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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 7 AUG. 30 SEPT. 27, 2023
EDUCATION EDITION 2023
Bouldin Acres opening Braker Lane bar, restaurant
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Superhero Run to bene t foster children EDUCATION EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • Next Level Urgent Care
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District data
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Students across all campuses in Austin ISD returned back to school on Aug. 14. (Nell Carroll/Community Impact)
As families sent their students back to classes on Aug. 14, Austin ISD leaders are wrestling with a $53 million shortfall, enrollment issues and growing concern from some parents about the district’s trans- parency and quality. The $53 million shortfall for the 2023-24 school year could lead to programming cuts. One of the biggest concerns— as cited by Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Mor- ath during a February hearing— is public school funding drops as the district loses students. As of Aug. 16, AISD o cials said the 2023-24 school year enroll- ment numbers were a little over CONTINUED ON 26 As classes resume, AISD battles budget, enrollment BY AMANDA CUTSHALL Enrollment declines provide addi- tional challenges for AISD following receiving no increase in state fund- ing after the 88th legislative regu- lar session ended in May—despite in ation signi cantly increasing the need for more money per stu- dent, according to a report com- piled by o cials with the Texas Association of School Boards.
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MONTH OF SEPTEMBER DUSTY BOOT TOURS First Look Join us for your exclusive first-look tour during final construction of our brand-new community. This behind-the-scenes look at our remarkable senior living community offers a preview of the impressive amenities, gracious accommodations, bright gathering spaces and gorgeous dining areas that are taking shape in the Gateway neighborhood of Austin, Texas.
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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Taylor Caranfa Stover EDITOR Grace Dickens REPORTER Brittany Anderson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sabrina Musachia ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jill Futch METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES nnwnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nnwads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM TAYLOR: Congratulations—you made it through the first few weeks of the new school year! This annual Education Edition (see Pages 12-27) arrives just in time after the back-to-school frenzy to take a closer look at the biggest topics within our school systems this year. Our coverage includes everything from budget shortfalls and education-related bills to a spotlight of a Round Rock ISD nonprofit serving teachers. Happy reading! Taylor Caranfa Stover, GENERAL MANAGER tstover@communityimpact.com
FROM GRACE: Welcome to our annual Education Edition! Alongside our updates on the hottest topics affecting local school districts, we also outline the latest businesses coming to the area and upcoming events. For an inside view of the media restoration process, visit Page 28 to learn more about Memory Forward. For those looking for affordable drinks and eats, check out The Bon Aire on Page 29. As always, thank you for reading! Grace Dickens, EDITOR gdickens@communityimpact.com
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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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The Lawn, which features The Lucky Pony, a 1989 horse trailer turned into a mobile bar. The hotel also features other wedding ceremony and reception areas, including Glass Oaks, Bluebonnet and the Grand Ballroom, as well as prewedding activity rooms, pre- and postnuptial cocktail bars, and amenities such as a gated pool and a jacuzzi. 512-343-2626. www.marriott.com 5 The North Face opened July 28 at Domain Northside. The 4,500-square-foot store at 3211 Palm Way, Ste. 146, Austin, sells men’s, women’s and kids cloth- ing, shoes and gear in addition to other accessories for hiking, skiing, trail running, camping and more. 512-275-2635. www.thenorthface.com 6 Coworking and day care business WorkCastle opened Aug. 5 at 9901 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. 3250, Austin. WorkCastle o ers coworking spaces with drop-in child care services for ages 18 months to 13 years with story time, music time, arts and crafts, puzzles, Legos and more. Coworking spaces for parents in- clude desks and conference rooms to rent for one hour or longer plus high-speed Wi- Fi and a free print station. 415-528-8905. www.workcastle.us COMING SOON 7 Rails , a Southern California-based clothing company, is slated to open at Domain Northside in November. Located at 11621 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 100, Austin, in a 1,800-square-foot store, the com- pany sells a variety of women and men’s apparel, such as denim pants, shirts, coats, dresses, sweaters and more. www.rails.com
