Stories by Claire McInerny, KUT
Austin ISD wants to close 12 schools, expand academic programs throughout the district
The Austin Independent School District has released a plan to close 12 schools and move those students to other campuses. The district is also proposing boundary changes and wants to add academic programs at more than 30 schools. “Change is hard,” Superintendent…
AISD • By Claire McInerny, KUT • Sep 6, 2019
Parents push back against possible boundary changes as Austin ISD works out school closure plan
The cafeteria of Bedichek Middle School in Southwest Austin was chaotic as almost 100 parents fought for the attention of AISD administrative staff. Some were still in work clothes, some in T-shirts. Almost all of them were asking questions –…
AISD • By Claire McInerny, KUT • Aug 5, 2019
Austin ISD says it needs more time to announce school closure plan
The Austin Independent School District will not publicly announce which schools it is considering for closures until Sept. 6. The board of trustees had been planning to review possible options at its August meeting. Now it will discuss scenarios at…
AISD • By Claire McInerny, KUT • Aug 2, 2019
New Texas law aims to make sure students don't leave free college money unclaimed
When Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3 into law earlier this summer, in addition to increasing school funding and approving teacher raises, he also approved a requirement for all Texas high school seniors to fill out an application for…
Uncategorized • By Claire McInerny, KUT • Jul 23, 2019
UT Austin to give free tuition to low-income Texas students
The University of Texas System Board of Regents voted Tuesday to offer full tuition assistance to more UT Austin students, adding $160 million to an endowment to help cover costs. Undergraduates from Texas who come from families making up to…
Education • By Claire McInerny, KUT • Jul 10, 2019
Confused about Austin ISD's decision to close schools? You're not alone.
The Austin Independent School District is in the middle of a process to decide which schools to close and consolidate in the city. It announced in February that the closures needed to happen to help the district’s financial situation; later…
AISD • By Claire McInerny, KUT • Jun 28, 2019
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Austin ISD school board approves raises for teachers, hiring of new equity officer
The Austin Independent School District’s Board of Trustees voted Monday to approve a $1.6 billion budget, which includes across-the-board raises for school employees. The board also voted unanimously to hire Stephanie Hawley as AISD’s first chief equity officer. During public…
AISD • By Claire McInerny, KUT • Jun 18, 2019
AISD's plan to close schools prompts discussion on boosting equity in Austin public schools
The Austin School Board approved its guidelines for closing and consolidating schools Monday night, but much of the discussion ahead of the vote just before midnight centered on increasing equity in Austin public schools. Trustees Ann Teich and Jayme Mathias…
AISD • By Claire McInerny, KUT • May 22, 2019
To better market its schools, Austin ISD is turning to Realtors
Two dozen Realtors sit in the bleachers of the Burger Athletic Center, eating pastries and sipping on coffee. They’re listening to administrators from the Austin Independent School District preview the day ahead, which is a six-hour tour of schools in…
AISD • By Claire McInerny, KUT • May 2, 2019
Here are the regions Austin ISD is using in its plan to close schools
Austin Independent School District announced in February its plan to close and consolidate some schools. Now it has a clear plan for how to choose which schools. To make this decision, AISD administrative staff divided the district into seven regions.…
AISD • By Claire McInerny, KUT • Apr 29, 2019
Austin ISD removes Andrews principal accused of discriminating against immigrant parents
The Austin Independent School District has removed Andrews Elementary Principal Gabriela Soto after parents and teachers accused her of discriminating against immigrant parents. A group of school advocates held a press conference Monday to publicize the accusations. Parents said Soto…
AISD • By Claire McInerny, KUT • Apr 12, 2019
Under House school finance bill, Austin would get to keep $194 million more in taxes in 2020
Austin Independent School District would pay $194 million less in recapture in 2020 if House Bill 3, the chamber’s $9 billion school finance plan, is passed. Recapture is the law that requires “property-rich” school districts, like Austin ISD and most…
