AUSTIN, Texas — Families in a Southwest Austin neighborhood are pushing back against Austin ISD’s proposed consolidation plan, saying it would mean longer commutes and increased safety risks for their children.
The district says the plan, which could close 13 schools, would help address a multi-million-dollar budget deficit, and balance enrollment across the district.
For the Avana neighborhood, the changes could mean a big shift. More than 200 students who would normally attend Gorzycki Middle School would instead move to Bailey Middle School, about six miles away.
“It takes us from an 8-minute commute to a potentially 45 to 50-minute commute,” said Chris Maguire, Bear Creek Elementary PTA president.
Families say their current commute is generally quick and easy, with many children walking or biking to school.
“All you have to do is cross Highway 45, where there is a protected 4-way stoplight,” Maguire said.
If the plan passes, families say commutes could double, forcing cars and buses to travel north on MoPac, exit at Slaughter Lane, and drive down Brodie Lane — an area already known for congestion.
“There is no pedestrian access, there’s no bike access,” said Danielle Morin, a Bear Creek Elementary parent.
Some families say the only other option is taking a toll road, which adds another expense.
“We estimate that that’s going to be between 4 and $500 each year, just if you’re picking your kid up before and after school,” Maguire said.
Morin said the added car traffic and distance could create new safety challenges.
“Getting every kid into a car doesn’t help traffic, it doesn’t help safety,” she said.
CBS Austin reached out to AISD, asking for updates on how the district plans to address transportation logistics and safety for longer commutes, but has not yet heard back.
For many families, the district’s decision could determine more than just where their kids go to school.
“Now you’re having folks who are truly looking at, okay, depending on whether this proposal passes or not, I might have to move,” Maguire said.
AISD Trustee David Kauffman attended a meeting with Southwest Austin families Tuesday night to hear their concerns and share them with district leadership. He is one of nine trustees who will vote on the proposal on November 20.