AUSTIN, Texas \u2014 Austin ISD trustees spent hours Thursday listening to public comment and discussing a proposed budget aimed at closing a projected $181 million deficit.<\/p>\n
Educators, parents, and community members urged the board to protect programs and services they say students rely on.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Public speakers repeatedly urged trustees to focus on the impact the budget could have on students and families.<\/p>\n
\u201cI ask you to look beyond what can be cut and focus on what must be protected,\u201d said Sharon Vigil, CEO of Communities in Schools. \u201cHonor the courage of the families who stood before you over the last four weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
The district\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Austin ISD Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery presented the proposal to trustees Thursday evening.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the 2026-27 proposed budget,\u201d Montgomery said.<\/p>\n
District leaders say the plan is necessary to address mounting financial pressures.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re at a point where there is very little we can do to get back to a balanced budget that doesn\u2019t create a disruption,\u201d Superintendent Matias Segura told trustees.<\/p>\n