Austin, TX
Austin ISD approves plan to close 10 schools after hours of public comment
The Austin ISD Board of Trustees voted yes to a highly contentious plan to close 10 schools and make several major programming changes before the 2026-27 school year.
The vote came early Friday morning after months of community meetings and school protests.
Superintendent Matias Segura estimates the plan will generate $21.5 million — eliminating the district’s $19.7 million budget deficit — and reduce the number of “empty seats” in the district by 6,319 from more than 20,000.
“This is difficult, and I wish we didn’t have to do it,” Segura said at the meeting. “But the pressures are gargantuan, and without significant change, we will not be the school district that ultimately can protect who we are moving forward.”
The board’s vote gives the district the green light to close eight elementary schools — Barrington, Becker, Dawson, Oak Springs, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley, Widén and Winn Montessori — as well as Bedichek and Martin middle schools.
Austin Independent School District
Additionally, International High School, which helps ninth and 10th grade students who recently immigrated to Texas transition into the state’s public education system, will close due to low enrollment. International students will be reassigned to a campus near their home and will be offered “newcomer support.”
While the financial savings will be a boon to the district, the plan also aims to improve accountability ratings at seven chronically failing schools. The letter grades are handed down annually by the Texas Education Agency to public schools and are largely based on standardized test scores.
The district’s original plan, released in early October, included 13 school closures and triggered parent and student protests. The district received more than 7,000 pieces of community feedback from concerned parents, teachers and staff. That feedback led to the district scaling back the number of closures to 10.
The board voted on the plan after nearly three hours of public comment from parents, teachers and community members. Nearly every speaker urged the board to reject the plan.
Téo Vigil, a third grader at Ridgetop Elementary, stood on a chair to reach the microphone and deliver his message to the board.
“At school, I learned to listen to my feelings. When I think about this plan, it makes me feel sad, worried and confused. I think you should listen to your feelings, too. Good choices do not feel like this,” he said. “I know you already made a plan, but grown-ups can change their minds when something does not feel right anymore.”
Band director Andria Hyden said she drives an hour from her home in Round Rock to South Austin’s Bedichek Middle School.
Hyden said for many kids, Bedichek is “the only place where they feel safe, accepted and successful.”
“Middle school is already one of the hardest stages of childhood,” she said. “Asking students to start over across three different campuses, to rebuild friendships, to search for trusted adults, to try and find where they fit is not what’s best for their emotional or academic well being.”
Major changes coming to dual language programs
The district’s most comprehensive dual language programming at Becker, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley and Reilly elementary schools will be moved to Sanchez, Pickle, Wooten and Odom elementary schools as part of this plan.
Current dual language students will be given priority transfers to the new campuses.
Sanchez, Pickle and Wooten elementary schools will remain “neighborhood” campuses that serve households in their boundary lines and offer dual language programming to a portion of the student population. The district said it plans on eventually transitioning these schools to campus-wide dual language schools that are non-zoned.
Odom Elementary will become the district’s only school that offers a campus-wide dual language program and is non-zoned. At campus-wide dual language schools, almost all curriculum is taught in both English and Spanish.
The district said it is relocating its dual language programs to serve the emergent bilingual population — students who primarily speak Spanish at home and are learning English — more equitably.
Reilly Elementary will offer a Montessori program, and students from Winn Montessori will be given priority transfers to follow the program as Winn closes.
The plan approved Thursday is far less sweeping than the district’s initial proposal, which also included redrawing the attendance boundaries for 98% of schools and changing feeder patterns so more students stay together through elementary, middle and high school.
The district claims those changes would have balanced out enrollment throughout Austin ISD. District data shows some schools are extremely under-enrolled while others are so full they require portable classrooms.
In a Nov. 4 email to parents, Segura said those aspects of the plan were delayed following “significant concerns” about district officials responsible for handling community feedback related to the plan. Those concerns resulted in two employees being placed on leave while an investigation takes place.
