Education
BY ELLE BENT
Audit identifies seven improvements for SPED An audit by Houston-based firm Stetson and Associates identified areas of improvement for Austin ISD’s special education department. In a nutshell The audit highlights seven overall issues impact- ing the special education department and is a requirement for the district as part of an agreement with the Texas Education Agency, prompting AISD to allocate resources to improve the department. How we got here The agreement includes a state-appointed mon- itor over the department, a decision that followed TEA officials finding the district had a backlog of special education evaluations, meaning students were awaiting potential access to accommodations needed at school. “The audit findings align with critical work and
DSISD proposed policy sparks concern Dripping Springs ISD officials are consid- ering removing language referencing the LGBTQ community in district policies. What’s happening? The changes would remove terms “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” from polices prohibiting discrimination, but not any others like “race” or “age.” The board of trustees postponed voting April 22 after some community members expressed concerns the proposed changes would harm students and staff. In a state- ment, DSISD officials said there was never an intention to remove any protections. DSISD officials may keep the terms if they choose, and will likely decide during a board meeting May 20, after press time.
Audit findings
1 A national shortage of teachers and personnel 2 An unreliable data system used by AISD officials to monitor a student’s special education plan 3 A “lack of shared responsibility” across campuses “to meet the requirements for serving students with disabilities” 4 A lack of a direct line of communication between the AISD special education department and campuses 5 Services not catering to individual needs of students 6 A lack of a quality system providing professional development and training to staff 7 A need for more consistent involvement of parents in their child’s education
SOURCES: AUSTIN ISD, STETSON AND ASSOCIATES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
priorities for our district,” said Dru McGovern-Rob- inett, AISD assistant superintendent of special education programs. “The results reinforce the steps we’re taking to address systemic challenges as we work to improve special education services for over 12,000 students in Austin ISD.”
AISD to make $30 million in cuts to 2024-25 budget the predicted $60 million shortfall to $89 million. Officials are making an estimated $30 million in cuts, meaning the school year may start with a $59 million shortfall.
Potential budget cuts Contract reductions with third-parties: $14M Operational adjustments, such as technology
Austin ISD’s budget shortfall for fiscal year 2024-25 has increased from what officials predicted in April. The big picture District officials assumed an average daily attendance rate of 92% and a property value growth of 10%, but discovered in mid-April the rates are 87% and 5%, respectively. This brings
efficiencies: $10.24M Cuts in central office positions: $3.66M
Total $30.68M
More budget cuts are in discussion, including staff reductions. 41 central office positions—many of which were vacant— have been cut. The AISD board of trustees will approve the FY 2024-25 budget June 20.
Overtime control: $2.35M Contract eliminations with third-parties: $434K
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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