AUSTIN, Texas — As summer break gets underway, the Austin Independent School District continues to face challenges. On one end, the Texas Education Agency could take over the district due to repeated school failures. On the other, it’s dealing with a $181 million deficit. This has resulted in Austin ISD proposing budget cuts for next school year, leaving hundreds of parents, students and staff unhappy with possible changes.
The room was packed during Austin ISD’s board meeting to discuss its recommended budget for next school year. Students, parents and even some staff attended to voice their concerns with some of the recommended budget cuts, which could impact more than 500 jobs within the district.
“What matters most is the students who directly are impacted on a daily basis by people like me,” said Sunny Steir, a librarian in the district. “We’re here for students, we’re here for literacy and we’re here for librarians full time. I have faith you will make the right decision.”
Dozens of public comments addressed concerns regarding the district’s librarians.
“We’re working with our library services department and our school leadership to ensure that while you may not be full time at one campus, that will be split between two campuses now,” said Steven Stapleton with Austin ISD.
The district is projecting to save $897,000 if the school board passes proposed changes for librarians. But that’s not the only change being proposed by district leaders. Dozens representing the district’s water polo program spoke out too.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be able to play all four years. It’s really disheartening to see a lot of my teammates not have that same opportunity,” said Sam Dominguez, a recent graduate and former water polo athlete.
The district is proposing putting this extracurricular on the chopping block because of low participation, with a projected savings of $89,000.
Additionally, Widén Elementary School is one of more than 10 schools within Austin ISD now closed to address the district’s deficit.
“We’re at a closure now, and I feel like we’re just boxes being checked off,” said Jason Rodriguez, a parent whose child attended Widén Elementary.
“They don’t see the superintendent taking a big pay cut,” said Patrick Perez, another Widén Elementary parent. “It’s the teachers who are already overworked, underpaid and just stressed, so that’s why this is infuriating.”
After listening to public comment and the recommended budget presentation, even some board members expressed some hesitancy ahead of the budget vote on June 18.
“It’s the time to close ranks and hold on to what we value,” said Kathryn Whitley, who represents District 4 on the Austin ISD Board of Trustees. “So, right now the budget is not there for me yet.”
They’re citing mounting concerns, including changes to transportation, an increase in some classroom sizes and reduced planning time for teachers.