I hope everyone had a wonderful Fall Break! We are back in full swing with a couple of weeks to go before we hit Winter Break and welcome in the New Year!
But first…Congrats to our newest members of the Austin ISD Police Department Traffic Safety and Education Division who graduated from their Police Motorcycle Operator School! These officers will be the first of many "motor" officers for the department.
Don’t forget…Early voting has begun and runs through Dec. 10 for the Dec. 14 runoff election. This election includes the district's At-large Position 8.
Now, let's get started…
The JOY of Teaching: Special Education Teacher Ali DeVeny
In honor of Inclusive Schools Week and Special Education Staff Appreciation Week, we're back with a feature of a very special teacher, Ali DeVeny. Here's her story in four answers.
What sparked your love for Special Education?
When I was a kid in the 1980’s Special Education was a place, not a service. In my case, it was a place near the boiler room. I have a learning disability, and I am deaf in one ear. So, by second grade, I knew great teachers had magic and I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted everyone to feel special.
If Special Education were a color, what color would it be?
Purple! Purple is associated with royalty and historically speaking, purple was difficult to make. Imagine that — it was hard to make but it was considered the most beautiful color. I know it is hard for some kids to learn how to write their name but then after a year you see them doing it. Just like the color purple — it takes time and it may be a challenge but the end result is absolute beauty.
If Special Education were a song, which song would it be?
Lovely day! It has a great rhythm. It’s a classic. Every day there is something lovely no matter what is going on in your life.
What's next for Ali DeVeny?
I don’t think any true teacher is able to retire. In my case, it’s my dharma— what I’m meant to do on Earth. I want to be teaching when I’m 102! Every good teacher is a forever student, and I want to learn forever. I love Special Education. You know what Special Education is? It’s education…with a lot of paperwork!
ICYMI: Community invited to provide feedback on three-year budget plan
The district is in the process of outlining options to cut $92 million over the next three years while preserving the student experience.
Driving the news: Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura presented a three-year proposal to the board of trustees Nov. 22, outlining options such as potential reductions and revenue sources to balance the budget.
Of note: Budget reduction options previously discussed such as librarians, counselors, nurses and planning periods are off the table — at least for the upcoming school year.
The two upcoming legislative sessions could infuse funds into the district allowing for fewer reductions.
What’s next: Now is the time to make your voice heard. Mark your calendar for two upcoming virtual community conversation dates.
Both meetings will be available in English and Spanish.
Salute nominations open for Austin ISD staff
Nominations are now open for Austin ISD’s annual Salute Awards! This event honors outstanding staff members who demonstrate unwavering dedication to student success and achievement across our district.
Do you know someone who fits the bill? We invite all Austin ISD staff, students, families, and community members to nominate deserving staff members in the following categories:
Campus Clerical/Office Support Staff of the Year
Teaching Assistant of the Year
Custodial/Facilities Maintenance Staff of the Year
All award recipients will be honored at the Salute Awards Ceremony on May 7, 2025, where we will also recognize campus Teachers of Promise and Teachers of the Year for their extraordinary contributions.
How the MoPac expansion will impact Austin ISD
It’s no surprise that traffic is a huge headache in Austin. With Interstate 35 already under construction, the pending expansion of MoPac means both highways through the city will be construction zones.
Why it matters: For Austin High School, specifically, the potential MoPac South expansion might affect traffic and student pick-up and drop-off in the years ahead. But with the construction location in the heart of the city, it’s expected to have wider impacts than just the high school.
The details: Planning is underway on how to expand the toll lanes of Mopac Expressway South from Cesar Chavez Street to Slaughter Lane.
The expansion is expected to reduce traffic and travel times as more than 200,000 vehicles cross the MoPac corridor daily.
What’s next: Ask your questions and share your concerns on how the expansion might impact traffic and commutes for staff and students in the years ahead.
Attend the MoPac South Expansion Town Hall at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 at the Austin High School library,1715 W. Cesar Chavez. Register ahead to ensure accommodation for all attendees.
Provide input directly to the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority during their public comment period between now and Sunday, Dec. 29
Holiday Market at The Loren from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8.
See you next week!
- 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.
