South Central Austin Edition | August 2025

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South Central Austin Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 5 AUG. 30 SEPT. 30, 2025

2025 Education Edition

School closure plans on the way

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Austin ISD parent Kristin Davis said her fourth grade daughter has thrived in the dual-language Spanish program at Joslin Elementary in Southwest Austin. Heading into the 2025-26 school year, however, Davis is fearful her school could be at risk of closure as the district begins a process to consolidate campuses. “Since it’s such a small school, they all know each other,” Davis said. “I am concerned that that sort of richness will be lost in the consoli- dation … or the closure process.” By the fall of 2026, AISD o cials plan to merge some campuses, and revise attendance boundaries and its transfer policy. These actions come as the district looks to cut costs amid a $19.7 million shortfall and declining enrollment, projected to continue into the next decade.

CONTINUED ON 16

Austin ISD is seeking to have at least 85% of its seats lled by eliminating 8,557 or more seats.

85% seats lled = 8,557 seats removed

Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura visits classrooms on the rst day of school Aug. 19 CHLOE YOUNGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Elementary schools Middle schools High schools Median school capacities Elementary schools Middle schools High schools Number of current campuses

600 students 1,100 students 1,700 students

79 campuses 19 campuses 14 campuses 4 campuses

Also in this issue

Other

Impacts: Learn more about a new Caribbean restaurant from a local chef coming soon (Page 6)

Government: Find out more about a tax election impacting Austin voters (Page 8)

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia

Krista Box General Manager kbox@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Austin Market President Travis Baker

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts South Central Austin T

5 Whitaker Auto Collision Center The local, family operated auto collision center oers services including towing assistance, glass services, renishing services and auto collision repair. • Opened Aug. 4 • 3615 Willow Springs Road, Austin • www.whitakercollision.com 6 Four22 Leasing Group Owned by Lisa Waltke, the business oers apartment locating services in Austin, Houston, Leander, Georgetown, Buda, Cedar Park, Hutto, Kyle, Manor and Round Rock. • Opened July 1 • 2324 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 105, Austin • www.four22leasing.com 7 The Cowboy Poolside Boutique The Austin-based lifestyle brand opened a specialty retail shop at its South Austin showroom. Customers can nd a range of products including sunscreens, kids swim accessories, swimsuits, outdoor furniture, pool and poolside products and more. • Opened Aug. 7 • 4001 Warehouse Row, Austin • www.cowboypools.com 8 Think Again Tattoo Removal Owned by Mike and Chloe Anderson, the business specializes in only-laser tattoo removal for all types of tattoos. The Austin location is the business’s rst U.S. location. • Opened in May 9 Wow Poke The food truck’s menu features a make-your-own- poke-bowl option, house poke bowls, hot poke, wraps, desserts and small bites including wings, dumplings and spam musubi. The business has two other locations in East Austin and in South Austin. • Opened June 4 • 4204 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.wowpokeatx.com • 3801 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 115, Austin • www.thinkagaintattooremoval.com

W. 6TH ST.

NECHES ST.

E. 11TH ST.

ROSEWOOD AVE.

18 10

MOPAC

BARTON HILLS DR.

183

AZIE MORTON RD.

MOPAC

WILLOW SPRINGS RD.

WOODWARD ST.

WAREHOUSE ROW

MAP NOT TO SCALE

3 Bread Boat A new Georgian restaurant now serves cheeseboats, also known as Khachapuri. • Opened July 15

Now open

1 Good BBQ Company The new food trailer launched its full menu and new hours in June. The veteran-owned business was started by owner and pitmaster Daniel Monplaisir. • Opened in June • 1819 E. 12th St., Austin • www.goodbbqcompany.com 2 Revenge Bar The new bar blends dark, moody aesthetics with inventive cocktails. • Opened in July