What’s next for the district
The district will send letters to staff at closing schools with a survey asking where they would like to work next school year.
Segura said the district will discuss closing additional schools and redrawing attendance boundaries in the spring and could vote on another plan next fall.
That plan could include closing Maplewood, Palm and Bryker Woods elementary schools. These were originally slated for closure before next school year before the district narrowed its focus. AISD officials have not confirmed all of the schools being considered for future consolidation plans.
Another change that could be settled next fall is a plan that would allow construction to continue at Oak Springs Elementary. The school in East Austin is set to undergo a $47.6 million renovation with money from the voter-approved 2022 bond.
During the construction period, Oak Springs students would attend Blackshear Elementary. Upon the project’s completion, students from Blackshear would return to Oak Springs and Blackshear would likely close.
A 27-year-old Pflugerville man faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing his parents and his brother, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The bodies of 62-year-old Armand, 63-year-old Jami and 31-year-old Noah Dahan were found by deputies conducting a welfare check Thursday at their home on Civorno Drive. Deputies said the victims had suffered gunshot wounds. https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/tcso-pflugerville-triple-homicide/
AUSTIN, Texas — The Long Center just dropped details on The Drop-In, a free summer concert series on the outdoor H-E-B Stage.
The Levitt VIBE Austin Music Series, which is partnered with KUTX 98.9, begins May 21 and takes place every Thursday except July 2.
On Friday, the center released the 23 artists performing:
- Bonnie Montgomery
- CAZAYOUX
- Como Las Movies
- Fastball
- Felt Out
- francene rouelle
- Girl Guitar’s Rhinestone Renegades
- Grace Sorensen
- Gus Baldwin & The Sketch
- Hayden Butler
- Jackie Venson
- Je’Texas
- KindKeith
- Lew Apollo
- Lindsay Beaver
- Los Desechos
- LUCIRI
- Mean Jolene
- Paige Plaisance
- Ruthie Craft
- Sue Foley
- Sweet Limb
- The Magic Rockers of Texas
A social media poster for the event also featured a redacted performer’s name, hinting at a surprise guest.
On Monday, the Long Center will open RSVPs for The Drop-In, with Long Center members getting first dibs on those RSVPs. Members also enjoy early entrance and a special lounge.
Students representing schools from across the Texas Panhandle gathered at the Texas State Capitol on Monday, May 4, for the inaugural Panhandle Capitol Leadership Program, organized and hosted by State Representative Caroline Fairly.
The program brought together students from several school districts spanning hundreds of miles of the Panhandle, giving them direct access to the halls of state government. Throughout the day, the middle school students engaged with the legislative process through tours of the Capitol, etiquette training, a visit to the Governor’s Mansion, and presenting bill ideas to their peers.
An immersive civic education experience, the program was designed to bridge the distance between the Panhandle and Austin, giving students the opportunity to consider a future in public service. Fairly intends to continue the program in future years.
“One of the most important things we can do for the future of Texas is make sure our young people understand how their government actually works,” Fairly said. “The students who came to Austin today didn’t just observe the legislative process; they engaged with it. That kind of hands-on civic education is what turns curious students into engaged and productive adults.”
The following exceptional students participated in the program:
- Follett ISD: Randi Purgason, Angel Aguilar, and Gideon Stinson;
- Stratford ISD: Hellen Chitic and Monse Zamudio;
- River Road ISD: Kaydence Kovar, Lillie Stubblefield, and Kathryn Ruiz;
- San Jacinto Christian Academy: Cate Dowdy;
- Ascension Academy: Anima Tumula, Grae Gerig, and Zadie Shreffler;
- The Oaks: Ellie Carbajal, Aylah Jones, and Paige Solomon;
- Amarillo ISD: Mason Perry, Norah Bennett, and Jocelynn Guevara; and
- Perryton ISD: Andrew Russell.
