Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs Edition | August 2025

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Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 5 AUG. 28SEPT. 29, 2025

2025 Education Edition

BY CHLOE YOUNG

School closure plans underway Austin ISD soon to decide on campus consolidations

Austin ISD parent Kristin Davis said her fourth grade daughter has thrived in the dual-language Spanish program at Joslin Elementary in South- west 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 consolidation … or the closure process.” By the fall of 2026, AISD ocials 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. “Everyone needs to pay attention, because everyone will be aected,” AISD board member Candace Hunter said.

CONTINUED ON 24

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

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

Other

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue

Impacts: Check out a brand new veterinarian hospital in Dripping Springs (Page 9)

Government: Find out more about a tax election impacting Austin voters (Page 11)

Austin ISD Director of Planning Services Raechel French discusses consolidations with the community July 15. CHLOE YOUNGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Less ER wait time, more together time. Austin, it’s time you discovered another hidden gem: an ER with short wait times, free parking and a welcoming vibe. All part of our full-service hospital, and all right here in Southwest Austin. So you can get in, out and back to the good stuff.

Learn More

Oak Hill near 290 & Mopac

Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2024 Baylor Scott & White Health. 09-AU- 1099300-AMC ED 25_Launch

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THE My ATX Water PROGRAM Austin Water launched a new smart water meter program called My ATX Water across the city. This program involves upgrading traditional water meters to digital ones connected to a wireless network. Along with this, a new customer portal is being introduced, offering near real- time water use information, leak alerts, emergency notifications, water conservation tips, and customizable features.

Austin’s Smart Water Meter System

HOW TO SIGN UP IN THREE EASY STEPS

Type your account number and zip code into this website: austintx.watersmart.com

Locate your account number. You can find this either on your utilities bill or call COA Utilities Customer Care 512-494-9400

Fill out your user profile and start saving!

austinwater.org

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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

Judy LeBas General Manager jlebas @communityimpact.com

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

Elle Bent Editor ebent@ communityimpact.com

Lindsee Sanchez Account Executive lsanchez@ communityimpact.com

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BRICKS & MINIFIGS SOUTH AUSTIN

SHOP NOW 5207 BRODIE LN, #130, SUNSET VALLEY bamsouthaustin bam_southaustin buy sell trade & . . part i es

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Impacts Southwest Austin

360

3 Vivobarefoot The U.K.-based footwear brand offers minimalist footwear with options for women, men and children for multiple uses including hiking, everyday and work. • Opened June 26 • 7601 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 500, Austin • www.vivobarefoot.com/us

MOPAC

360

290

Coming soon

S. LAMAR BLVD.

183 4 Fig & Brie A boutique charcuterie store will open near Shipley Do-Nuts off Southwest Parkway this summer. • Opening in summer • 7717 Southwest Parkway, Ste. 160, Austin • www.figandbrieboards.com 5 The Alley The boba shop is slated to open a new location in the Sunset Valley shopping center. The Alley offers fruit and milk teas, house-made sugar cane syrup and tapioca pearls and more. • Opening TBD • 5400 Brodie Lane, Ste. 1010, Sunset Valley • www.the-alley.us

CIRCLE DR.

E. ST. ELMO RD.

290

RIM ROCK TRL.

MOPAC

11 13 10

MAP NOT TO SCALE

What’s next

6 Menchaca Road Branch Austin Public Library The public library may be undergoing an estimated $1.6 million renovation project starting this fall with anticipated end in late 2026, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

• 5500 Menchaca Road, Austin • https://library.austintexas.gov/

2 The Skeleton Key The rock and roll dive bar features pinball machines, free pool, horror movies, chess and all-day happy hour. • Opened in mid-June

Now open

Relocations

1 Firehouse Subs Diners can order hot subs, cold subs and salads from the Florida-based chain. • Opened July 28 • 8601 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 240, Austin • www.firehousesubs.com

7 B Vo Vision Operated by Dr. Betty Vo, the vision center is officially relocating its office after 17 years of residency on the corner of Mopac and William Cannon. The business offers

• 4720 S. Congress Ave., Austin • Instagram: The Skeleton Key

YOUR FAMILY DREAMS MATTER… let’s take the next steps together.

