AUSTIN, Texas — Austin ISD is one of four Texas school districts selected for a detailed state review of how they spend taxpayer money, Texas Comptroller Don Huffines said Monday.
The review will also examine Barbers Hill ISD in Mont Belvieu, east of Houston; El Paso ISD; and Prosper ISD, north of Dallas. The four districts were chosen from more than 1,200 public school districts and charter systems across the state.
The review will look at whether district spending complies with state law and is directed toward students, classrooms and teachers rather than administrative or other non-instructional costs, according to the comptroller’s office.
“This review is an important step to ensure transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds,” Huffines said in a statement.
Gov. Greg Abbott requested the review in August, asking the comptroller to examine up to four districts of different sizes and from different parts of the state.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Abbott orders investigation into Texas school district finances
At the time, Abbott singled out Austin ISD, saying its enrollment fell 14% from 2015 to 2025 while administrative spending per student rose 75%. Abbott has also proposed legislation requiring districts to spend at least 70% of their funds in the classroom.
The announcement drew pushback from state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, who represents Austin and is the Democratic nominee for Texas comptroller.
“Our schools should be #1 instead of 46th, but that won’t happen when our schools are buried under constant and multiple layers of bureaucracy and political retribution rather than honest or helpful review,” Eckhardt said in a statement.
The review comes as Austin ISD faces major budget challenges. The district approved an $887 million budget for this school year after cutting $205 million in operating expenses.
The final report is due by Dec. 31, giving the Legislature time to consider any recommendations during its next session.
CBS Austin has reached out to Austin ISD for comment.