Where We Are Now
AISD Task Force Revises Plan, List of Possible School Closures Grows
As the Austin Independent School District (AISD) projected budget shortfall grows, so does the list of public schools the district may close.
During recent meetings, the AISD Master Plan Task Force discussed new options for budget cuts in order to revise its initial plan, which targeted nine schools for closure, and now 15 schools are on the table. Many schools that escape the closure list would also feel the effects of massive consolidation as more students are packed into fewer buildings.
The AISD budget shortfall was originally estimated at approximately $50 million, but swelled to more than twice that amount, with estimates ranging from $110-115 million, after the State of Texas issued a draft of its 2012-2013 budget that slashes $5 billion previously allocated for public schools.
In response to the budget crisis, AISD has already approved a reduction of 485 jobs. A staffing plan approved on January 24 would eliminate 272 elementary teachers, 229 middle school and high school teachers, three high school assistant principals, 35 parent support specialists and 22 middle school and high school librarians.
After several emotional meetings and heated discussions, during which the school board and task force received input from outraged parents and community leaders, other scenarios have emerged for relieving the budget crunch without closing schools—among them is the idea to sell valuable, district-owned property, including the Alternative Learning Center, Baker Center and Carruth Administration Center headquarters building on W. Sixth Street. The community is also urging AISD to examine its spending habits and look at deeper administrative cuts and other efficiencies that could enable them to keep more dollars flowing directly to classrooms.
Schools considered for possible closure as of January 26, 2011: Allan Elementary, Barton Hills Elementary, Becker Elementary, Blackshear Elementary, Brooke Elementary, Dawson Elementary, Govalle Elementary, Joslin Elementary, Oak Springs Elementary, Ortega Elementary, Pease Elementary, Sanchez Elementary, Zilker Elementary, Dobie Middle School, Pearce Middle School
