The Planning Commission is looking into adding a new member to the dais to advise its members about how zoning changes might affect Austin schools. At a meeting Tuesday, Commissioner James Nortey said Austin Independent School District President Gina Hinojosa can serve as an ex officio member of the commission. He said the commission had […]
AISD
Austin’s largest school district, AISD is the Austin Independent School District.
Posted inBudget, City Council
Council funds AISD software, debates relationship
When it comes to using tax dollars to serve children in the Austin community, there can be a fine line between education and health and human services. Before passing an agreement Thursday to help fund truancy tracking software for the Austin Independent School District, City Council members had an impassioned discussion about the city’s role […]
Posted inEducation
AISD board decides deadline for land purchase
The Austin Independent School District board of trustees directed district staff Monday to — after many years of discussion — create a timeline ending in January 2016 for the district to spend bond money to buy land for a proposed new South Austin high school building. Board members opened Monday’s special meeting and work session […]
Posted inAustin, Development, Education
Council backs application for Obama Promise Zone
The Austin City Council threw its support behind an Obama administration initiative Thursday when it backed the city’s application to have a large tract of East Austin dubbed a “Promise Zone” by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Council members passed the item after motions to postpone and send it to committee floundered. […]
Posted inElections, Local Government
Five seats open on Austin School District board
The Austin Independent School District has seen some tough times over past years, and it does not look like things are going to get better anytime soon. Earlier this year, Superintendent Meria Carstarphen resigned to take the superintendent’s job in Atlanta. District officials are predicting a precipitous drop in AISD’s student population in the next […]
Posted inLocal Politics
City budget talks turn to city schools
Though it was the last budget work session for City Council, there was plenty left to talk about on Wednesday. After the public hearing had been closed, Deputy Chief Financial Officer Ed Van Eenoo presented Council with the most recent budget figures. Notably, since the adoption of the tax rate, the city has about $6.8 […]
Posted inResources
AISD funding situation dire, panel hears
On the second day back in school for students, Austin Independent School District Chief Financial Officer Nicole Conley briefed the Council Audit and Finance Committee on the severe financial challenges the district is facing. Or, as Council Member Laura Morrison put it: “You refer to it as a challenge. But, for me, it seems like […]