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NOW OPEN 1 AFC Urgent Care opened a new facility in Parmer Point at 2510 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 100, Austin, on July 24. The facility provides emergency care to adults and children along with family care, vaccines, physicals, testing for sexually transmitted infections, on-site labs and more. Walk-ins are welcome, but patients can schedule appointments online. 512-666-4041. www.afcurgentcare.com/north-austin
2 Houston-based clothing store Francesca’s opened a new location at The Domain on Aug. 18 at 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin. Francesca’s sells women’s clothing and accessories. The Domain boutique is twice the size of the brand’s average store and features a mini shop of its tweens-focused brand, Franki. www.francescas.com 3 Hyderabad House opened its rst Austin location in June at 6301 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 601, Austin. The chain serves
cuisine from Hyderabad, India, such as curries; tandoori meats; naan; and a variety of biryanis, or rice bowls, served in buckets. 512-382-0053. www.hhaustintx.com 4 Renaissance Austin Hotel in the Arboretum opened Luna Blanca and The Lawn , a redesigned backyard wedding retreat at 9721 Arboretum Blvd., Austin. Luna Blanca features 3,600 square feet of glass-enclosed space for up to 200 guests and is located alongside outdoor venue
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Pool Scouts of North Austin COURTESY POOL SCOUTS
The Domain
RENDERING COURTESY SIMON PROPERTY GROUP
8 Solidcore will open in September in Domain Northside at 3210 Esper- anza Crossing, Ste. 110, Austin. The 1,659-square-foot building will feature high-intensity, low-impact full-body work- outs on a Pilates-inspired reformer. The studio’s core workout utilizes controlled movements scienti cally designed to break down muscles so they build back stronger. 512-900-6843. www.solidcore.co Pool cleaning service Pool Scouts of North Austin is set to begin serving the North Austin, P ugerville and Round Rock communities in September. Pool Scouts services residential pools, o ering single and weekly pool cleaning and maintenance as well as speciality services, such as kick-start services for year-round pools, green pool service and winter storm repairs. 512-831-5595. www.poolscouts.com/northaustin RELOCATIONS 9 Lone Star Farmers Market relocated July 9 to Garbo’s at 12709 N. MoPac, Austin. While the market’s longstand- ing location in Bee Cave is temporarily closed, the new North Austin location is open every Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. starting in September. The market features over 50 local participating ven- dors, including farmers and artisans with baked goods, co ee, produce, owers, gourmet food, artisan goods and more. www.lonestarfarmersmarket.com 10 Purple Mattress at Domain Northside relocated over the summer within the cen- ter and is now situated in a 2,027-square- foot space at 11800 Domain Blvd., Ste. 114, Austin. Purple Mattress sells a variety of
mattresses, pillows, bed coverings and bed frames. 512-884-6002. www.purple.com RENOVATIONS 11 Arboretum Oaks , an apartment complex located at 9617 Great Hills Trail, Austin, completed a variety of renovations on the property, including updated units and renovations to the swimming pool, the clubhouse and the tness center. The complex features one- and two-bedroom units and also o ers a preferred employer program for health care and EMS workers, re and police o cers, Austin ISD and Round Rock ISD employees, and others. 512-346-4697. www.arboretumoaks.com 12 The Domain is set to receive a series of multimillion-dollar renovations over the next two years at 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin. The rst phase will focus on upgrading the center’s exteri- ors and has an expected completion date of late October; the property will remain open and accessible to shoppers during construction. Additional renovation phases will take place throughout 2024 and 2025 and include further construc- tion on building facades on the north end of the property. Outdoor renova- tions at Century Oaks Plaza and Agave Lane are also planned. 512-795-4230. www.simon.com/mall/the-domain CLOSINGS 13 Las Palapas’ sole Austin restaurant, located in Four Points at 7409 N. RM 620, Austin, announced its closure July 13, nearly a year after it rst opened.
The Braker Lane location of Bouldin Acres will have pickleball courts.
