We're in the home stretch! One week to go before we're off for Winter Break. Keep up the good work, we’re almost there!
If you've received communication from Talent Strategy that your pay rate will be adjusted due to Austin voters’ support of Prop A, you will begin to see your new rate on your Friday paycheck.
Check out our Prop A FAQs for a refresher on the Prop A compensation plan.
Don’t forget…the Dec. 14 runoff election is this weekend. On the ballot is the district's At-large Position 8. You can find your nearest voting location through the Travis County Elections website.
Now, let's get started…
Austin ISD reaches key milestone completing 75% of actions outlined in TEA Agreed Order
As the Fall semester wraps up, Austin ISD leaders are providing key updates on the Special Education TEA Agreed Order.
To date, the district has completed two of the four priorities and 74 of the 99 actions outlined in the Agreed Order.
Why it matters: This milestone reflects the significant strides the district has made in streamlining systems to improve the overall experience of students receiving Special Education services.
Yes, and…There’s still work to be done as the Special Education Department transitions to a new data management system.
The new system will ensure we have a full and clear picture of our special education journey and how we’re serving families. It will also ensure we can meet the data reporting for state and federal requirements of the TEA Order.
An extension in the Order was granted through Sept. 2025 for data reporting, ensuring the district can put its full focus on transitioning to a new data management system.
What’s next: Assistant Superintendent of Special Education Dr. Dru McGovern-Robinnett has announced she will retire next month.
We are immensely grateful for her tireless and compassionate leadership that has gotten us to this point.
The district will work to recruit a new leader of the department throughout the spring with plans to fill the position by summer.
Board adopts priorities for upcoming legislative session
On Nov. 21, the Austin ISD Board of Trustees adopted its 89th Legislative Session priorities, focusing on increased school funding and recapture reform.
The priorities are organized into nine categories that also include safety and security, student support, teachers and accountability.
Below are some key highlights:
Increase the basic student allotment and require that it be increased every two years to account for inflation.
Commission a study of the impact of recapture on housing affordability.
Fund school districts based on enrollment rather than attendance
Convert two copper pennies to two golden pennies — which would increase the percentage of Prop A funds that would stay in Austin.
Increase the school safety allotment to fully fund all mandates approved under House Bill 3 and expand the allowable uses of the allotment to include mental health services.
Oppose vouchers, tax credits, taxpayer savings grants, tuition reimbursements or any other programs that divert public tax dollars to privately run schools
Coats for Kids will keep thousands of Austin ISD students warm this winter.
Thousands of Austin ISD students are staying warm this winter thanks to the "Coats for Kids" program.
Why it matters: For more than a decade, The Junior League of Austin and its partners have generously provided thousands of coats to local students in need. This program provides relief to families during this time by giving free coats so children can stay warm this winter.
What they're saying: “It’s very important because it helps many children who need a coat in this cold weather,” said Guatemala Cruz, parent and volunteer at Jaime Padrón Elementary School. “They are very happy with what they are given.”
By the numbers: This year more than 7,800 coats were distributed across 104 Austin ISD schools. Since its inception 38 years ago, the Coats for Kids program has collected and provided more than one million coats to students.
Go Deeper: The Junior League of Austin receives donations in different forms all year round. Learn more about how you can help.
Don’t let hackers compromise your account and steal your information.
If you love the theatre and stage like I do, then mark your calendars for Thursday, Dec. 19 for the 5th annual production of Ballet Afrique’s Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker! The performance is led by China Smith, Sadler Means Director and founder of Ballet Afrique!
…and this holiday season, please consider making a contribution to The Austin Ed Fund’s Crisis Fund to support families in immediate need, including those facing homelessness or other crises.
- JJ
For questions or comments you may 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.