Dr. Chang is accepting new patients

737.497.9944 5301 Southwest Parkway, Bldg. 2, Ste 350 Austin 78735

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

comprehensive exams, eye condition treatment and more. • 4477 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 540, Austin • www.bvovision.com 8 Maverick Metals The metal supply and processing company is relocating its headquarters from 1518 S. Alamo St., Ste. 120, San Antonio to Austin. • The Yard, 440 E., St. Elmo Road, Austin • www.maverick-metals.com

In the news

9 Austin Regional Clinic The clinic is celebrating 45 years of providing medical care, from specialty to primary care services. ARC is set

12 Riverbat Bites Food Pantry Starting Aug. 18, students at all Austin Community College campuses can access food and personal care items at Riverbat Bites Food Pantry. Pantries will be stocked with healthy groceries, snacks and hygiene products which students can access free of charge. • 1820 W. Stassney Lane, Austin • https://students.austincc.edu/personal- resources/riverbat-bites-food-pantry

15 Vivero Growers Nursery Vivero Growers Nursery is celebrating 15 years of supplying premium native plants for landscaping to the local community. Community members can find Texas native and adapted plants suitable for

to open a location off Ben White in 2026. • 1807 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. 490, Austin • www.austinregionalclinic.com

the Southwest Austin area. • 12000 W. Hwy. 290, Austin • www.viverogrowers.com

10 Rumble Boxing The gym is celebrating one year at Southpark Meadows, focused on a combination of high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, and strength training. The workout operates in a 10-round, 450-minute session split between boxing drills and strength training. • 9900 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Ste. A350, Austin • www.rumbleboxinggym.com United States Postal Service Founded in July 1775, USPS celebrated 50 years and now serves nearly 169 million addresses with over 649,000 employees. • www.usps.com 11 Zero Latency VR Austin In the now fully-renovated space, the location features an open arena about the size of a tennis court, co-owner Zachary Rucker said, for up to eight players to use while being immersed in their game of choice, from escape

16 Lustre Pearl South The South Austin bar announced it would be closing its Menchaca location. • Closed Aug. 2 • 10400 Menchaca Road, Austin • https://dunlapatx.com/lustre-pearl-south 17 Raw Fitness The chain opened in Southpark Meadows in 2020, offering personal training, boot camp classes, strength training and more. • Closed TBD • 9900 S. IH-35 Ste. F200, Austin • www.rawfitness.com

Closings

13 My Eyelab The business opened in 2022, offering prescription glasses, contact lenses and eye exams. • Closed TBD • 9900 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Ste. A250, Austin • www.myeyelab.com 14 Lone Oak Motors Owned by Bruce Musick and Bart Milam, the business sold pre-owned vehicles as well as RVs and boats. • Closed June 30

rooms to competitive games. • 9900 I-35, Ste. M500, Austin • https://zerolatencysouthaustin.com

• 10010 W. Hwy. 290, Austin • www.loneoakmotors.com

October 11-12, 2025 Sat 10-5 | Sun 11-4

13 Annual th

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Impacts

Dripping Springs

BY ELLE BENT & ELISABETH JIMENEZ

The public market will open in phases starting with the coffee shop and the market. • Opening late September • 2500 Beverly Drive, Dripping Springs • www.exploreoakwood.com

• Opened in August • 161 Cortaro Drive, Dripping Springs • www.foundersanimalhospital.com

BELL SPRINGS RD.

CORTARO DR.

2 MainDesign and Print Owner Misti McMain opened her shop offering custom- order print products such as brochures, vinyl banners, apparel, merchandise and more. • Opened May 5 • 101 Hays St., Ste. 408, Dripping Springs • www.maindesignprintco.com

FOUNDERS RIDGE

290

In the news

290

5 Rio Bank Rio Bank acquired Lone Star Capital Bank in June, paving the way for the McAllen-based business to add new locations, including in Dripping Springs. The bank offers personal, business, lending, trust services and more. • 401 Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs • www.rio.bank 6 Dripping Springs Distilling The business marked 20 years this year since brother- duo Gary and Kevin Kelleher set out to distill spirits in small batches. Their brands include Dripping Springs

KIBO RIDGE DR. BEVERLY DR.

