Hello Friends,
Anyone else ready for fall? I’m very much ready for the change in the seasons and cooler weather.
We’ve been upgrading HVAC systems in some of our schools through our Bond program.
Check out how it works to keep you cool (and warm).
It’s also time for our annual leveling, which moves our staff where they’re most needed to support students.
Staff will be notified of any changes Friday, Sept. 6 with new classes starting Sept. 16.
Now, let's get started…
The newly formed ad-hoc budget committee met Tuesday to continue discussions on how to save money and generate revenue as the district grapples with a $78 million deficit.
Why it matters: The district is making every effort to leave no stone unturned in the process to reduce its deficit over the next three years.
This includes the committee’s work while also asking voters for $41 million through a tax rate election, on the ballot as Prop A.
How it works: The joint committee, which is composed of 26 members from standing advisory bodies and other key stakeholder groups, will explore a comprehensive list of staff and services the district is not legally obligated to fund and could cut to balance the budget.
Yes, and…Given our current fiscal reality, the district must cut an additional $48 million from the budget, regardless of whether voters approve Prop A.
The approval of Prop A would prevent us from making even deeper cuts and would allow Austin ISD to offer competitive pay raises to teachers and staff.
What’s next: The Committee will meet every Tuesday in September to explore cost-saving options and inform a proposal to the Board of Trustees. The Board will ultimately decide how the district will save money to reduce its deficit.
Prop A will be on the ballot on Nov. 5, with early voting starting Oct. 21.
Mark your calendars to join a Prop A information session now through Election Day.
Thanks to partnership with Human I-T, this year’s Maestro en Casa cohort will add computer skills to the classes, to help teach parents basic English to navigate situations and systems in the U.S.
Why it matters: Empowering parents to get involved in their child’s education leads to better academic outcomes for students and allows families to stay engaged in the Austin ISD community.
How it works: Human I-T’s donation of 150 refurbished laptops will give the Maestro en Casa students new skills to navigate the increasingly digital world.
Classes start this month at 41 Austin ISD campuses, supported by Parent Support staff in-person and a group of ACE Program instructors who teach virtually.
How we got here: Since 2015, Maestro en Casa has inspired parents to pursue further education, whether it be returning to school, obtaining a GED, learning new skills or continuing their ESL studies at a more advanced level.
To date, more than 1,000 parents have completed the program.
It’s also the only program in the state of Texas of its kind.
It’s a big year for Austin ISD on the ballot with Prop A and four Board of Trustee positions up for a vote on Election Day. Be sure you’re registered to make your voice heard!
Why it matters: Austin ISD staff will be directly affected by the results of the election. It’s also important to know the guardrails for how Austin ISD staff can discuss the ballot.
What is allowed: Employees can advocate for any candidate or position off duty and off school property without using district resources.
What is not allowed: Advocacy includes phrases like "vote for" or "support." Employees cannot use district resources for political communications, even after hours. Political appearances on campus during the school day are also prohibited.
The bottom line: Ensure you are registered to vote by Oct. 7. Check in on your voter’s registration at the following links:
AD-Hoc Joint Community Budget Committee Meeting - Sept. 10
Tools for Success - Sept. 11
Board Information Meeting - Sept. 12
AISD High School Transition Information Session - Sept. 14
For more events, please visit the Calendar of Events website.
Austin ISD Election Season Is Underway- Austin Chronicle
Hispanic Heritage Month is around the corner. There are many events happening across the city. If you love music, the Statesman has a list of concerts in the city. The Austin Public Library also has events throughout the month.
Have a great week y’all!
- JJ
This document has been translated using an AI-powered machine translation tool through Thrillshare. As a result, it may contain inaccuracies, errors, or inconsistencies that do not reflect the original content accurately. Austin ISD strives for high-quality translations and has a dedicated translation team, but sometimes we might have to use AI tools for critical or time-sensitive communications.