• 1912 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.breadboatatx.com

4 The Terrace Bar & Grill The new dining spot oers American fare with cocktails and a curated wine and beer selection. • Opened Aug. 5 • Downright Austin, 701 E. 11th St., Austin • www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ ausbr-downright-austin-a-renaissance-hotel/dining

• 507 West Ave., Austin • www.revengebar.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Coming soon

Relocations

Now open

10 Twin Isle A new Caribbean restaurant from local chef Janelle Romeo, behind Shirley’s Trini Cuisine, is slated to open o of Rosewood Avenue in September. Menu items are inspired by the avors of Romeo’s native island, Trinidad and Tobago and the surrounding Caribbean islands. • Opened Sept. 1 11 Konbini Chefs Michael Carranza and Danielle Martinez, the team behind Japanese restaurant Tare, will oer sushi at their latest concept, Konbini. The restaurant will blend Japanese cuisine with avors from Texas and Mexico. • Opening this fall • 908 E. Fifth St., Austin • www.papercut.bar/konbini • 1401 Rosewood Ave., Austin • www.twinislerestaurant.com 12 Restaurant François From the team at Guy and Larry Restaurants, the restaurant will feature a blend of French cuisine with some Texas air. • Opening November • 401 W. Third St., Austin • www.restaurantfrancois.com 13 Sugarwolf Bakery Guy and Larry Restaurants is opening this scratch bakery, coee bar and kitchen which will serve fresh pastries, slow-roasted meats, hand-carved sandwiches and salads. • Opening in Spring 2026 • 401 W. Fourth St., Ste. 120, Austin • www.sugarwolfbakery.com 14 Black Rock Co ee Bar Customers can enjoy coee classics, locally-made pastries and breakfast items, and more. • Opening in late 2025 • 231 E. Riverside Drive, Austin • https://br.coffee

15 Waterloo Records Waterloo Records & Video will move from its 600 North Lamar Blvd., Austin location in August. • Relocating Aug. 30

• 1105 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.waterloorecords.com

In the news

16 The Roosevelt Room Since its opening in June 2015, the bar has oered a seated cocktail experience with rened food oerings. • 307 W. Fifth St., Austin • www.therooseveltroomatx.com 17 Wally Workman Gallery On Aug. 9, the gallery launched the opening reception for its 45th anniversary, featuring 45 of its represented artists from across the world. • 1202 W. Sixth St., Austin • www.wallyworkmangallery.com 18 Klerje Co ee Klerje Coee recently expanded its space to include more seating. The coee shop, owned by husband-and- wife duo Justin Lofton and Bethany Logan, rst opened in March and o¤cially expanded in August with about 700 extra square footage. • 1614 E. Sixth St., Ste. 112, Austin • www.klerjecoffee.com 19 Kerbey Lane Cafe Kerbey Lane Cafe celebrated its 45th anniversary in May. The family-owned business opened in 1980 and the business now operates 10 locations throughout Austin,

21 Joe’s Slice of Sicily Owner Joe Croce was born and raised in Capaci, Sicily before moving to the United States. In addition to pizza, diners can order calzones, rolls, pinwheels, mozzarella sticks, wings, garlic knots, salads and sandwiches. • Opened June 30 • 1220 Barton Hills Drive, Austin • www.joessliceofsicily.com

of Licensing and Regulation, the restaurant is expected to move into the space previously occupied by Trudy Del Mar on South Congress. The restaurant has locations in California and New York with menus featuring breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, bowls, pizza and more.

• 1600 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.thebutchersdaughter.com

Closings

Round Rock and San Antonio. • 3003 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.kerbeylanecafe.com

22 Cielo The business was established in 2009 and oered a Latin nightlife atmosphere. • Closed July 19 • 505 Neches St., Austin • Instagram: cielonightclub

20 The Butcher’s Daughter According to a permit led with the Texas Department

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Flood recovery prompts TravCo tax increase A one-time tax hike costing the average home- owner hundreds of dollars is planned to cover Travis County’s continuing response to July’s

