Education
BY ELLE BENT & CHLOE YOUNG
Modernized Harris Elementary opens Harris Elementary students moved into a fully modernized campus in January. The $56.28 million modernization was funded by the district’s 2022 bond. The overview Established in 1954, the original building no longer met the needs of its students. Since 2023, the campus has operated out of the former Sims Elementary.
Austin ISD shares update on budget process Austin ISD o cials shared some preliminary reductions that may be made to the scal year 2026-27 budget May 5. The proposed reductions come as the district faces a budget shortfall that has grown to $181 million for FY 2026-27. The breakdown As of May 5, AISD o cials have identi ed $73.8 million in reductions to central and depart- ment budgets. This will include eliminating vacancies. Sta anticipates $45 million in revenue from real estate monetization. Additionally, district o cials have identi ed $33.9 million in proposed reductions to campus budgets. This includes new student-to-teacher ratios and increased class sizes at some campuses, updated special education and bilingual stipend criteria, and changes to technology, including software transitions.
“This has been incredibly di cult work, and we know that there
are real impacts to all of these reductions. Ultimately, we must have a balanced budget.” AISD CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER KATRINA MONTGOMERY
Going forward The timeline for the nal budget decision is as follows: • May 21: The recommended FY 2026-27 budget is presented to the board of trustees. • June 18: The board of trustees votes on the nal budget before the deadline of June 30. • July 1: The new budget takes e ect. • July 25: Travis County Appraisal District nal certi ed values are received.
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EAST AUSTIN EDITION
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