AUSTIN, Texas — As Austin ISD continues discussions about future school boundaries, many families say another decision is weighing heavily on their minds: Thursday’s vote on the district’s proposed budget.

Parents, students, and district leaders gathered Monday evening at Austin High School for one of several community meetings focused on the district’s ongoing boundary realignment process. The meetings come as Austin ISD works to address a projected $181 million budget deficit.

Some parents said they are concerned about the combined impact of potential boundary changes and proposed budget reductions.

“I do worry that a lot of these proposed boundary changes, more families are going to leave AISD,” said Jackie Strong, an Austin ISD parent.

District leaders acknowledged the challenges facing schools and families as trustees prepare to consider the budget later this week.

“The budget cuts are hard right now, and everyone at the district is feeling it,” said Jamie Miller, Austin ISD’s interim officer of operations.

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Austin ISD leaders say the recommended budget reductions could save millions as the district works to close a $181 million budget deficit. The recommended plan would impact 558 positions districtwide. District leaders have said employees whose positions are affected and who hold a teaching certification will be offered other placements.

Miller said district leaders have tried to reduce the impact on campuses while balancing the district’s financial realities.

“We’ve been trying to minimize impacts to campuses, but unfortunately, we’re at a point where we have to make some hard cuts,” Miller said. “We’re working towards a more sustainable operating budget, and we hope the board helps us get there.”

For some families, concerns extend beyond staffing numbers and into what students may experience on campus next school year.

“I have been hearing from teachers nonstop in AISD about their positions being cut, their positions being changed,” said Abby Strite, an Austin ISD parent.

The proposed budget includes changes that could affect daily school operations, including larger class sizes in some grades, reduced teacher planning time, and shared or part-time library positions at some campuses.

Strong said many parents feel the district is being forced to choose between services that all play an important role in supporting students.

“I don’t know how you choose losing a librarian or losing a bus, like I don’t. None of these options is a good option,” Strong said.

Another proposal drawing attention is the possible elimination of the district’s water polo program. District documents estimate the move could save about $89,000.

Strite said extracurricular programs are an important part of students’ educational experience.

“We cannot serve the kids in the way that we need to serve the kids if we are cutting sports, athletics, PE, and arts,” Strite said.

Monday’s meeting was one of several boundary realignment sessions planned across the district. Austin ISD says the discussions are intended to help build stronger feeder patterns and neighborhood schools while gathering community feedback.

Trustees are expected to vote on the district’s final budget on Thursday.