Happy March! There is much to celebrate in March, not just Spring Break, which is two weeks away. March is Youth Art Month, celebrating the importance of art education, which cultivates creativity in our students. Many of our students, families, and staff will observe Ramadan in March. It is also Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women throughout history. This week has many celebrations, too: Educational Diagnostician Appreciation Week, Parent Support Specialist Appreciation Week and School Social Worker Appreciation Week here in Austin ISD!

Last week, I spent time with our Teachers of Promise, and I was energized by their first-year stories, their love for students, and their profession. Making sure these teachers continue to grow and thrive is my greatest privilege and the reason my job exists. While I was there, I got to meet three teachers who are not only Austin ISD alumni, they are teaching at the elementary schools they attended. And one of them is even teaching in the very classroom they sat in as a student. So cool!

Austin ISD Teachers gather at the Teachers of Promise Breakfast

I had so much fun surprising two amazing employees and honoring them with Golden Raves. The first one was for Alicia Flores, one of the most dependable and knowledgeable bus monitors. Alicia exudes care for every student who rides her bus and goes above and beyond to provide excellent customer service to families and school staff.

Superintendent Matias gives a Golden Rave awards to Alicia Flores, Bus Monitor

The second Golden Rave was for Brad Carr, our Inventory Specialist at the Warehouse. Brad is known by everyone as someone who strives for yes. He does it with patience and a great attitude. Brad exemplifies what it looks like to be all about customer service.

Matias gives a Golden Rave to Brad Carr, our Inventory Specialist at the Warehouse

Where I’ll be and who I’m Meeting

Monday, March 3

This morning at the senior staff meeting, we will progress work on early numeracy, budget and legislative updates. Afterwards, I have a one-on-one meeting with Interim Chief of Staff La Kesha Drinks. Then I have a one-on-one meeting with board President Lynn Boswell. After our one-on-one, we will be joined by Lone Star Governance Coach Ashley Paz. In the afternoon, I’ll join the virtual meeting with Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin Public Health Medical Director, and Travis County Health Authority to discuss measles, including school vaccination rates, outbreak risks, and what can be done to help reduce the likelihood of a measles outbreak in our school community. This evening, I have the Austin Association of Public School Administrators’ March meeting, followed by a meeting with former board president Geronimo Rodriguez.

Tuesday, March 4

I’ll start the day visiting some campuses. When I get into the office, I have a one-on-one meeting with the district ombudsperson Beverly Reeves. Afterward, I have a Texas Urban Council superintendent meeting. In the afternoon, I’ll represent Austin ISD at SXSW EDU in a conversation with SXSW EDU Founder Ron Reed.

Wednesday, March 5

The first thing today is a meeting with my senior staff to progress the work on the budget. We are working towards reducing the current budget deficit, which is currently $110M, to get as close as possible to passing a balanced budget for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. Afterward, I have a standing meeting with our TEA monitors, followed by a one-on-one meeting with Katrina Montgomery, Interim Chief Financial Officer. In the afternoon, I have a meeting with Special Education executive directors, Dr. Cherry Lee and Dr. Jennifer Baker. Then I have an audit interview with Gibson Consulting regarding Austin ISD’s student information system and Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS). The last thing today is a one-on-one meeting with Ali Ghilarducci, Chief of Communications and Community Engagement.

Thursday, March 6

This morning, I have a one-on-one meeting with Board Vice President Kathryn Whitley-Chu. Afterwards, I’ll be a part of a SchoolLinks/Whiteboard Advisors panel at SXSW EDU along with the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Pedro Martinez. When I get back to the office, I have a meeting with former Austin ISD Superintendent, Dr. Paul Cruz. The last thing today is a meeting with the Teaching, Learning and Leading Assistant Superintendents.

Friday, March 7

I’ll start the day with a board governance meeting, followed by a one-on-one meeting with Trustee LaRessa Quintana. Afterward, I have a meeting with my team and a few board members to progress the work on the Academic Vision. In the afternoon, I have a meeting with my team to discuss supports for schools at greatest risk for interventions based on accountability data. Then I’ll have a one-on-one meeting with Dr. Jacob Reach, Chief of Governmental Relations and Board Services. This evening, I’ll be attending Zilker Elementary’s 75th Birthday Party.

Saturday, March 8

Bonus day today! I am double booked this morning, and I will try to spend time at both. There is an ENCORE Student and Family Conference at Webb Middle School starting at 9 a.m. The second Austin ISD event starts at 10 a.m. at Mendez Middle School where we will have our first ever Austin ISD Connect Fest! This event will feature Ed Talks from district leaders, free food trucks, a showcase of district programming such as Career and Technical Education, Dual Language and Early Learning and interactive activities and fun games for kids to learn about civic engagement and basic financial concepts.

Recognize our amazing staff each month by submitting a RAVE!

Follow me on Instagram @matias_aisd. #StrongSchoolsStrongerAustin

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