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Hello Austin ISD Families,

It’s great to be back with y’all with our monthly newsletter. If you’d like weekly updates, tune in into the weekly news briefs on the Austin ISD Podcast. 

Tomorrow, the district is hosting a Q&A Session on the School Consolidation and Boundary Change Plan. The in person event will take place 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Delco Activity Center. You may also live stream the session on the Austin ISD YouTube page. 

Let’s get into it!

 

School Consolidation and Reassignment Plan Update

Focused on the future
 

Superintendent Matias Segura provided additional details on the updated school consolidation and boundary change plan after the announcement earlier this week that a portion of the plan will be postponed for a future vote.

During the Nov. 6 Board Information Session, Segura outlined refinements to the districtwide boundary, consolidation, and balanced-enrollment work. An updated timeline shifts key decisions beyond this month’s initial vote to fully consider community feedback.

Why it matters: These are decisions that impact student access, program quality, and district sustainability for generations to come. The refined path gives more time for constructive input and clearer deliverables.

What’s changing: Trustees are scheduled to vote Nov. 20 on the school consolidations and reassignments for campuses requiring turnaround plans, as well as the relocation of the schoolwide dual language programs. 

Reassignments are based on the students’ home locations and the available space at nearby schools. These reassignments do not change the existing attendance boundaries. Planning is still underway, so some details may be adjusted as the process is finalized.

Administrators will continue exploring boundary changes and the proposed closure of Palm, Bryker Wood and Maplewood elementary schools in future months. 

What’s next: Leaders will continue meeting with communities before finalizing the plan next week. Below are key dates to keep in mind as the plan moves forward.

  • Nov. 12: Final day to submit comment card feedback to ensure feedback is considered in the final plan.
  • Nov. 14: The administration will release the updated plan and the draft policy updates. 
  • Nov. 20: Public hearing and board actions on program changes, policy updates, and state-required turnaround plans.
 

Campus Applications are now open for Middle School and High School Admissions-Based Programs

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Students interested in Middle School and High School admissions-based and magnet programs may now begin preparing their campus-specific application requirements (including essays, auditions, and teacher recommendations) for the 2026–27 school year. 

The details: The enrollment process will look different this year due to potential school consolidations changes. While Austin ISD’s enrollment system, Enroll Austin, won't open until January 2026, application-based schools and programs are accepting materials now.

If you are interested in applying to middle school or high school admissions-based programs, visit this page or contact the campus directly.

Dig deeper…with a step-by-step guide on preparing for enrollment to admissions-based programs. 

 

Food resources, ways to donate

 

SNAP benefits have been impacted by the government shutdown, and Austin ISD understands many families may need additional support for food assistance and resources. 

School Meal Reminders

Students who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are still eligible for free school meals until the end of the school year, whether or not the government funds food benefits for home.

76 Austin ISD schools provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. 

Families may apply (or reapply) for free or reduced-price meals at any time at School Café, or pick up a paper application at your school.

Need extra food support outside of school? 

These community partners can help you find assistance in your area:

Central Texas Food Bank 

Travis County Food Pantry

United Way for Greater Austin

Sustainable Food Center

Texas Health and Human Services - Call 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 to speak to a live operator.

Schools Providing Free Meals for All Students 

Community Contributions

In addition to the community partners noted above, community members who would like to support Austin ISD families may make a donation to the Austin Ed Fund Crisis Fund. Funds raised are distributed to Austin ISD families in need. The Austin Ed Fund is Austin ISD’s education foundation. 

Please also check with your campus for any campus-based donation drives.

Get involved…what’s happening at Austin ISD in November

 

We’re now two weeks away from Fall Break! All schools and district offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 24 to Friday, Nov. 28. 

Here’s a look at the districtwide events happening this month! 

The Austin ISD Special Education Transition Team is hosting “Texas Parent to Parent” from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Nov. 8 at Sanchez Elementary School (73 San Marcos St., Austin 78702). 

The Texas Parent to Parent Pathways to Adulthood provides families with tools to plan for a young adult’s life after high school. The event is open to families with students who have a disability, chronic illness, mental health condition or other special healthcare needs - as well as the professionals who support them. Families may register for the event online at http://bit.ly/

Learn more about the updated school consolidation plan at the districtwide Q&A Session from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the Delco Activity Center (4601 Pecan Brook Dr., Austin TX 78724). 

Support our students by stepping out and enjoying an evening of music! The 51st Annual Fall Festival String Fest is happening at Noon on Nov. 19 at the Delco Activity Center. String Fest is presented by the Austin ISD Fine Arts Department. The event is free and open to the public. 

For more calendar events visit Austin ISD Calendar of Events.

 
 
photo with text Focused on the Future Q and Session Recommended School Consolidation and Boundary Change Plan Saturday Nov. 8 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Delco Activity Center 4601 Pecan Brook Dr. The meeting will also be live-streamed on Austin ISD's YouTube Channel

The Austin ISD community is invited to share feedback on the School Consolidation and Boundary Change Plan at a Q&A Session on Nov. 8 at the Delco Activity Center. 

 
51st Annual

Join us for the 51st Annual Fall Festival for strings "String Fest" presented by Austin ISD Fine Arts on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the Delco Activity Center, 4601 Pecan Brook Dr, Austin, TX 78724. The event is free and open to the public.

 
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Austin ISD opens "OWL" learning center at former Metz Elementary Campus - KXAN

Austin ISD's Project SEARCH program teaches students with disabilities work skills in a hospital - KVUE

 
Austin Independent School District Department of Communications and Community Engagement
 

Before heading out and ending this newsletter I want to acknowledge our Austin ISD teachers, staff and families during this period of change within our district. Change is hard and never easy. We truly appreciate your dedication and patience as we navigate a sustainable Austin ISD. In the midst of so much moving and shifting, we want to pause and simply say: thank you! Thank you for showing up, for engaging, and for understanding the complex work this requires. It can be exhausting, but please know we see you and hear you. 

We are deeply grateful for your continued flexibility through these essential changes. We'll be back with the next update soon, and in the meantime, please take a moment to appreciate the collective effort we are making together. 

We are Austin ISD.

-Austin ISD Communications and Community Engagement Team

 

Have a story idea?

Got a great story about an Austin ISD student, staff, parent, or community member? Share it with us! It could be featured on our website, in our newsletters, on social media, or even on the news!

For questions or comments please email me at jorge.maldonado@austinisd.org

For languages other than English and Spanish, we use an AI-powered translation tool. As a result, there may be some contextual inaccuracies or other errors. We apologize for this. Please email translation@austinisd.org if you are in need of clarification. To change your preferred correspondence language, contact your school's front office. 

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