Welcome back from spring break, y’all! We’re beginning our final nine weeks of the school year. Here we go!

Before we went on break, I had the best time meeting our future leaders at Campbell Elementary School during their annual Role Model Fair.

A joyful moment at a school gymnasium featuring a young girl in a school uniform holding a certificate while smiling beside a man in a blue blazer and light-colored pants who is also smiling widely. They appear to be celebrating a special achievement or recognition.

A lively scene in a school gymnasium where a man in a blue blazer sits at a table covered with various colorful stickers. He is handing a sticker to a young student while other children gather around the table, excitedly waiting for their turn. A teacher or staff member stands behind the children, smiling and observing the cheerful interaction.

I also stopped by to check on my truck at Northeast Early College High School. These Career and Technical Education students are doing an amazing job with the truck! I appreciate them and their teachers very much, and can't wait to come back and see the progress.

An automotive classroom where a truck is lifted on a hydraulic car lift with hoses attached to its exhaust. A group of students and instructors are gathered around, listening attentively to a presentation or instruction. The workspace is equipped with various tools and equipment, emphasizing a hands-on learning environment focused on automotive repair and maintenance.

Finally, this week is Skilled Trades Appreciation Week and Athletic Trainers Appreciation Week in Austin ISD. I so appreciate all of our skilled trades workers in the operations department who keep our buildings and buses running. And enough can’t be said to appreciate our athletic trainers who work tirelessly to keep our student athletes safe and are a crucial part of our athletic program.

Where I’ll be and who I’m Meeting

Monday, March 24

I will be at the Council of Great City Schools 2025 Legislative / Policy Conference with Trustee Kauffman. I will be jumping on the senior staff meeting virtually. Topics to be discussed include the budget, legislative update, and priorities for the week.

Tuesday, March 25

This morning, I'll visit campuses. Afterward, I have a meeting with members of the Palestinian Community. In the afternoon, I have a one-on-one meeting with Board President Lynn Boswell, followed by a meeting with my team members to prepare for board presentations and then a one-on-one meeting with La Kesha Drinks, Interim Chief of Staff. This evening, I hope to join the School Safety and Security Committee Meeting.

Wednesday, March 26

The first thing today is a meeting with Vertical Team Lead principals, followed by a meeting with all the principals at the monthly Principal Roundtable meeting. When I return to the office, I have a one-on-one meeting with Trustee Foster, followed by an Austin Ed Fund Board Meeting. Afterward, I have a one-on-one meeting with Trustee Hunter, then a Legislative Check-in meeting with a few staff members and President Boswell. In the evening, I have a one-on-one meeting with Trustee de Urioste, an Austin Partners In Education Board Meeting, and then a Board Special Meeting.

Thursday, March 27

I'll start my morning at Sanchez Elementary School for an America ByDesign Interview. From there, I'll travel to the Ann Richards School Foundation Board Meeting. This afternoon, I'll spend some time preparing for this evening’s Board Regular Voting Meeting. At the board meeting, we will have presentations today on the 2025-26 FY budget, 2022 Bond Update, and Student Accolades.

Friday, March 28

This morning, I’ll have a one-on-one meeting with Katrina Montgomery, Interim Chief Financial Officer. Afterwards, I'll attend the Texans Care for Children Annual Awards Luncheon. When I get back to the office, I’ll be on a call with all of our principals to keep them updated on budget and legislative developments. I made a commitment to have these calls weekly so that principals have timely information as they lead their campuses. I'll then have a one-on-one meeting with Chief Technology Officer Oscar Rodriguez, followed by a meeting with the Teaching, Learning and Leading Assistant Superintendents. This evening, I’ll be attending a memorial for one of my daughter’s high school coaches.

Saturday, March 29

I have a busy Saturday! First, I'll be participating in the Rosedale Ride starting at 8 a.m., something I love to do every year. Please consider registering/donating at the link above for the 31st annual Rosedale Ride. This year’s ride is happening at the Pitch Austin (13000 Harris Ridge Blvd), and there will be multiple options: 10, 29, 45 and 63-mile rides, as well as an all-abilities Walk & Roll!, a 0.5-mile paved loop around the Austin FC practice fields. I hope to see y’all out there.

Rosedale Ride graphic that says march 29th at the pitch

Afterward, I’ll be stopping by the Austin ISD Teacher Career Fair. And then I hope to attend the 24th Annual César Chávez ¡Sí Se Puede! March.

Recognize our amazing staff each month by submitting a RAVE!

Follow me on Instagram @matias_aisd. #StrongSchoolsStrongerAustin

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