Happy New Year, Austin ISD!!! I hope your winter break was full of joy, fun and rest. It’s starting to feel pretty wintery here in Austin and we’re keeping an eye on the weather later this week. Check out our Inclement Weather protocols for a reminder on how we make decisions on closing or delaying the school day.

The week before break, I held listening sessions at Dobie and Bedichek middle schools to learn more about how to support our students. I’m so thankful to the families and staff that made the time to participate in the community meetings. I appreciated the opportunity to hear all they had to say, including the things going well, the things that aren’t and the things they dream for their students’ educational experience. As my team and I are working on bold and thoughtful plans that will support our middle schools both immediately and for the years to come, it was so important for me to hear their honest feedback. A huge shoutout to Austin Voices for their coordination of the meeting at Dobie, including a delicious dinner for all the attendees.

I was also able to meet with the Martin Middle School staff to celebrate the welcoming back of sixth graders to their campus. It was a great way to close out the fall semester!

Superintendent Matias Segura with Martin Middle School staff to celebrate the welcoming back of sixth graders to their campus.

January is School Board Recognition Month. I can’t say enough to thank our board members who serve our school community and tirelessly advocate for Austin ISD students. If you have a chance, please reach out to our board members with a quick note of appreciation.

Where I’ll be and who I’m Meeting

Monday, January 6

Welcome back to our teachers and staff! The first meeting of the year is my standing meeting with senior staff members. We’ll discuss our priorities for the spring semester; progress the work around the 2025-26 school year budget, including the community and staff engagement timelines; and continue to refine district initiatives, which I hope to roll out in the next couple of months. I have a lunch meeting with Mayor Kirk Watson, Board President Arati Singh, Central Health Chairperson Ann Kitchen, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, Senator Sarah Eckhardt and Representative Donna Howard. As we approach the start of the 89th Legislative Session, it's not lost on me that Austin ISD is privileged to be in a city whose elected officials are aligned when it comes to the importance of public education. In the afternoon, I have a one-on-one meeting with Board President Singh; and after that, a meeting with her and Ashley Paz, our Lone Star Governance coach. I will then meet with my new Interim Chief of Staff La Kesha Drinks. In the evening, I’ll be attending the Austin City Council Inauguration Ceremony.

Tuesday, January 7

We’re so excited to welcome our students back for the spring semester! The second semester always goes by so quickly, so I hope our students can soak up every minute of it—especially our graduating seniors. I’ll start off the day conducting an interview, followed by a one-on-one meeting with Michelle Wallis, Executive Director of Innovation and Development. Afterwards, I have a governance meeting with board officers. In the afternoon, I have a call with superintendents in the Texas Urban Council. The purpose of the call is to debrief the November TUC sessions and to discuss and strategize TUC’s legislative priorities for the 89th Legislative Session. The last thing today is a one-on-one meeting with Dr. Jacob Reach, Chief of Governmental Relations and Board Services.

Wednesday, January 8

First thing today is a regular check-in meeting with Dean of UT’s College of Education, Charles Martinez, Jr. Each time we meet, we are getting closer to establishing a formal Research-Practice-Partnership. When I get into the office, I’ll meet with Katrina Montgomery, Interim Chief Financial Officer. I’ll then meet with the team that is spearheading Austin ISD’s annual recognition celebration, Salute, to progress the planning work. This afternoon, I’ll be meeting with the lead principals from every vertical team to workshop district initiatives with them and get their feedback. Afterwards, I have my first one-on-one meeting with our newest Trustee, Fernando de Urioste. The last thing today is a meeting with the Assistant Superintendents in Teaching, Learning and Leading. This evening, I have a dinner meeting with Deena Estrada, Operations Manager/Producer at DeepWell DTx.

Thursday, January 9

I have a few one-on-one meetings this morning. First with Trustee Kathryn Whitley Chu, then with Dr. Latonia Amerson, Executive Director of Secondary School Leadership, and finally with Ken Zarifis, President of Education Austin. This will be followed by a standing meeting with our TEA Monitors. After a meeting with Darrell Pierce, President and CEO of SNAP Management Group, I have a one-on-one meeting with Trustee Andrew Gonzales.

Friday, January 10

This morning, I have a meeting with Representative Sheryl Cole, followed by a one-on-one meeting with Trustee Laressa Quintana. In the afternoon, I’ll be attending the funeral of a close friend who recently passed—one of my first professional mentors who poured into me. Afterwards, I’ll be attending a 10-year celebration for one of our partners.

Recognize our amazing staff each month by submitting a RAVE!

Follow me on X @Matias_AISD. #StrongSchoolsStrongerAustin

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