QUICK SUMMARY
Austin ISD plans to close and consolidate schools due to budget deficits and declining enrollment, with a decision expected by fall 2025. The district faces approximately 25,000 vacant seats and aims to enhance transparency through community feedback. Specific schools for closure could be identified by 2025, with changes implemented as soon as the 2026–27 school year.
Austin ISD plans to close and consolidate schools in response to persistent budget deficits and a decline in student enrollment, with a decision expected by fall 2025. Following a six-year period without increased state funding, the district has seen a loss of nearly 1,000 students since the 2021–22 school year, resulting in approximately 25,000 vacant seats across its campuses. Raechel French, the planning director for AISD, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that resource realignment is essential to avert detrimental budget cuts. A decision-making tool designed to enhance transparency will incorporate community feedback, focusing on equity and student success. French noted that significant over-enrollment at some campuses contrasts with considerable under-enrollment at others, declaring, “Every school is on the table at this point.” High-performing schools may still face closure despite their accountability ratings, as indicated in the district's FAQs. AISD is actively gathering community input through surveys and outreach efforts to refine the process compared to previous closure strategies. A comprehensive consolidation and transition plan is anticipated by mid-fall 2025.