Austin to revamp hate crimes response Austin ocials called to revamp the city’s hate crime response and available resources. The big picture Almost 300 hate crimes have been reported in Austin since 2017, more than half of which targeted Black, gay or Jewish people. With incidents and related concerns rising, City Council voted July 24 to pause the We All Belong public information and resource campaign, and recalibrate how bias incidents are addressed locally. The city will move to reshape the campaign and a hate crimes task force over the next year. “When someone in the community is targeted because of who they are and what they believe or who they love, we need to make sure that we can stand with survivors and build systems and prevent future harm,” council member Zo Qadri said.

severe ooding. The breakdown

Due to state and federal disaster declarations following the oods, the county can raise prop- erty taxes by a greater amount without needing voter approval. Normally, any increase that’d generate over 3.5% more revenue would require voter approval. The county took that approach last year with a tax rate election for child care funding, which was approved by voters. The county’s proposed scal year 2025-26 tax rate is over 9% higher than last year’s. The approved higher property tax rate for the scal year 2025-26 budget year is roughly three cents more per $100 of property value, at $0.375845 per $100 valuation. For the average homeowner—properties valued around $515,213—this means their county tax bill will go up by about $200, with around $72 of that tied to recovery costs from the July ooding disaster. “I think it’s important for people to understand this is necessary because of the unprecedented amount of damage that has occurred throughout Travis County, including the ooding in the Big Sandy Creek and Cow Creek areas,” Commis- sioner Brigid Shea said. “We are having to, in many cases, provide emergency repairs and draw from an emergency fund that we had set up. It’s just important for people to understand the cost

Local tax dollars may increasingly fund disaster recovery as federal aid faces funding limitations.

SAM SCHAFFERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Travis County taxes The county won voter approval last year for a higher tax rate funding aordable child care, and may now increase costs again due to disaster response.

Tax rate (per $100 property value)

$0.4

$.375845

$.344445

$0.3

$.304655

$0.2

$0.1

Rising hate crimes More bias incidents are being reported to Austin police each year.

2024

2025

2026*

*PROPOSED SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

80 60 40 20 0

of these storms is signicant and is growing.” The increase would raise around $42 million set aside in a special reserve, according to the county. The county plans to lower the tax rate again in FY 2026-27 once the road repairs and recovery costs are covered, county sta said.

*THROUGH JULY

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin budget approved, tax rate election called Austin leaders approved a budget for the upcoming scal year with a higher property tax increase that’ll require voter approval in a November election. What happened City Council voted to adopt a $6.3 billion budget

Tax rate decision

Austin voters will decide whether to fund a larger budget plan with a 20% tax rate increase this fall.

facing nancial constraints like growing decits through the 2020s. City Manager T.C. Broadnax proposed a balanced budget in July that closed a projected $30 mil- lion-plus shortfall. But most of the council agreed more money is needed going forward, and adopted an expanded spending plan backed by a larger tax hike—triggering the fall tax rate election, or TRE. “It is time for us to trust our voters,” Mayor Kirk Watson said.

Annual tax bill

$3K

2.9K

$2.5K

2.6K

2.4K

0 $2K Fiscal Year

for the upcoming scal year 2025-26 in a 10-1 vote Aug. 14, with council member Marc Duchen against. Ocials called this summer’s budgeting process the most dicult in recent memory while

2024-25 (current)

2025-26 (TRE approved)

2025-26 (TRE rejected)

NOTE: BASED ON A TAXABLE HOME VALUE OF $500,000 SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Southbound Far West Boulevard exit closed The Far West Boulevard exit on south- bound MoPac will close starting July 20 as the 183 North Mobility Project progresses. What you should know This is part of the last phase of construc- tion closures in this area as the project nears completion in 2026. The exit will remain closed for the remainder of the year.