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Restaurant and bar Bouldin Acres is planning to open its second location at 1806 Braker Lane, Austin, by the end of August. Bouldin Acres Events Manager Jacqueline Mooney said the new location will have a full kitchen operated by CM Smokehouse, the barbecue restaurant that operates a food truck at Bouldin Acres’ original South Lamar Boulevard location. Having a full kitchen will allow for expanded menu o erings, Mooney said. The new location will also feature pickleball courts, a full-service bar, a dog-friendly patio and a playground. The spot will have 1,700 square feet of covered outdoor space located less than a mile from Q2 Stadium. RENDERING COURTESY DESIGNTRAIT ARCHITECTSBOULDIN ACRES The San Antonio-based Tex-Mex chain restaurant served breakfast tacos and plates, enchiladas, autas, quesadillas, fajitas, burritos, and a variety of desserts and margaritas. Las Palapas has multiple other locations in San Antonio and New Braunfels. www.laspalapas.com IN THE NEWS 14 Breastfeeding Success announced the relaunch of its in-person birth and
“As o cial partners with Austin FC, we’re looking forward to being the go- to home base for Austin FC fans, who will be able to enjoy any game from any of our 25 TVs from any spot in the house,” Mooney said. 512-536-0132. www.bouldinacres.com
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baby care classes at its North Austin clinic in August at 4201 W. Parmer Lane, Bldg. C, Ste. 250, Austin. Starting in September, in-person classes will also resume at the South Austin clinic. Breastfeeding Success o ers classes for pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding, newborn care, infant CPR and safety, and pediatric nutrition consultation as well as pregnancy, postpartum and new parent support groups. 512-808-0237. www.bfsuccess.com
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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023
TO DO LIST
September events
COMPILED BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
SEPT. 10
CELEBRATE CITY SISTERHOOD ASIAN AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER
SEPT. 30
TOUCH A TRUCK Q2 STADIUM
The Oita Japan Summer Festival will be held at the Asian American Resource Center to celebrate Austin’s sister city of Oita, Japan. Hosted by the Austin-Oita Sister City Committee, the festival will feature a variety of Japanese food and drinks, music and dancing, kids activities, cultural education, and a silent auction including a pair of Japan Airlines tickets to Oita. 11 a.m. (doors), noon-4 p.m. (performances). Prices vary. 8401 Cameron Road, Austin. www.austinoita.org
SAFE Austin’s annual Touch a Truck event will be held at Q2 Stadium. Children are invited to touch, explore and climb on re trucks, ambulances, bulldozers and more with other activities such as face painting, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and a bounce house. VIP Hour tickets include early entry, co ee, a breakfast taco and access to an air-conditioned VIP section all day. 9-10 a.m. (VIP Hour), 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Prices vary. 10414 McKalla Place, Austin. www.safeaustin.org
The 5K will bene t advocacy for children in the foster care system.
FEATURED EVENT SUPERHERO RUN Court-appointed special advocate organizations of Travis, Williamson, Bastrop and other Central Texas counties are hosting the 14th annual Superhero Run at Circuit of the Americas on Sept. 17. Along with the 5K race, the event will feature music, snacks, games, family- and pet-friendly activities, and a costume contest. The organizations are aiming to raise $135,000 to support advocacy for children in foster care. 7 a.m. $10-$50. 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin www.casasuperherorun.com
SEPTEMBER 09 MAN UP
performers. The event allows parents and students to get to know what makes their campus special. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin. www.palmereventscenter.com/events 23 PLAY WITH PUPPIES The Arboretum is hosting its fourth annual Pups & Pints event featuring vendor booths by The Pawstin Bakery, DOGSHT and others; adoptions from Safe Refuge of Central Texas; beverage samplings; live music; and family-friendly activities. Guests who donate pet supplies—such as 24-inch dog kennels, puppy pads, dog toys, or Nulo canned puppy or adult dog food—will be entered to win Arboretum gift cards. Pets are welcome. 4-6 p.m. Free. 10000 Research Blvd., Austin. EventBrite: 4th Annual Pups & Pints 24 WATCH A FASHION SHOW Beautifully Loved is hosting its ninth annual Beautifully Loved Fashion Show at Palmer Events Center with patients from Dell Children’s Hospital and others to raise funds for the organization. Participants are provided with professional hair and makeup services, clothes from local boutiques, a