Coming soon

290

HAYS ST.

3 The Learning Experience The business is slated to open in the Belterra area to offer play-based hands-on learning activities for children in infancy to preschool. The center has other Austin-area and Central Texas locations. • Opening in late August or early September

164

150

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Vodka, 1876, Republic Whiskey and more. • 5330 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs • www.drippingspringsdistilling.com

• 12400 Hwy. 290, Ste. 600, Austin • www.thelearningexperience.com

Now open

4 Oakwood Public Market Oakwood Public Market will consist of a variety of businesses including a coffee shop, a bar and a "soda shop" offering burgers and an old-school soda fountain.

1 Founders Animal Hospital The animal hospital, helmed by Dr. Kabita Deka, offers a variety of services including preventive health, surgical services, wellness exams and more.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ, HALEY MCLEOD & 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

HaysCo seeks tax hike to fund overturned road bond projects Hays County tax bills may increase as the county pursues alternative funding for 30 road projects halted after its 2024 road bond was overturned in court. What’s happening County Commissioners moved to raise the property tax rate by $0.02 per $100 assessed value in July. That increase would fund most 2024 bond projects, according to county documents. The $440 million bond passed last November with 55% support, and would’ve carried the same $0.02 tax increase. After a resident lawsuit alleging Texas Open Meet- ings Act violations when commissioners called the election, a Travis County judge voided the result in June. Separately, the court also moved to issue $240 million in certicates of obligation to fund some projects without public approval. A nal vote is anticipated in September and project budgets will be established once the COs are issued. Commissioners said their decision to seek a higher tax rate and issue COs aligns with voter support for the mobility measure. “We’re upholding voters’ decision by their vote [on the bond],” Commissioner Debbie Gonzales-Ingalsbe said July 29. “They have asked us to move forward with those critical improvements.”

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

2024

2025

2026*

*PROPOSED SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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.

Austin budget approved, tax rate election called

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.

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

Annual tax bill

$3K

2.9K

$2.5K

2.6K

2.4K

0 $2K Fiscal Year

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

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY GRACE DICKENS

LCRA expands rebates for home water conservation projects the summer is used outdoors depending on the region, about 50% of which is wasted partially due to overwatering, according to the Environmental Protection Agency in 2024. What’s covered Part of the WaterSmart program, the LCRA now offers higher maximum rebates on water-saving projects.

The Lower Colorado River Authority is expanding its water conservation rebate program from $600 to $3,000 per eligible residential property annually, the organization announced in a news release July 1. The details Rebates cover the cost of materials but not labor or taxes, according to the news release. The rebates are available to most businesses and residents that receive water from an LCRA firm water customer. It’s also available to domes- tic use LCRA customers with contracts to draw water directly from the Highland Lakes, the news release states. This includes cities such as Cedar Park, Dripping Springs, Pflugerville and Leander, alongside munic- ipal utility districts such as the Lakeway MUD, Hurst Creek MUD and several Travis county MUDs. The context About 30-60% of the water homeowners use in

Original rebate

New rebate

Of the 29 billion gallons of water used daily in households across the U.S., about 9 billion gallons are used outdoors primarily for irrigating landscapes, according to the EPA. The EPA also estimates that a single broken sprinkler head could result in up to 25,000 gallons of water being wasted over six months of irrigation. “We hope these rebates encourage residents to use technology and take other measures to cut back on outdoor water use, which saves both water and money,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of water. Rebates for water conservation from the LCRA are also available for businesses, schools and other institutions. Residents can sign up at www.lcra.org/ water/watersmart.