Lady Bird Lake trail access to be impacted The Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike trail will soon include detours and construction zones as the I-35 bridge overhead is rebuilt. This segment of the project will reconstruct the bridge and add a new intersection at Riverside Drive and a pedestri- an-only bridge at Woodland Avenue. The details Since Aug. 10, construction has impacted the use of Lady Bird Lake, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike- and-Bike Trail and Boardwalk, as well as: • Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach • Waller Beach at Town Lake Metro Park • Chicano Park • Norwood Estate Dog Park The rst of the trail detours will begin on the north shore of the lake near the I-35 bridge. Lake access under the I-35 bridges will periodically close.

Park closure Trail detour Existing trail New intersection

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

MOPAC SERVICE RD.

Pedestrian only bridge

MOPAC

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY JOEL VALLEY

Education Edition

2025

Welcome to Community Impact's 2025 Education Edition. As another school year begins, families across our community are navigating the excitement and challenges that come with change. From new classrooms and teachers to early morning wake ups, this season is always one of adjustment, growth and opportunity. In this year’s Education Guide, we take a closer look at the issues shaping our local schools. We’ll cover important topics like district budget decisions, campus closures and a breakdown of local college admissions requirements. All stories that aect students, parents and educators alike. At Community Impact , our mission is to keep you connected to the important things shaping our neighborhoods. I’m grateful to our talented journalists for their thoughtful reporting and to the local businesses whose support makes each edition possible. Together, we’re able to share stories that inform readers, inspire community and foster connection. Here’s to a wonderful school year!

What's inside

Learn about the terms and dates found on college applications (Page 12)

Krista Box General Manager kbox@ communityimpact.com

Find out which Austin ISD schools will provide free meals to students this school year (Page 15)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

183 Project Lighthouse supports internet access as demand grows Districts across Bastrop, Hays, Travis and Wil- liamson counties are ensuring learning continues when students step o campus. The details 35 Project Lighthouse schools Katherine A. Cook Elementary School

essential tool for students, many have highlighted that the internet is essential for at-home use. From March 2020-July 2023, Austin ISD pro- vided 30,000 hotspots to connect students to the internet, but funding for the $7.2 million in technology through the Federal Communications Commission ended in June 2024. Now, hotspots are prioritized for specic student programming, according to Austin ISD. However, the district has rolled out Project Lighthouse—an ongoing initia- tive that is improving telecommunication services on campuses and in neighborhoods where internet access has historically been limited. “If they don’t have internet, they can’t connect sometimes with their teachers, their classmates, online homework, and also all the information that’s out there in the world that is accessible through connectivity,” Laura Browder, AISD executive director of technology operations said.

Graham Elementary School

With devices and internet resources provided through their respective technology departments, students can access instructional materials at home. Several Central Texas districts oer tech options for students. Bastrop ISD provides Chromebooks for students in grades sixth through 12th as part of its BootUp 1:1 Technology Initiative, which launched in the fall of 2023. “Having their own device allows students the opportunity to engage with their teacher and other learners or experts,” the district said in a statement posted to its website. Zooming in Although school ocials call Chromebooks an

MOPAC

Blanton Elementary

183 TOLL

Barbara Jordan Elementary School

Austin High School

Liberal Arts and Science Academy Perez Elementary School Blazier Elementary School

290

183

Akins High School

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Education

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

What to know about college applications Austin-area colleges and universities have di erent deadlines and requirements for applications. View the table to see admissions information for some local schools. This list is not comprehensive. St. Edward’s University did not respond. For more information, visit the respective college or university’s website.

Minimum number of credit hours needed to transfer

College/ university

Admissions GPA minimum

Spring application deadline

Terms to know

Acceptance rate

Earned when one successfully completes college-level course; some exams can also count

College credit

The University of Texas at Austin

21%

None

Sept. 1

College/university Acceptance rate

Test required?