“Seeing this extremely bright group of students presenting their ideas was one of the most rewarding experiences of my legislative career so far,” Representative Fairly added. “I am grateful to every student, teacher, and parent who made the trip. The future of the Panhandle is in excellent hands.”
Other community news
Kelly Preston, Senior Vice President and Human Resources Director at FirstBank Southwest, has been selected as a recipient of the Emerging Leader Award by the Texas Bankers Foundation. The award will be presented at the Texas Bankers Association’s 141st Annual Convention during a special awards luncheon. “Kelly represents the very best of what this industry needs as it looks to the future,” said Andy Marshall, President and CEO of FirstBank Southwest. “Her leadership is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and a genuine care for people. She brings those values into every part of her work, and we’re proud to see her recognized by the Texas Bankers Foundation as an emerging leader.” For more information, visit www.texasbankers.com/Foundation and check out Texas Banking Magazine, the official publication of the Texas Bankers Association, which includes a special feature on the 2026 award winners.
Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center will host a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate the completion of its new Camp Safety Initiatives and Protocols and to recognize the generous donors who helped make them possible. The event will be held at the Ceta Canyon Welcome Center, located at 37201 FM 1721, in Happy. “Safety is one of the deepest ways we love the families who trust us with their kids,” said Joe Alarcon, CEO of Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center. “We are also honored to recognize Heaven’s 27 and the fulfillment of the provisions outlined in the new bill. As one of the few organizations to receive licensure, we are grateful to lead the way in meeting these important standards.”
The Amarillo Symphony announced that Damian Blacksher, a senior at Dumas High School and a three-year bassoonist with the Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), has been named the inaugural recipient of the Claire Stovall Scholarship. The $2,500 award will assist Damian as he pursues a Bachelor of Music degree at the Baylor University School of Music in fall 2026. The Claire Stovall Scholarship was established by Jeff and Amy Stovall in loving memory of their daughter, Claire, a gifted violinist in ASYO. “Damian embodies everything this scholarship was created to honor,” said Larry Lang, Executive Director of the Amarillo Symphony. “He is a serious young artist with a generous spirit, the kind of student who lifts up everyone around him. The Stovall family’s gift will help carry his musicianship forward, and through Damian, Claire’s love of music continues to inspire the next generation of Panhandle musicians.”
This week’s Furry Friend is Quinn. “Quinn’s coloring is black with some white, and she is a medium size dog. Her coat is rather wiry. She is a cute, sweet dog, but very shy right now. Our volunteers and staff will be working with her. Quinn was brought to our shelter after spending some time on the street, so may take an extra bit of love and kindness.” APSCA adoptions can be made at the shelter, 11901 S. Coulter, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-622-0555, or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com or www.adoptapet.com.
This week, U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition winner for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District. This year’s theme is America 250, and winning pieces will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Shae Crawford of Denton and a student at Ryan High School, earned top honors for her oil pastel of an American Flag titled “Still Waving.” Her piece represents the courage and sacrifice of the brave Americans who have fought for generations to secure our freedoms and build this great nation. “Congratulations to Shae on winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “I thank everyone who took part in this year’s competition, including the teachers who helped make the contest possible, and I’m excited to see Shea’s work displayed in our Nation’s Capitol.”
This month, HTeaO is once again partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to help advance the fight against childhood cancer. Beginning May 1, guests at HTeaO locations nationwide will have the opportunity to round up their total to the nearest dollar at checkout, with proceeds supporting ALSF’s work to fund pediatric cancer research and provide critical resources for families impacted by childhood cancer. Throughout the campaign, HTeaO will swap out its signature blue straws for yellow straws as a small but visible reminder of ALSF’s lemonade stand roots. For more, visit https://HTeaO.com.
Tickets are on sale for a one-night-only Memorial Day weekend concert featuring Jack Ingram on Saturday, May 23, at the Pioneer Amphitheatre in Palo Duro Canyon, kicking off the 60th season of the Texas Outdoor Musical. Opening the evening is local favorite Travis Roberts, bringing a high-energy set that showcases the talent and spirit of the Texas Panhandle music scene. The TEXAS Outdoor Musical production will run June 11 through Aug. 1, alongside additional programming including “Shakespeare in the Canyon” on Tuesday evenings in July. Reserve your seats for the concert at www.texas-show.com or by calling 806-651-2181.
