Hello Families!
Happy back-to-school!
It's been a week full of emotions, but we are all ready to start this great year.
Reminder: Please make sure your children bring their water bottles to help them stay hydrated during these high temperatures and dress for this weather. Read more about Austin ISD's Hot Weather Guidelines.
And if you haven't already, please download the Austin ISD app to keep up with what's happening in the district.
Now, let's get started…
We kicked off the 2024-25 school year this week with visits from Superintendent Matias Segura!
The superintendent visited schools from Menchaca Elementary School to Navarro Early College High School, taking part in welcoming students off the bus, serving school lunches and receiving a haircut by a student in the CTE program of Cosmetology.
The Board of Trustees Monday voted to put a tax rate election on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Why it matters: A tax rate election gives the community the option to vote for increased funding to pay for teacher and staff raises and additional support positions for campuses.
By the numbers: If approved, Austin ISD would gain an estimated $41M in funding annually.
Austin ISD plans to spend about $17.8 million on a compensation plan that includes market adjustments for many teachers and staff members.
$3.2 million would be spent on additional support directly to campuses. This includes Instructional Coaches, Content Interventionists, Special Education support and Mental Health support.
About $20 million would be used to offset current costs and stabilize the budget.
A homeowner of an average value of $550k in Austin would see a monthly increase of about $34 in Austin ISD property taxes, or roughly $412 per year.
What they’re saying: “We are the largest provider of public education in Central Texas. Eighty-one percent of the students in Austin come to Austin ISD, and we have a responsibility to educate our students in a way that aligns with our community values,” said Superintendent Segura.
What’s next: Before the November election, the district will look at every aspect of how we do business and identify opportunities to streamline operations to reduce cost and stabilize the budget.
Students must be in class 90% of the time to receive high school credits. While the district has provided flexibility over the last several years through the District of Innovation plan, we’re doubling our efforts to help students stay on top of their coursework and earn their high school credits.
Why it matters: Attendance is crucial to student success and has been shown to prevent dropouts and low test scores. It’s also key to state funding for our schools.
What’s new: Parents and guardians can now see if any credits are at-risk due to attendance indicated by a NC for “no credit” on each grading period report card.
● This new system will allow families to see when their student is off track and gives them more time to get caught up.
● When a student’s attendance dips below 90%, the Campus Attendance Committee will help students and families come up with a plan to get back on track.
For any students who have lost credits, the district also has options through the Campus Attendance Committee, including an attendance contract, Saturday School, the Twilight program, or tutoring.
The bottom line: Make attendance a priority!
● If you are experiencing obstacles, reach out to your campus counselor, parent support specialist or email familysupport@austinisd.org.
● Ensure that your contact information is up to date with your campus registrar so you can receive important notifications regarding your students’ attendance.
● Report your students absences online, with the note form provided by your campus, or with a handwritten note. You can monitor your students absences through Parent Self-Serve.
Head Start Policy Council Meeting- Aug. 27
Tools for Success- Aug. 28
Labor Day Holiday - Sept. 2
For more events, please visit the Calendar of Events website.
More than 70,000 students start their new school year at Austin ISD- CBS Austin- Aug. 20
Happy first day of school! AISD students get visit from Superintendent Matias Segura- Statesman- Aug. 20
How does the state's 'recapture' program impact Austin ISD?- KVUE- Aug. 20
Voters to decide on property tax increase to help Austin ISD budget deficit- FOX 7- Aug. 19
Austin ISD superintendent talks budget, staffing for school year- KXAN- Aug. 20
Facing budget crunch, Austin ISD seeks to boost enrollment after decade of decline- Statesman- Aug. 19
I hope your children are having a fantastic back-to-school week!
I had the joy of taking my son to his first day of school and managed to snap a photo of him outside his school. He was a bit nervous to start third grade, but overall, he was excited.
After dropping off my son, I had the opportunity to visit different schools along with Superintendent Segura and various leaders. It was truly thrilling to see all the students back, ready and eager to learn.
I'm excited to share some photos I took during these visits.
Nayeli💛