SAT range ACT range

Regular deadline

Admissions contact info

Early action

Application sent in before regular deadline; can apply to other colleges

Huston- Tillotson University

The University of Texas at Austin

admissions@austin.utexas.edu 512-475-7399

100%

2.3

Nov. 1

26%

1230-1480*

29-34*

Dec. 1

Binding application; application sent in early to rst-choice college; receive decision in advance The Free Application for Federal Student AID determines eligibility for nancial assistance Deadline by which an application must be received to be given strongest consideration

Early decision

admissions@htu.edu 512-505-3160

Huston-Tillotson University

900 minimum

16 minimum composite

100%

May 1

Southwestern University

33%

2.5

Oct. 1

FAFSA

admission@southwestern.edu 800-252-3166 student.records@austincc.edu 512-223-4636

Southwestern University

43%

1140-1290 26-31

Feb. 3

Austin Community College

100%

N/A

None

Rolling admissions

Priority deadline

Austin Community College

100%

TSI-required

N/A

Rolling admissions

Varies by amount of transferable hours completed

Not required for students ranked in top 75% of high school class

Rolling admissions, advised to apply sooner to meet scholarship deadlines Rolling admissions, advised to apply sooner to meet scholarship deadlines

Texas State University

https://onestop.txst.edu 512-245-8978

1330 combined*

29 composite*

69.7%

N/A

Nov. 15

Rolling admission

Application is considered as soon as all required information is received

Texas State University

67.1%

Concordia University Texas

Applicants are given the option to submit SAT and ACT scores with their application

90%

N/A

admissions@concordia.edu

Test optional

Concordia University Texas

90%

Rolling admissions

*STUDENTS IN THE TOP 5% AND 25% OF THEIR GRADUATING CLASS WILL RECEIVE AUTOMATIC ADMITTANCE FROM QUALIFYING HIGH SCHOOLS PROGRAMS TO UT AND TXST, RESPECTIVELY.

THIS LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

SOURCES: APPLY TEXAS, COLLEGE BOARDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY ELLE BENT & CHLOE YOUNG

76 Austin ISD campuses to receive free meals Austin ISD will oer free meals to all students at 76 of its campuses during the 2025-26 school year, according to district ocials. The details The breakfast and lunches will be provided through the Community Eligibility Provision program. This is a federally funded program that allows qualifying low-income schools to serve free meals to all enrolled students. Families don’t need to apply or provide documentation to receive meals. What else Campuses that are not eligible for the program will provide meals to students based on their meal status. Students qualify for either free meals, reduced-cost meals or paid meals. Students attending schools not eligible for the program and in need of free or reduced-cost meals,

Austin ISD to adopt new phone policy The Austin ISD board of trustees is set to vote on a new device policy at an Aug. 21 meeting, after press time. House Bill 1481—passed by state lawmakers this spring—requires districts adopt policies banning the use of personal devices during the school day. A closer look Students may use devices provided by the district but may not use personal devices, unless they have a medical exception, said Edna Butts, AISD director of intergovernmental relations and policy oversight. AISD ocials are recommending students be required to put their phones away in a bag.

1 Pre-K and Early Childhood Center 52 Elementary Schools 12 Middle Schools 9 High Schools 2 Other types of campuses 202526 CEP Schools

Scan to nd the full list here:

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

can do so if: Receiving state-funded benets, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Enrolled in foster care or are homeless Approved by AISD’s application for free or reduced-cost meals. Also of note For the 2024-25 school year, 77 AISD campuses were able to provide free breakfast and lunch through the program.

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

School closure plans underway From the cover

AISD school consolidation data rubric

Two-minute impact

The approach

AISD ranked campuses in order of how optimal they were for consolidation alongside a support and resource index to measure the level of student need. The index lowered a campus’s score by accounting for demographic groups, such as special education, low income or English learner students. “Some of these data points [are] unfairly … reecting a reality of historic inequity and the current inequity in our district, and so we need to counteract for that,” AISD Director of Planning Services Raechel French said at a July 15 school consolidation workshop. In 2025, 41 AISD campuses received failing D or F ratings from the state, 26 of which may require turnaround plans on how to improve student performance and avoid TEA intervention. A¢F ratings will be factored into the consolidation process; however, all campuses may be considered for closure despite their rating, district ocials said. The district is now conducting a contextual analysis of the data rubric results by receiving feedback from the board of trustees, campus principals and community members, French said. At an Aug. 7 school consolidation workshop, board members discussed how to balance enrollment, align feeder patterns, provide baseline o¤erings

Austin ISD assessed schools for potential consolidation based on the following factors, along with a support and resource index to account for di¤erent student groups.

