AUSTIN, Texas — Austin ISD trustees spent hours Thursday listening to public comment and discussing a proposed budget aimed at closing a projected $181 million deficit.
Educators, parents, and community members urged the board to protect programs and services they say students rely on.
The proposed budget comes after months of debate over district spending and follows the closure of 10 schools in November 2025. District leaders say a combination of stagnant state funding, declining enrollment, lower-than-expected property values, and rising operating costs has left the district facing significant financial challenges.
Ahead of the discussion, many attendees wore black after Education Austin described the meeting as a funeral for positions, programs, and opportunities they believe are at risk under the proposal.
Public speakers repeatedly urged trustees to focus on the impact the budget could have on students and families.
“I ask you to look beyond what can be cut and focus on what must be protected,” said Sharon Vigil, CEO of Communities in Schools. “Honor the courage of the families who stood before you over the last four weeks.”
The district’s proposal has continued to evolve in recent weeks. Updated budget documents show district leaders identified roughly $20 million in additional savings, including $4 million in stipend cost reductions and $2 million in substitute cost reductions.
Overall, the proposal now includes about $205 million in budget reductions and one-time revenue sources that district leaders say would help balance the budget.
Austin ISD Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery presented the proposal to trustees Thursday evening.
“This is the 2026-27 proposed budget,” Montgomery said.
District leaders say the plan is necessary to address mounting financial pressures.
“We’re at a point where there is very little we can do to get back to a balanced budget that doesn’t create a disruption,” Superintendent Matias Segura told trustees.
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For some educators, the conversation extended beyond the district’s financial outlook.
“Our community is in mourning for schools that have closed, positions being cut,” said AISD teacher Tracy Dunlap.
Education Austin leaders also urged trustees to carefully consider how proposed reductions could affect students.
“We need to make sure that we really pay attention to what cuts are being made and how they could help or hurt our students,” said Eric Ramos, treasurer of Education Austin.
Several speakers acknowledged the financial challenges facing the district while arguing that student-facing services should remain a priority.
“We know the state has put the district in a really difficult situation,” said retired school librarian Carolyn Foote. “But we also believe services on a campus are really the most important things for our kids. Counselors and librarians are very important to our students.”
The proposal under consideration would affect hundreds of positions across the district and includes changes to transportation, operations, and campus staffing. Austin ISD has previously said as many as 558 positions could be impacted, though district leaders have emphasized that certified teachers whose positions are eliminated will be offered placement opportunities elsewhere in the district whenever possible.
Segura acknowledged the toll the process has taken on employees, families, and the broader school community.
“I just want to acknowledge the pain. The disruption. The severe strain that has been within our system for the last many months as we’ve gone through this process,” Segura said.
As of Thursday evening, trustees were still discussing the proposal and possible amendments before taking a final vote.