Type of improvement

Mechanical aeration

$100 $200

Compost and mulch

$600 $1,000

Converting turf grass to native garden beds or drought-tolerant landscapes

$600 $2,000

Rebates are also available on: • Soil moisture and rain sensors • Irrigation system evaluations • Pressure-reducing heads, nozzles, valves and in-line regulators • WaterSense smart controllers • Pool filters and covers • Soil testing SOURCE: LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Convict Hill crossing closed in South Austin The Convict Hill Road intersection crossing at Hwy. 290 is closed through early 2026 as crews complete the final phases of the Oak Hill Parkway improvement project. Northbound Convict Hill vehicles will detour to the eastbound Hwy. 290 frontage road. Drivers must utilize the U-turn at William Cannon Drive for access to westbound Hwy. 290. Those traveling westbound on Hwy. 290 must use the RM 1826 U-turn to access Convict Hill Road. The background The Texas Department of Transportation is currently reconstructing Hwy. 290 in Oak Hill, transforming the existing four-lane, undivided roadway to a six-lane divided highway with both new frontage roads and miles of shared-use paths. New intersections are being constructed at Con- vict Hill Road, RM 1826, Scenic Brook Drive and

Convict Hill Road

290

Traffic patterns New roads Work zone

WILLIAM CANNON DR.

ARK RD.

290

WEST-TO-EAST U-TURN

EAST-TO-WEST U-TURN

New road tied to 112- acre development A new road being constructed near the Dripping Springs Sports and Recreation Park, to be known as Village Grove Parkway, is expected to open mid-September. The details The project includes a new two-lane road with turn lanes at intersections. A new signalized intersection will be added at RR 12 and Village Grove Parkway, replacing the existing signal at Sports Park Road.

290

CONVICT HILL RD.

1826

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Circle Drive where the highway will be sunken below the existing ground level and the cross street will remain at ground level. In addition, an overpass for the Hwy. 290 mainlanes over William Cannon Drive will be built, along with new flyovers between Hwy. 290 and SH 71. At this location, the Hwy. 290 mainlanes will be lowered under SH 71.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY ELLE BENT, ELISABETH JIMENEZ & CHLOE YOUNG

76 Austin ISD campuses to receive free meals Austin ISD will offer free meals to all students at 76 of its campuses during the 2025-26 school year, according to district officials. The details The breakfast and lunches will be provided through the Community Eligibility Provision pro- gram. 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, can do so if:

AISD, DSISD to adopt new device policies Austin ISD and Dripping Springs ISD are implementing changes to device policies due to House Bill 1481, a new state law requiring districts to adopt policies banning the use of personal communication devices during the school day. AISD officials are set to vote on a new device policy at an Aug. 21 meeting, after press time. DSISD officials are still finalizing the Student Code of Conduct. A closer look AISD students may not use personal devices unless they have a medical excep- tion. AISD officials recommend students be required to store their phones in a bag. DSISD students must leave personal devices at home or keep them powered off and stored away. Devices brought to school may be confiscated and returned to a guardian.

1 Pre-K and Early Childhood Center 52 Elementary Schools 12 Middle Schools 9 High Schools 2 Other types of campuses 2025-26 CEP Schools

Scan to find the full list here:

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Receiving state-funded benefits, 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.

Students welcomed to newly expanded campus Sycamore Springs Middle School students will be roaming new halls this year following com- pleted renovations and upgrades on the campus. The details The Dripping Springs ISD community celebrated the expansion with a ceremony Aug. 6. The project, funded by the 2023 bond, has

Sycamore Springs Middle School

RACHELS CANYON DR

increased student capacity from 850 to 1,200 stu- dents. The expanded SSMS campus also includes a new dance studio, additional classrooms and more. The school cafeteria also underwent an expansion, which was completed in fall 2024. Construction on SSMS began in early 2024. Offi- cials said it was finished on time and under budget.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY JOEL VALLEY

Education Edition

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Education Edition. School is back in session, and families are adapting to the change that comes with it. We are excited to share our annual CI Education Edition to shine a light as the change and growth occur. Throughout this guide, our passionate local journalists provide information on budgets, expansions, closures, consolidations, college application help and more. As you enjoy this year’s guide, also take notice of the business ads that support our mission to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets.

