Welcome to the second week of September. It’s already been a busy month!
But before we get started, I want to thank the students who have reached out this week, emphasizing the importance of September as Suicide Prevention Month. Student voice is incredibly important in Austin ISD and it’s encouraging to see our students advocating for open discussion on mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Lifeline is available and provides 24/7, free and confidential support.
Much of last week focused on the 12 campuses that will develop turnaround plans this year due to the latest accountability ratings. Our staff had very difficult, but necessary conversations with leadership and staff at each of these campuses before sharing the news with their campus communities. Each school will have community meetings starting next week to discuss options and how we move forward.
Thursday morning was extra special at Kiker Elementary School where we surprised Texas Teacher of the Year FINALIST Pooja Mulgaonker in her classroom. She is one of three statewide elementary school finalists for Texas Teacher of the Year out of more than 300,000 teachers in Texas! The winners will be announced on October 17 and one finalist will move on to the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Over the weekend, we held our staff consolidation and boundary change meeting as we get closer to releasing the recommended package next month. The current analysis shows more than 95% of our district will be impacted in some way. Community meetings are happening this week, so please take some time to learn more and join the conversation.
On Tuesday, I’m joining my fellow Central Texas superintendents at the Retired Teachers Association luncheon. I visited this group last year with my mom and saw my old elementary school principal! This is a special group in Austin and I’m looking forward to connecting other superintendents with the wisdom and legacy of these retired educators.
Later in the afternoon on Tuesday, I’ll meet with the District Advisory Council. This group consists of parents, students, business and community representatives, teachers, principals, and other district staff that provide input to my office and the Board of Trustees. For this meeting, we’ll discuss the latest on district accountability and updates on the gifted and talented program.
Thursday, I’ll head to Houston for TASA/TASB txEDCON 2025. This is a gathering of school administrators and school boards across the state, which gives us the opportunity to learn from each other and collaborate to improve public education in Texas. During this conference, I’ll have meetings with the Texas Urban Council of Superintendents.
And one more thing…I wasn’t able to attend, but I’m wishing everyone a happy “Ms. Minda Day” in Austin! Our incredible librarian at Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Minda Anderson, was honored today with a city proclamation. She’s also the Texas Librarian Association’s Librarian of the Year 📚
Thank you for continuing to support Austin ISD. And as always, if you have anything that needs to be on my radar, let me know!
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