There’s a lot to celebrate this week across Austin ISD, and I want to start by recognizing the people who help lead our schools every day: our principals.
As we kick off Principal Appreciation Week, I want to give a special shout out to these dedicated leaders. They show up for their students, staff, families, and communities, and their work makes a difference across our district. I’m grateful for their leadership, their partnership, and the many ways they help make our schools places where students can learn and thrive. I hope you’ll join me in letting our principals know how much we appreciate them. |
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Dyslexia Awareness Month: We’re also recognizing Dyslexia Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn more about dyslexia and continue strengthening the support we provide to students. Every student learns differently, and it’s our responsibility to make sure our schools are prepared to meet students where they are and help them reach their goals.
October is also Bullying Prevention Month, a time to come together to create safe, welcoming schools where every student feels respected and supported. Unity Day is on October 21, when people across the nation wear orange to show their support for bullying prevention and stand with students who have experienced bullying. Together, we can make kindness and unity stronger than bullying. |
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📍Where I’ll Be & Who I’m Meeting |
Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
We’re kicking off Monday with our regular leadership team check-in, followed by my standing meeting with my direct reports. I’ll also have a Real Estate Check-In to review updates on district properties and talk through our next steps. Later in the day, I’ll meet with Katrina Montgomery, Chief Financial Officer and Kenneth Walker, Senior Chief of Business & Operations/General Counsel, for a finance update.
Just a reminder, today, Oct. 5, is the voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election in Texas. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026
Tuesday is a full day. I’ll start the morning at the Austin Chamber’s State of Talent & Education, where leaders will talk about some of the most pressing issues facing education and workforce development, including ways to strengthen connections between business and academia and build strong talent pipelines. From there, I’ll be visiting campuses before my standing one-on-one with La Kesha Drinks, Senior Chief of Staff and Teaching, Learning and Leading. I’ll also have an introductory meeting with Dr. Hamlin, the new Dean of the College of Education at The University of Texas. In the afternoon, I'll be joining the ACPTA Executive Board Meeting to brief them on recent updates.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026
On Wednesday, I’ll spend the day with district leaders and our campus principals at ATX Bridge. These monthly meetings give us time to stay aligned on the work happening across the district, share updates, and cover key topics including budget, accountability, and protocols. We'll also take a little time to celebrate the hard work of our leaders. Later that afternoon, I’ll join regional superintendents, CAOs, and instructional leaders at Education Service Center Region 13 for a presentation by the Commissioner.
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
I’ll be making a day trip to Houston to represent our district at the Texas Urban Council Meeting during the TASA/TASB txEDCON 2026 conference. It’s an opportunity for superintendents and district leaders to come together to support one another, and talk about the issues that matter to public education across Texas. We’ll cover a range of important topics, including leading with transparency, financial stewardship in school systems, and a preview of the upcoming legislative session. While I’m there, I’ll also join our campus leaders virtually for our Weekly Principal Update.
Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 Friday is a Staff/Student Holiday, so I hope everyone gets a chance to step away, get some rest, and recharge. You’ve earned it. |
Reminder
Student Holiday on Oct. 12 - Indigenous People Day
Austin Council PTA: Want to make an even bigger impact in our school community? Consider joining a campus PTA, especially one that needs extra support this year. Board members and district partners can make a meaningful difference, and you don't need a student at a campus to lend your voice. |
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