pre-show photoshoot and a spotlight on the runway for the public fashion show. 4-8 p.m. $20 (children), $40 (adults). 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin. www.beautifullyloved.org 30 TASTE TEXAS CRAFT BEER The Texas Craft Brewers Festival will take place at Fiesta Gardens. The festival will feature more than 80 Texas craft breweries, o ering over 200 handcrafted beer samples plus food trucks and live music. This event is for individuals 21 and up. 2-6:30 p.m. $20 (designated driver), $50 (general admission). 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., Austin. www.texascraftbrewersfestival.com 30 ENJOY FREE LIVE MUSIC American rock band The Maine will perform a free show on The Lawn at Domain Northside with pop punk group Broadside performing an opening set. The event will also feature street-side pop-up bars, yard games, photo ops and more, and the show will be livestreamed through Domain Northside’s YouTube channel. 5 p.m. (doors), 6:30 p.m. (show). Free (admission). 11821 Rock Rose Ave., Austin. www.domainnorthside.com
The Arboretum will hold a men’s lifestyle event featuring a Porsche VIP event, a fashion presentation, a mixology demo, a cigar-rolling presentation and more, plus game day watching on The Lawn and giveaways. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 10000 Research Blvd., Austin. Eventbrite: Man Up The Ultimate Men’s Lifestyle Event 10 CATCH A SOCCER GAME Tour Águila is returning to Austin for the second time as Club América faces Liga MX’s Tigres UANL at Q2 Stadium. Prior to the match, a fan fest will take place outside the stadium with live music, food, team mascots, championship trophies and more. 4:30 p.m. Starting at $60. 10414 McKalla Place, Austin. www.q2stadium.com 23 GET SOME SCHOOL SPIRIT Austin ISD will hold its second annual Austin ISD All-District Showcase at Palmer Events Center. The event will include interactive activities, various free school supplies and student
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Find more or submit North-Northwest Austin events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES CapMetro ridership, revenue increase expected for 2023-24
COMPILED BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
ONGOING PROJECTS
Set for approval in September, Capital Metro’s almost $430 million operating budget for fiscal year 2023- 24 plans for an increase in ridership, services and benefits for employees. The specifics: Provided in a July 24 presentation to the board of direc- tors, the proposed $425.4 million FY 2023-24 operating expense budget is up $37.9 million from last year. Notable increases in year-over- year spending come from salaries and benefits, along with purchased transportation, which is estimated to include 27% more rail hours and 28% more pickup hours. However, some expenses, such as materials and supplies and fuel and fluids, will each see a $1 million decrease. CapMetro’s ridership is also budgeted to increase, which adds to the agency’s operating revenue. Fare revenue is based on the continuing return of ridership in FY 2023-24, which budgets 25.1 million riders. The budget’s five-year capital
OPERATING EXPENSES The proposed $425.4 million FY 2024 budget is up $37.9 million from last year. Salaries & benefits Professional services Purchased transportation Lease/rentals Materials & supplies Other expenses Utilities Fuels & fluids
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Red Line Trail extension Throughout August, residents provid- ed feedback on the 1.7 mile-long Brak- er Lane/Northern Walnut Creek trail segment of the Red Line Trail project, a nearly 30-mile long trail and transit project that will link downtown Austin to Leander once completed. Timeline: Construction beginning in 2025 Cost: TBD Funding sources: 2016 and 2020 Austin Mobility Bonds
$50M $100M $250M $150M $200M
$0M
FY 2023 budget
FY 2024 budget
SOURCE: CAPITAL METRO/COMMUNITY IMPACT
improvement plan spans through FY 2027-28 and totals $1.1 billion. Some of the highlights in the plan include: • Electric bus purchases and infra- structure construction • Bus stop improvements • MetroBike station expansion and replacements
• Project Connect: McKalla Station, new MetroRapid lines and a master facility plan expansion Looking ahead: After a public hearing on Sept. 13, the board of directors will consider the budget proposal for approval at the Sept. 25 meeting.
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East Parmer Lane widening A long-term lane closure is in effect on Parmer Lane between Samsung Boulevard and Harris Branch Park- way through early 2024 to widen the roadway. The closure began July 12 and has reduced this 1-mile section of Parmer Lane to one lane for both eastbound and westbound traffic. Timeline: July-early 2024 Cost: $5.5 million Funding source: TxDOT
CapMetro to improve bus stops, rail stations and more
PARTS OF THE PROJECT Projects outlined in the agreement include: • Bus stop improvements : relocate certain stops, add benches or shelters to existing stops • New MetroBike stations • CapMetro rail station improvements: new stations, improved connections SOURCE: CAPMETRO/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Improvements to bus stops, rail stations and more are on the way following the passage of an agreement between Capital Metro and the city of Austin on July 24. The agreement will enable CapMetro to use developer fees paid to the city for traffic mitigation improvements.
