Matias's Weekly

Happy 35th week of school! It’s Speech Language Pathologist Week at Austin ISD, and we’re giving a big shoutout to our amazing SLPs and audiologists! Their dedication, care, and expertise make a huge difference in the lives of our students every day. We're so grateful for everything they do to help kids communicate, connect, and succeed. 

At last week’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month kickoff celebration, we were inspired by powerful performances and moved by the voices of resilient Austin ISD students who shared their talents and stories with strength and pride. 

A young girl in traditional Indian attire performs a classical dance during Austin ISD’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. She is dressed in a vibrant blue and gold outfit with jewelry and a headpiece. Behind her is a banner that reads “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month” and an American flag. The event takes place in a formal meeting room with nameplates visible on the desks.
A high school student speaks at a podium during Austin ISD’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. He wears a white Hollister polo and glasses, and stands in front of a microphone. The podium has a sticker that reads, “It’s an honor just to be Asian,” with multiple country flags displayed below the text. The background shows tall curtains in shades of blue and beige.
Two students dressed in vibrant lion dance costumes perform a traditional staff routine during Austin ISD’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. They wear matching blue and yellow pants with fur trim and black shirts featuring a dragon design. Behind them, a drummer plays a traditional Chinese drum, and colorful dragon flags and a lion dance head are visible. The performance takes place indoors with an audience out of frame.
A group of elementary and middle school students wearing matching dragon-themed shirts and yellow sashes smile for a group photo after performing at Austin ISD’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. They are joined by teachers, staff, and Superintendent Matias Segura, who stands in the back row wearing a tan blazer. Everyone is smiling and standing in front of a softly lit curtain backdrop in a boardroom setting.

I also wanted to share a few moments from our annual Salute event last week, where we celebrated our incredible teachers, staff, and campus administrators—the heart of our district—who go above and beyond every day for our students. 

A speaker stands at a podium on stage during Austin ISD’s "Salute" event, an annual celebration honoring outstanding district staff. Behind the speaker, a live band performs in front of a large screen displaying the word “Salute” in elegant white script on a sparkling red background. The audience is visible in silhouette, and the event takes place in a darkened auditorium with another “Salute” logo projected on the side wall.
The Burnet Middle School mariachi band performs on stage during an Austin ISD event. Students wear traditional blue mariachi outfits and play various instruments including violins, guitars, trumpets, and a guitarrón. One student stands at the center, singing into a microphone. A projected screen in the background displays the Burnet Middle School logo and name. Audience silhouettes are visible in the foreground.
A group of Austin ISD staff and honorees pose together on stage holding bouquets of flowers and awards during the "Salute" celebration. The group is smiling, cheering, and raising their hands in celebration. The stage is warmly lit with a dark background, capturing the joyful conclusion of the recognition event.
A large group of educators stand on stage under bright lights during Austin ISD’s Salute event, with a backdrop that reads “Teachers of Promise” in bold white letters. The audience is visible in silhouette, watching and applauding the honorees. A live band is set up behind the group, and the stage is bathed in blue and purple lighting, creating a celebratory atmosphere.

Where I’ll be and who I’m Meeting

Monday, May 12 

I’ll start off the day meeting with senior staff. We’ll be progressing the work on turnaround plans, next year’s budget, policy changes for the upcoming school year, and end-of-year priorities. From there, I will go to the Anderson High School Groundbreaking Ceremony. As a part of the 2022 Bond Program, Anderson will receive a Phase 1 modernization, including a secure entry vestibule and improvements to campus systems, including HVAC, electrical and plumbing repairs, as well as athletic field and locker room upgrades. When I get back to the office, I have a check-in with President Boswell, and then meet together with her and Ashley Paz, our Lone Star Governance Coach. Afterwards, I have a one-on-one meeting with Chief of Talent Strategy Brandi Hosack. This evening, I’ll be leading the community meeting at Webb Middle School, to get community feedback regarding the Turnaround Plan we have to submit to the TEA by June 30.  

 

Tuesday, May 13 

This morning, I’ll be at the Defend The Dream Celebration at Perez Elementary School. Then I have a meeting with Education Austin President Ken Zarifis. In the afternoon, I have two back-to-back one-on-one meetings, first with Ali Ghilarducci, Chief of Communications and Community Engagement, then with Christine Steenport, Chief of Operations. Following my regular Texas Urban Council Superintendent Meeting, I’ll then travel to the Burnet MS Community Meeting. We will receive feedback from our community and provide updates on the Turnaround Plan, which is also due to TEA by June 30th.  

 

Wednesday, May 14 

I’ll be attending the Chamber ATX Policy Forum this morning. When I get into the office, I have a one-on-one meeting with Interim Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery. Afterward, I’ll be attending the Northeast Early College High School and International High School Groundbreaking Ceremony. They will receive a Phase 1 modernization as part of the 2022 Bond. Northeast and International will also receive a secure entry vestibule and improvements to campus systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing and roofing repairs as well as a school mental health center and athletic field/locker room upgrades. This evening, I’ll be attending the Austin Ed Fund’s Spring Reception.  

 

Thursday, May 15 

The first thing today is a meeting with Dr. Paul Cruz, former Austin ISD superintendent. Afterward, I’ll be attending the E3 Alliance Board of Directors Meeting. When I get back to the office, I have a meeting to discuss staffing for next year, followed by a TEA Superintendent Call. Then I have a one-on-one meeting with Interim Chief of Staff La Kesha Drinks, and then a Special Board Meeting - Grievance.  

 

Friday, May 16 

I have a Governance Meeting this morning with the board officers. In the afternoon, I’ll be attending a conversation led by the Mayor around a big idea he has for Austin: “Making Austin the best place in America to be a kid.” This evening, I hope to attend the ACC Commencement Celebration to celebrate our early college high school students who are graduating with an associates degree and our PTECH students who have completed their Level 1 Certificate. What an amazing accomplishment! 

Recognize our amazing staff each month by submitting a RAVE!

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