What's inside

Discover terms and dates to know for college applications (Page 18)

Judy LeBas General Manager jlebas@ communityimpact.com

Check out details on Austin ISD’s and Dripping Springs ISD’s budgets (Pages 20-21)

Learn more about new state laws impacting local education (Page 23)

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 off 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 specific 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 offer 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 officials 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

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Education

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

What to know about college applications Austin-area colleges and universities have different 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 first-choice college; receive decision in advance The Free Application for Federal Student AID determines eligibility for financial 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 BOARD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Austin ISD adopts $1.6B budget, makes $44M reductions

Austin ISD adopted a $1.58 billion operating budget with a $19.7 million shortfall for scal year 2025-26. The district reduced its initial shortfall projec- tion of $127 million after proposing $44 million in budget reduction strategies, including $9 million in additional state funding following the 2025 legislative session. Additionally, AISD is expecting to receive $45 million in revenue from two land sales, Chief Financial Ocer Katrina Montgomery said. “This is not a stopgap,” Montgomery said about adopting the shortfall. “We’re going to continu- ously do work to reduce the decit over the next scal year.” The AISD board of trustees voted to adopt a general fund budget with $1.58 billion in revenue and $992.1 million in expenditures at the June 26 meeting. The district is anticipated to pay $715.5 million in property taxes back to the state through a process known as recapture and save $15.3 million in vacant positions. “If we get additional state funding ... we can reduce another line item or we can just throw that back into our fund balance,” Montgomery said. “But, what we are committed to doing is making sure, whether these strategies all hold 100% or not, that we will reduce $44 million in FY 2025-26.” The impact A homeowner with an average taxable value of $576,644 is estimated to pay $4,040 in property taxes in FY 2025-26 based on a tax rate of $0.9253 per $100 valuation, according to district docu- ments. This would be a $317 reduction in property taxes from the previous scal year.

Budget Reductions AISD has proposed the following reductions totaling $44 million :

If approved by voters in November, the state’s homestead exemption would increase from $100,000 to $140,000. Also of note Under House Bill 2, AISD is anticipated to receive around $35.9 million in additional school funding, around $9 million of which may go toward osetting the district’s budget shortfall, Montgomery said. The $8.4 billion school funding legislation— signed by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 4—includes a $55 increase to the basic allotment of funding per student as well as funding increases for special education, early education, school safety and support sta. Around 600 AISD teachers with three to four years of experience will receive $2,500 raises and about 3,000 AISD teachers with ve or more years of experience will receive $5,000 raises, Montgomery said. Superintendent Matias Segura said that while AISD is grateful for HB 2 funding, the district’s • $10 million to restructure central ofice positions • $9 million in additional state funding • $7 million in cuts to contracted special education services • $4 million in holding staff beneits contributions • $3.75 million in unidentiied cuts • $3 million to reduce department budgets by 5% • $3 million in property insurance savings

• $2 million in revisions to special education placements by centrally locating students at certain campuses • $800,000 to reduce campus budgets by 10%, excluding staff positions • $500,000 to consolidate or eliminate supplementary programs

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“We cannot continue to run decit budgets... We have to gure out where we’re not as ecient as we could be in our campuses, all while protecting the quality of education in Austin ISD.” MATIAS SEGURA, AUSTIN ISD SUPERINTENDENT

overall funding has not kept up with rising costs. The board is expected to vote on the district’s compensation plan Aug. 21. Sta members receiv- ing raises will be notied Sept. 15. In case you missed it Amid its budgetary concerns, AISD is planning to begin closing and consolidating campuses begin- ning in the 2026-27 school year.

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Education

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

Dripping Springs ISD approves $101M budget The Dripping Springs ISD board of trustees passed a $101 million operating budget with a $3.07 million decit at a board meeting June 23. The details However, trustees and other district ocials expect amendments to the budget in August to adjust for changes from the 89th Texas Legisla- ture, they said at the meeting. The over $101 million operating budget comes from local, state and federal revenues. District ocials anticipate over $104 million in expenditures, with 83% going to payroll costs, Deputy Superintendent Elaine Cogburn said. Trustees approved dedicating over $1 million in fund balance allocations to utilities in order to bring the decit expenditures to $2.02 million temporarily. District policy states that decits cannot exceed two percent of budgeted revenues, but items using fund balance funds are excluded, according to district documents. Cogburn said the allocation of fund balance money to utilities and the decit will likely be temporary due to future amendments. Trustees did not include general pay increases, a nalized compensation plan or new revenues in the approved budget and instead used current law and property growth estimates to create the budget, Cogburn said. She said district administration is waiting for August to receive more clarication on changes

Breaking down the budget

Dripping Springs ISD FY 202526 Revenues The over $101 million operating budget comes from local, state and federal revenues.