The district is projected to face a $19.7 million budget shortfall for scal year 2025-26 after making $44 million in budget reductions. AISD is looking to close campuses to avoid having to further cut sta positions, eliminate programs and increase class sizes, school board President Lynn Boswell told Community Impact . The district is aiming to reduce its student capacity by thousands of vacant seats as AISD’s enrollment has declined by more than 12,000 students over the last 10 years, according to the Texas Education Agency. In August, the district ranked all 116 of its campuses for potential consolidation using a data rubric that assessed campus utilization, facility condition, educational suitability and cost per student. AISD ocials have said the district’s current resources are spread too thin and that consolidating campuses will allow the district to have fewer, better-resourced schools. Some teachers and parents said they are concerned about the impact on employees and families, and the socioeconomic inequities between campuses. “This isn’t anything anyone is excited to choose,” Boswell said. “It’s something we’re being pushed to choose. I think our obligation is to do it as thoughtfully, as collaboratively, as strategically as we can, but it’s a disruptive, painful process.” Rubric results Schools were ranked from 1-5 based on the need for potential changes. Higher scores mean the most concerns. This is not a list of closures.

Category Description Weight

How full or empty is the building?

Utilization rate

35%

Utilities, contracted services and rentals

Cost per student (building & operations)

25%

Quality of the physical building

Facility condition

20%

Cost per student (sta£ng & academics)

Sta¤, bene¥ts and supplies

15%

Educational suitability

Size and types of learning spaces

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

for every campus, o¤er specialized programs and explore di¤erent school models. “If we’re going to have high quality education and we have limited resources, the only way to get there is by having fewer schools,” Superintendent Matias Segura said in an interview with Commu- nity Impact . “We can’t be razor thin everywhere.”

Projected enrollment decline in AISD Austin ISD is expected to lose nearly 7,600 students over the next 10 years. Historical enrollment Projected enrollment

How we got here

Despite state lawmakers passing an $8.4 billion school funding increase in 2025, Boswell said state funding isn’t keeping up with rising costs. For FY 2025-26, the district lowered a projected $127 million shortfall by selling two former cam- puses for $45 million and making $44 million in reductions alongside $17.8 million in savings from vacancies and schedule changes. This included cutting $7 million in contracted special education services and receiving $9 million in new state funding under House Bill 2. The district saved $10 million by restructuring its central oce positions, which included 40 employees losing their jobs, Segura said. “We’re doing this because we have done almost everything else we can think of, except things that feel even worse than closing schools,” Boswell said. With an enrollment of about 72,000 students— down nearly 15% from 2014—AISD has over 22,000 empty seats. By 2034, AISD’s enrollment is projected to drop by nearly 11% percent to about 64,500 students, according to a new demographic

Campus

Total score

70K 72.5K 67.5K 75K

Ridgetop ES

4.15

Blackshear ES

4.05

Maplewood ES

3.75

Covington MS

3.74

McCallum HS

3.7

SOURCE: MGTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Joslin ES

3.56

report by MGT. The district is seeing families move to the sub- urbs as the cost of living rises in Austin, Boswell said. Meanwhile, more families are enrolling their children in charter schools, she said. Over 16,000 students residing in the district attended a charter school or another public school district in the 2024-25 school year, according to the TEA.

