Hi families,
I can’t believe we have FIVE weeks left of school! Where did time go?!
In case you missed it: The 2023 Accountability Ratings were published yesterday. It’s the first time districtwide scores have been released since 2019. Keep scrolling for the more details.
Also in this week’s newsletter:
As we wrap up Volunteer Appreciation Month, it’s a great time to say thank you to everyone who volunteers their time to make our schools better. You can get involved through our Volunteer Program and make a meaningful impact.
And don’t forget—May 1 is National School Principal Day! Let’s lift up the incredible leaders guiding our schools every day.
Now, let’s dive in…
Board Bulletin: Trustees and district leaders review accountability ratings, budget, plans for Dobie
It’s time again for another installment of the Board Bulletin. During our Board Voting Session this week, we dug into the newly-released 2023 Accountability Ratings from the Texas Education Agency, the district’s budget and the Dobie Middle School turnaround plan. Let's get to it.
Since it’s a voting meeting, the lion’s share of the presentations occurred in the Superintendent’s Report.
First up, Superintendent Segura shared a draft roadmap for how the district will arrive at a school consolidations plan by this coming November.
The process will include developing board priorities to guide decision-making, establishing a tool to determine which schools could be considered for closure, discussing guidelines for school boundary changes and analyzing options that will get students in the best possible learning environments.
The district is developing a comprehensive engagement process to ensure community feedback and values are reflected in all aspects of the plan.
Next, trustees and district leaders discussed the future of Dobie Middle School, which was originally on a timeline to have a state-required turnaround plan for federal accountability finalized by April 30.
This week, TEA provided new guidance that extended the timeline to June 30.
This gives the district more time to explore options to support Dobie and break the accountability chain without resorting to a charter or closing the school.
At the administration’s request, the board voted to remove item 11.7 from the agenda which would have authorized funding for installing portables on the Lamar campus to make room for Dobie students.
Dobie will now be a part of a broader school improvement initiative to comprehensively address accountability challenges across the district.
With the release of the 2023 accountability ratings, Burnet and Webb Middle Schools are now on the same timeline as Dobie. All three campuses have now received a third consecutive F-rating and are required to submit targeted improvement plans to TEA.
District leaders will present the Dobie, Webb and Burnet turnaround plans at their May 8 Board info session and are anticipated to vote on the plans at their May 22 voting meeting.
Next, Superintendent Matias Segura and senior staff gave trustees an overview of the 2023 accountability results released earlier in the day by the Texas Education Agency.
The test significantly changed for the 2023 testing cycle, including moving all online, increasing the scores needed for high grades and introducing writing components.
When comparing 2023 ratings to the prior year, 48 schools earned the same grade or higher, while 64 received a lower letter grade than in 2022.
16 schools dropped from a B in 2022 to an F in 2023.
With this new measure, there has been a 233% increase in F-rated schools statewide.
Read the message from Superintendent Segura and Board President Lynn Boswell to learn more about what we’ve already done to transform our system since 2023 and follow our meetings to learn what more will be happening to ensure all students have what they need to be successful.
Interim Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery presented the 2025-26 preliminary budget, which includes a projected $65 million deficit.
The district is continuing to grapple with getting to a balanced budget, while protecting students’ educational experience and maintaining a 20% fund balance.
Some notable changes for the next fiscal year budget include $8.2 million reductions in Central Office school leadership positions and closures of the Graduation Prep Academies, $4 million increase in police services related to HB 3 and an increase in Special Education staffing to continue reducing our reliance on more costly contractors.
A recommended budget is expected to be presented to the board on May 22.
The board must adopt a budget for 2025-26 by the end of June.
The Board met a major milestone in the TEA Agreed Order.
As part of their Lone Star Governance work, the trustees complete a quarterly LSG Board Self-Evaluation. That tracks progress toward goals under the LSG framework.
The agreed order requires the board to reach “meets” level of progress within two years – a metric they met much earlier than required – followed by three additional quarters at the “meets” level.
Last night’s self-evaluation measured progress through March, and document’s the board’s accomplishment of this requirement.
What’s next: Join us May 8 for the next Board Information Session.
Linder students' artwork hits the road for Earth Day
Student art from Linder Elementary School is now featured on a CapMetro bus as part of this year’s Art on the Bus collaboration with CapMetro and Creative Action to celebrate Earth Day.
Why it matters: The annual event highlights sustainability, creativity, and student voice, helping teach the community about the importance of public transportation, environmental stewardship, and how art can drive impact.
Congratulations to the talented 4th graders from Linder whose work is featured this year:
David Exequiel Martinez Villatoro
Gabriella Aponte De La O
Julian Emanuel Chan Lopez
Sadie Webre
Jade Abigail Monroy Alvarez
Camila Sofia Hernandez Rivera
Dayana Diaz Banda
Julyanna Mendosa
What they’re saying: “It was such a joy to see Linder Elementary’s artwork larger than life on a CapMetro bus!” Fine Arts Coordinator Dr. Kara Czepiel said. “Huge kudos to the students and their art teacher for turning public transportation into a moving celebration of Earth Day. What a brilliant reminder that creativity can thrive anywhere—even on wheels!
The wrapped CapMetro vehicles will remain in service for the next year, giving thousands of Central Texans a glimpse of what our young artists care about most: a cleaner, greener future.
Summer learning is from May 28 until August 8.
Mark your Calendar
We're excited to announce our upcoming productions! Join us this summer in the Black Box for The Wizard of Oz by Erin Detrick, and don't miss Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical on our main stage.
Austin ISD In the News
There’s a ton of fun events happening this weekend! (If you go, I’d love to see pictures!)
The 20th Annual Unity Walk and 9th Annual Kids Fest! The Unity Walk kicks off at 9 a.m. from Webb Middle School to Northeast Early College High School, leading into a day of family fun and celebration.
The ACE Austin Showcase at Eastside Early College High School, also on Saturday! Enjoy student performances from choir, cheer, dance, ROTC and more—plus hands-on activities, free books, toys, and fun giveaways.
Día del Niño Fest is happening from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Mendez Middle School. They’ll have food, music, art, and prizes at the Community Love Hub.
Plus...Austin ISD PD will be at Burger Stadium this Saturday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day!
Be well, stay kind, and don’t forget to stop and smell the bluebonnets!
-Maritza
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 nayeli.santoyoflores@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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