Happy November, y’all!

November is Native American Heritage Month — a federally recognized month-long celebration of the history, culture and contributions of Native Americans past, present and future. The observance of Native American Heritage Month presents Austin ISD with an opportunity to acknowledge the rich diversity and achievements of Indigenous people and communities. Did you know that we have an Native American & Indigenous Education Program? I encourage you to visit the website and learn more about it.

In a couple of weeks, our Parent Support Team is hosting the first Tools for Success – Live event at the Austin Central Library. There will be a panel discussion regarding the very important topic of mental health and school safety. The event is open to all, and transportation will be provided from Northeast ECHS and the Central Office. You can also request a Free CapMetro bus pass from your campus PS or by emailing familysupport@austinisd.org. Hope y’all can make it out! RSVP

Where I’ll be and who I’m Meeting

Monday, November 4

This morning, I’ll be at the Austin Area Research Organization (AARO) Annual Meeting and Retreat, taking part in a panel with other superintendents. We will discuss the challenges of leading large organizations, engaging diverse stakeholders and navigating local and state politics, all while ensuring student success. In the afternoon, I have my standing senior staff meeting, where we will progress our work on budget planning, and strategic initiatives, TEA Agreed Order and other district priorities. In the evening, I have a one-on-one meeting with Trustee Kauffman. I will end the day with Talent and Strategy related meetings.

Tuesday, November 5

Happy Election Day! Today is a student holiday, and all of our staff will be given a two-hour civic leave so they can go and exercise their right to vote.

This morning, I have a Research Practice Partnerships meeting with Dean Charles Martinez and others from UT Austin’s College of Education. I will travel afterwards to Toney Burger Center to take part in the Facilities Maintenance and Custodial End of Year Awards Luncheon. In the afternoon, I’ll be meeting with some community leaders in the Pre-K space as Austin ISD is planning a phased expansion of the tuition-based Pre-K program. In the evening, I will meet with Trustee Hunter, Trustee Whitley Chu and Trustee Gonzalez to progress the work on our Academic Vision.

Wednesday, November 6

Y’all, today is the first day of Enroll Austin Priority Registration! You will notice that many enhancements have been made to streamline the registration process — we’ve been listening! I want you to know that Priority Registration is for all incoming K-12 students, whether attending their home campus or applying for a transfer. Pre-K registration will open in the spring.

This afternoon, I’ll be meeting with our Employee Experience staff to plan for the annual Salute event, where we will recognize some of the district’s outstanding team members for their continued dedication to student excellence and achievement in our schools.

I will also meet with central office special education staff to update them on the leadership transition plan. After 30 years in public education, Dr. Dru McGovern-Robinett, our Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, has announced her intention to retire from Austin ISD in January. She will be greatly missed, and there is no doubt that Austin ISD is a better organization because of her work.

Afterwards, I will be having my first executive coaching session with New Leaders. My final meeting for today is with a few senior staff members to discuss their budgets.

Thursday, November 7

The first thing this morning is a meeting with Jeremy Striffler, Director of Real Estate, Katrina Montgomery, Interim CFO and Kenneth Walker, General Counsel, to discuss a revenue generating idea — naming rights and sponsorships. This will be followed by meetings with my staff who are presenting at this evening’s Board Info Session. I have an important call afterward with the Texas Education Agency to discuss school improvement for the 2024–25 school year. The agenda for this evening’s Board Info Session includes discussions around 2nd Grade Numeracy Intervention, Social and Emotional Learning implementation measurement tool, Strategic Plan Quarterly Update for the TEA Agreed Order and Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) update.

Friday, November 8

This morning, I will be attending the Travis ECHS Groundbreaking Ceremony. As part of the 2022 Bond, Travis is receiving a full modernization of the existing campus at its current location. The new building will feature flexible learning spaces to support a variety of learning styles, designed by and for the Travis community. Aftwards, I’ll be meeting with Ed Austin’s president, Ken Zarifis. In the afternoon, I’ll be meeting with members of Austin’s Palestinian community. Afterwards, I’ll be conducting an interview for a key district position. I will have some work time for the rest of the afternoon, meeting with my staff to both wrap up items from this week and prepare for the next.

Sunday, November 10

This is a bonus work day for me. In the evening, I have a Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) Board Meeting.

Recognize our amazing staff each month by submitting a RAVE!

Follow me on X @Matias_AISD. #StrongSchoolsStrongerAustin

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