Gullett ES

3.55

Bryker Woods ES

3.55

Barton Hills ES

3.45

Mendez MS

3.44

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Potential impacts 85%-90%

The impact

Going forward

In October, AISD o£cials will present their recommended consolidations to the board of trustees, who will vote in November. Education Austin will start meeting with district administration in September to discuss how the process might look, Underwood said. “This process will only be as good as the input we get from people and the way we are creative about this together,” Boswell said. In November, the board will adopt transition plans for impacted students, sta¤ and programming, Segura said. Those plans could help merging campuses build a shared school culture, he said. Key dates May 13 The district announced the intention to consolidate schools in the 2026-27 school year. Aug. 14 The administration presented a list of all scored campuses using the data rubric tool at a board meeting. Oct. 9 The administration will present their recommendations for campus consolidations and boundary changes. Oct. 9-Nov. 13 AISD will hold community engagement on transition plans. Nov. 20 The board will vote on a campus consolidation package, boundary changes and transition plans.

AISD ocials have not said how many campuses will be impacted. The district is aiming to realize $30 million in savings by consolidating campuses. This requires removing around 8,600-13,100 seats. “I’m hoping this is going to be an opportunity to be more ¦scally responsible across the board,” AISD parent Deborah Trejo said. Trasell Underwood, vice president of AISD’s employee union Education Austin, said many educators are fearful of what might happen to

target for seats to be ¥lled

$30 million or more in cost reductions

8,557-13,156 seats to be removed

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

have a student population that is 85% economi- cally disadvantaged or higher. Combining schools could provide the opportu- nity to invest additional resources in underserved schools while the district repurposes campuses for a¤ordable housing, Boswell said.

their jobs if their campuses are closed. AISD teacher Mallory Vinson said she is

concerned how this might a¤ect disadvantaged communities. Forty-four of the district’s campuses

What else?

and high schools. Martin Middle School in South Austin currently feeds into ¦ve high schools, Segura said at an Aug. 7 meeting. The district allows students to transfer to another school in the district based on availabil- ity. Some students transfer to attend a special program, while some campuses are empty due to students not choosing to go there, French said. About 25% of AISD students transfer to another campus, Segura said “We need to create a system where everyone has no problem going to their neighborhood school,” French said at the July 15 workshop. “The fact that we have some that people don’t want to go to due to reputation is unacceptable.”

Part of the consolidation process could include rezoning students and amending AISD’s transfer policy. The district is seeking to balance enrollment so that schools aren’t overenrolled—with 107% or more seats ¦lled—or under-enrolled—with 64% or less seats ¦lled, according to AISD information. Davis said she believes Joslin Elementary is underenrolled due to the district’s failure to update attendance boundaries in recent years. “We’re underenrolled because AISD drew the boundaries that way, and they haven’t moved them,” Davis said. AISD ocials and parents told Community Impact the district has fractured feeder patterns where students are split between multiple middle

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Development

BY BEN THOMPSON

Waterline tops out downtown at 74 stories Waterline, Texas’ new tallest tower, reached its nal height in downtown Austin Aug. 1. The overview The 74-story high-rise from Lincoln Property Co. and Kairoi Residential at 98 Red River St., Austin will feature: • 352 apartments across 33 oors • 703,000 square feet of oce space across 26 oors • A 252-room hotel across 13 oors • 24,000 square feet of public commercial space at the tower’s base At 1,025 feet, Waterline is now the tallest build- ing in the city and the state, according to Lincoln, passing the JPMorgan Chase Tower in Houston. It overtook Austin’s previous record holder, Lincoln and Kairoi’s 66-story Sixth & Guadalupe that

High-rise, hotel development planned Plans for Riverside’s tallest building yet advanced this summer, while Oracle looks to expand its lakeshore headquarters. What’s happening Oracle is eyeing a campus expansion with nearly 300,000 square feet of oces and a new 255-room hotel up to 120 feet tall. Plans for a 180-foot, 360-unit residential high-rise o Riverside Drive and Lakeshore Boulevard were approved this spring.

