AUSTIN, Texas — After an hourslong meeting stretching into the early morning hours on Friday, Austin ISD voted 6-3 to move forward with their plan to close 10 schools. 

They are Becker, Barrington, Dawson, Oak Springs, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley and Widén Elementaries; Winn Montessori; and Bedichek and Martin Middle Schools. 

The decision to close the schools will reshape the district’s dual language and Montessori program. The school board said it will help them address a nearly $20 million budget shortfall.

AISD Superintendent Matias Segura said he’s trying to avoid a state takeover because of multiple schools with consecutive F ratings, and the district will move forward with a state mandated turnaround plan as well.

For weeks now, parents at these schools have expressed concerns about the district moving forward with the closures.

“The process has been opaque, contradictory, unit directional, and actually punitive,” said Tanner Vanessen, a Becker parent. “It’s an attack on dual language programing. This is not leadership. This is not how we build strong schools.”

AISD’s first draft of the list of school closures initially included three more schools, but Segura removed them a few weeks ago.

Austin isn’t the only district having a school closure conversation this week.

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD echoed the budget shortfall concerns on Tuesday. The district said less students are attending, which means they are receiving less funding from the state.

GCISD said they’re losing about $11 million because of it.

The district is considering closing Bransford and Dove Elementary and then consolidate those students with existing schools in the district.

A lot of parents Tuesday night were not happy either.

“Bransford isn’t just a school,” said Bobby Hernandez, a Bransford Elementary parent. “It’s a thriving arts integration model that inspires creativity and critical thinking in every child. Closing Bransford would mean losing a unique program that sets our district apart and prepares students in a future where innovation matters. I understand budget challenges but this feels like a temporary fix with permanent consequences.” 

The district will have another meeting in early December to hear from families and then vote Dec. 10.