Local Tax Collections

State funding

Other local sources

Other

Total $101M

$85M

$11M $5M $405K

Dripping Springs ISD FY 202526 Expenditures by Object

Most of the DSISD expenses will go to payroll costs.

Debt services

Utilities

Travel

Payroll

Contracted services

Supplies/materials

Total $104M

7% 3%

83%

4% 2%

0.86%

NOTE: THIS GRAPH DOES NOT INCLUDE RECAPTURE PAYMENTS.

SOURCE: DRIPPING SPRINGS ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

from the 89th legislative session. New legislation through House Bill 2 would give DSISD teachers annual salary pay increases depending on years of experience: • $2,500 salary increase for teachers with 3 to 4 years of experience • $5,000 for teachers with 5 or more years of experience The bill also includes raising the basic allotment, or the per-student funding amount school districts receive, by $55, increasing the current basic allotment to $6,215. Additional funding includes funding for school safety, special education, other non-administrative sta and more. Cogburn said district ocials are also waiting for updated property value estimates and other information from the state to amend the budget.

“We’re not out of the woods yet...Unfortunately, [HB 2] just didn’t x the nance issues in public education.”

HOLLY MORRISKUENTZ, DISD SUPERINTENDENT

What else? The district made cuts to the budget ahead of its adoption through position reductions, attrition and stang: • Reduced nine positions; $550,000 in savings • Eliminated two vacant positions; $184,000 in savings • Sta transfers; $427,000 in savings

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Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

Teachers now have more disciplinary authority House Bill 6 gives public school teachers more discretion to remove students from the classroom if they are repeatedly disruptive or threaten the safety of others. The change comes after nearly half of Texas public school teachers cited disci- pline issues as a top workplace challenge in 2022, according to the Texas Education Agency. What you need to know The law, which took eect immediately when Gov. Greg Abbott signed it on June 20, allows schools to suspend students of any age who engage in “repeated or signicant” disruptions, reversing a 2017 state law that generally prohib- ited schools from suspending students in pre-K through second grade. If students in kindergarten through third grade are sent home for behavioral

Districts to level-set high school GPAs Texas school districts will soon be required to use a standard system to calculate high school students’ grade point averages. At a glance Senate Bill 1191, which became law June 20, directs the Texas Education Agency to create a new GPA standard “as soon as practicable.” The system must give equal weight to advanced placement, international baccalaureate and dual enrollment courses. “It most likely won’t impact kids that are currently enrolled in high school, … because it’s going to take a while to make sure every- one is on the same page,” said Bob Popinski, who leads the policy team for public school advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas.

“A lot of the problems we see with our kids in high school is because they did not have consequences, none whatsoever, when

they were younger.” BILL AUTHOR REP. JEFF LEACH, RPLANO

issues, schools must provide documentation explaining their decision. HB 6 gives schools the option to place students in an in-school suspension for as long as they see t. State law previously mandated that students could not be suspended for more than three school days, whether they were inside a school building or at home. The three-day time limit on out-of- school suspensions remains unchanged.

New law bans cellphone usage in all K12 schools When Texas public school students return to campus this fall, they will be prohibited from using cellphones, smart watches and other personal communication devices throughout the

School districts could:

the cellphone ban. “We want our kids to focus on academics, such as math, science and reading, and the reality is, these phones are a distraction. ... Schools cite growing incidents of cyberbullying due to these phones,” bill author Rep. Caroline Fairly, RAmarillo, said in March. HB 1481 includes exceptions for students with medical needs or special education accommoda- tions, and does not apply to devices supplied by school districts for academic purposes.

• Purchase pouches to store devices during the school day • Ask students to keep devices in their lockers or backpacks

school day. The details

Texas’ 2026-27 budget includes $20M in grants to help districts implement the law.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1481 into law on June 20, giving school districts 90 days to adopt new electronic device policies, including disciplinary measures for students who violate

SOURCES: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT

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