The 1,025-foot Waterline tower topped out after nearly three years of development. It will open 2026.

opened last year, by nearly 200 feet. Also of note Waterline’s development has taken place alongside the second phase of the Waterloo Gre- enway initiative. Lincoln and Kairoi also provided $1 million for new bridges across the waterway.

1 Riverside/Lakeshore tower 2 Oracle campus

S . L A K E S H O R E B

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

October

Teresa Lozano Long Community Day The third annual block party will showcase community partners, activities and performances in addition to live music, food trucks, crafts and games. • Sept. 6, 11 a.m. • Free (admission) • The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.thelongcenter.org/ events/teresa-lozano-long-community-day-2

Austin Museum Day Community members can enjoy a day of free admission to dozens of museums featuring art, science, music, nature, history and culture. • Sept. 21, times vary by participating museums • Free • Locations vary • www.austinmuseums.org/this-years-amd

Austin City Limits Music Festival The popular music festival will kick o in early October, showcasing artists such as Hozier, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, The Strokes and Empire of the Sun. • Oct. 3-5; Oct. 10-12 • $170+ • Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.aclfestival.com

• Sept. 11, 7 a.m. • Free

Research Hospital at this annual 5k walk. • Sept. 27, 7:30 a.m. • Free • 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd., Austin • www.stjude.org/walkaustin

September

• Mount Bonnell, 3404 Mt Bonnell Drive, Austin • Facebook: Annual Sept. 11th Memorial Mt Climb

Zilker Relays Austin Runners Club will host its annual team-based running celebration. • Sept. 5, 6 p.m. • $18-$368 • Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.austinrunners.org/zilker-relays Annual Sept. 11th Memorial Mt Climb The annual tradition features a 9/11 memorial climb where participants climb Mount Bonnell 44 times to reach the 220 stories of stairs in the Twin Towers.

Jane Goodall The world-renowned conservationist and ethologist will reect on her journey as a scientist. • Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. • $65+ • The Long Center, Dell Hall, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.thelongcenter.org/events/jane-goodall

2025 Walk to End Lupus Now! Participants will fundraise for lupus research, support and education services as they walk with those impacted and touched by lupus. • Sept. 27, 8 a.m. (registration), 9 a.m. (walk starts) • $30 (registration w/ free shirt) • Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd., Austin • www.lupus.org/lonestar/events/ 2025-austin-walk-to-end-lupus-now

St. Jude Walk Attendees can raise funds for St. Jude’s Children’s

LET’S MAKE AUSTIN BETTER, TOGETHER!

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Real estate

The median home price for Central Austin homes increased by about 3% in July 2025 compared to July 2024, according to Unlock MLS data.. Residential market data

Homes sold

+100%

+5%

-8.33%

-26%

-32%

-20%

78701

78702

78703

78704

78705

78722

July 2024

July 2025

-12.9%

+16.67%

+60%

-28.57%

-5.88%

78705 78751 78752 78756

78757

78731

290

360

78723

78731

78751

78752

78756

78757

78723

78703

78701

78722

78702

78704

Median home sales price

290

183

July

2024

2025

MOPAC

$730,000 $550,000 $1,300,000 $755,000 $342,000 $679,000 $510,000 $1,225,000 $575,000 $475,000 $620,000 $687,500

$695,000 $730,000 $1,478,800 $750,000 $284,000 $420,000 $630,000 $149,8125 $650,000 $412,999 $1,025,000 $580,000

78701 78702 78703 78704 78705 78722 78723 78731 78751 78752 78756 78757

South Central Austin

July

2024

2025

427 487

New listings

268 250

Closed sales

Homes under contract

240 280

Homes sold by price point

July 2025

Average days on market

$900,000+

-10.5%

+10.53%

+39.34%

-22.37x%

+61.22%

+62.79%

$700,000-$899,999

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

78701

78702

78703

78704

78705

78722

<$299,999

+9.76%

-28.34%

-3.57%

-3.7%

+364.29%

+12.77%

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 5124547636 WWW.ABOR.COM

78723

78731

78751

78752

78756

78757

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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