What a week! I can't express enough gratitude to our teachers, staff, principals and families for a memorable First Day of School. I know many of you were filled with so many emotions coming back to school this week. Seeing our students return and fill our spaces with joy, laughter and an eagerness to learn really epitomizes why we're all here. Let's have a great rest of the year and show them why Austin ISD is the best school district in the state of Texas!
Before we get into this newsletter a shoutout to our principals and teachers who had the opportunity to share with our local media the excitement of being back to school! Thank you, again!
Now, let's get started…
Far left: Principal Campbell from Menchaca Elementary School talks with Fox 7's Jessica Rivera about being back at school. Center: Second grade teacher Ms. Tijerina conducts an activity with her students. Far right: Principal Guerrero talks with CBS Austin about the excitement surrounding first day of school.
1 big thing: Back to School at Austin ISD
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.
Austin ISD Trustees approve November tax rate election to increase school funding
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.
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Breaking down the 90% attendance rule for secondary class credits
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.
With the official first day of school on the books, hopefully many of you can now take a sigh of relief.
If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, may I suggest the theater??
I recently saw “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” at the ZACH Theatre and it was phenomenal! They recently extended the show dates (I have no stake in the show and do not get paid for advertisement! lol)
I’m a huge fan of the arts, so if you have any fun weekend happenings send them over!