ALLIANCE Credit Union opened a temporary branch location on Monday, May 4, at 4711 S. Soncy Rd. in Amarillo. The temporary branch will operate on the same property while the new permanent building is under construction, allowing continued service without interruption. The temporary branch will offer a full range of products and services, and team members will be on-site to assist with transactions and answer questions. Additional details, including hours of operation, are available at alliancecutx.com and on their social media channels.
Brown & Fortunato announced the opening of an office in Salt Lake City, Utah, expanding the firm’s growing national footprint and strengthening its ability to serve clients across the United States. Founded in 1995, the national practice has offices strategically located in Amarillo, Dallas, and Salt Lake City, and is even better positioned to provide seamless, nationwide legal service while maintaining the close attorney client relationships that define the firm’s culture.
Helping Her is a free art show and women’s health resource fair at the Don Harrington Discovery Center, happening Friday, May 29 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Funds from the art show will support free period products in DHDC’s bathrooms and by request at the front desk. Only DHDC’s Space Gallery will be open to interact with community organizations and view or purchase art. Their partner, Free Bleed 806, is accepting art show submissions through May 25. Art in the theme of dinosaurs or space is encouraged, but they’re accepting art on any topic. Email kendra@womenmarch.com to learn more.
Shaun Hardy Sr. of Farwell, earned a Master of Science in Transformational Leadership from University of Maryland Global Campus in winter 2026.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that applications are being accepted for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from wildfires in Potter, Armstrong, and Oldham counties that occurred Feb. 15 through April 11. ECP signup will end June 3. “The Farm Service Agency can help producers and landowners recover from natural disasters that impacted their operation,” said Adam Acker, FSA County Executive Director for Potter, Armstrong, and Oldham counties. “If you have an immediate need to clean up and restore your operation, please call our office before beginning any restoration activities in order to determine program eligibility and to request restoration practice approval before taking any action.” For more, contact the Potter-Armstrong County FSA Office at 806-468-8600 x2, the Oldham County FSA Office at 806-267-2178 x2, or visit farmers.gov/protection-recovery.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Research will host a wheat field day and plot tour on May 14 in Bushland. Registration for the free event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the AgriLife Research Station, 2301 Experiment Station Road. The wheat field day will conclude before noon with the annual plot tour. Brent Auvermann, Ph.D., director of the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center, will open the event with a brief overview of the new center located in Canyon and how it ties in with the research being done at Bushland. For more information, contact Kevin Heflin, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agronomist and assistant professor, Department of Soil and Crop Science, at kevin.heflin@ag.tamu.edu.
Technical Solutions, a leading Managed Technology Services Provider, announced the company has expanded their data discovery and classification solutions designed to help customers’ identify sensitive information, reduce un-necessary exposure, and strengthen compliance. Along with possible legal complications, the rise of AI tools adds another layer of urgency to this issue. “Our goal is to give organizations clarity and confidence,” said founder Gene Wells. “Once you know what data you have and who can access it, you can protect it properly – and that peace of mind is invaluable.” For more information, call (806) 352-1309 or visit www.askts.com.
Mews, the operating system for hospitality, announced that Llano Real Estate Group has selected Mews to power a growing portfolio of hospitality assets across Texas, including hotels, RV parks and short-term rentals. Llano Real Estate Group is rapidly growing its footprint, with nine properties including Cactus Cove Inn & Suites in Amarillo and multiple RV parks and short-term rentals. “Where we’re going as a business requires a completely different level of operational control,” said Matt Marrs, owner of Cactus Cove Inn & Suites and operator at Llano Real Estate Group. “With Mews, everything is faster, more intuitive and built to scale with us.”
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