISD to problem solve, receive feedback, and discuss ideas to better support our campuses. I’m excited to get back into our collaborative work this year! This week, we’ll discuss improving avenues for principal feedback, work orders and how to make the most of our district professional development days. 

• On Wednesday, we kick off ATX Bridge — a new monthly gathering of all district leaders and principals. We’ve come a long way in the last two years to stabilize staffing in the district, and this monthly meeting will be another way to ensure our leaders can collaborate and move forward in the same direction. 

• I’m also meeting with the Council of Great City Schools superintendent group. The CGSC brings together 81 of the largest urban public school systems in the country. These virtual meetings are a great opportunity for me to understand the challenges other urban school districts are facing and how we can collaborate and learn from each other. I’m looking forward to updating my peers about upcoming legislation and other timely issues that may be impacting Austin ISD, as well as other Texas districts. 

Before we go, mark your calendars for our latest round of Consolidation and Boundary Change meetings:

Recognize our amazing staff each month by submitting a RAVE!

Follow me on Instagram @matias_aisd. #StrongSchoolsStrongerAustin

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