What to expect: The agreement will permit the construction and improve- ment of multiple stops, rail stations and MetroBike stations to mitigate traffic impacts caused by identified development projects. Improvements for bus stops could include relocation to protected crossings or the addition of
benches or shelters. The projects within the agreement are specific to the site plan and transpor- tation impact analysis that was done, and most are expected to be completed by the end of the year, said Nadia Barrera-Ramirez, manager of CapMetro’s cross-agency transit and mobility programs.
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUGUST 14. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NNWNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023
News from Austin & Travis County CITY & COUNTY $5.5 billion budget, property tax rate increase passes
Austin City Council meets Aug. 31, Sept. 14 and 21 at 10 a.m. at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St., Austin. 512-974-2250. www.austintexas.gov/department/ city-council Travis County Commissioners Court meets Sept. 12 and 19 at 9 a.m. at the Travis County Administration Building, 700 Lavaca St., Austin. 512-854-4722. www.traviscountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN Police Chief Joseph Chacon will retire in early September, he announced Aug. 21. Police Chief of Staff Robin Henderson will take over on an interim basis while a search for a permanent chief takes place. Chacon first became the APD’s chief on an interim basis in spring 2021. TRAVIS COUNTY On July 25, officials voted to split the Justice & Public Safety Department into the Community Legal Services Department and the Data, Policy, and Performance Management Department to expand programs, boost data collection and improve diversion efforts.
BY ELLE BENT
COST TO TAXPAYERS
The average Austin homeowner will see over a 6% increase on their tax bill due to rising property values and an over 3% increase in the property tax rate from last year.
AUSTIN A $5.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2023-24 was passed by council Aug. 16. The budget was adopted 10-1, with Council Member Mackenzie Kelly voting against it. The overview: Mayor Kirk Watson said that the key priorities for this budget include homelessness, public safety, resiliency, quality of life and affordability. The budget includes base wage increases for city employees and an increase in the Austin Police Depart- ment budget by $32.4 million, or by about 7% from FY 2022-23. Under the adopted budget, property tax rates will be $0.4458 per $100 valuation for 2023-24, a 3.4% increase from FY 2022-23. Due to tax, rate and fee changes a typical ratepayer will see an increase of 3.6%, or an additional $172 per year.
Property tax rate of $0.4458 per $100 valuation for fiscal year 2023-24, a 3.4% increase from FY 2022-23. 3.6% increase from the combined projected impact of tax, rate and fee changes—equivalent to an increase by $172 per year, or $14.31 per month, for the owner of a median valued home and typical rate-user.
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
capital budget including $1.6 million in planned spending. The budget includes: • $2 million for a mental health diversion center • $1.3 million for a family stabilization grant program • $80.9 million for homelessness response • $1 million for Austin Energy to conduct a study to move the distri- bution system underground • $2.6 million for incentives for police cadet recruitment
• $87.2 million in planned capital spending for affordable housing Quote of note: “Spending money is not an accomplishment,” Council Member Ryan Alter said. “Getting results for the community is. That’s the hard work we started and I look forward to working with my col- leagues and staff to do just that.” What’s next? The budget will go into effect Oct. 1, and last until Sept. 30, 2024.
The breakdown: The general fund budget is $1.4 billion, with the
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority
Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and we’re here to help you understand important pieces of the tolling puzzle, like what we do and how your toll bill works.
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PBM rates are higher than the tag rate to cover the additional processing cost.
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To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/tolling101.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
GOVERNMENT Citing community divisions, o cials shelve Zilker Park Vision Plan
ZILKER PLAN PAUSED While some parts of the Zilker Park Vision Plan could eventually be realized, the park plan was killed by city o cials just weeks before it was set to be voted on. Below are some proposals included in the plan: Zone 1: Land Bridge • Restore the polo eld • Realign Stratford Drive • Build an underground parking garage • Build a land bridge • Build a new theater on the Great Lawn • Restore the land ll area • Build a new parking garage under MoPac • Connect Zilker trailhead to Butler Hike and Bike Trail Zone 2: Land ll
BY BEN THOMPSON
ZONE 1
Weeks before Austin City Council was set to take a nal vote on the controversial Zilker Park Vision Plan, city o cials announced that the proposed framework was e ectively dead following more than two years of development and public debate. What’s happening: After three council members released a statement opposing the draft plan Aug. 7, Mayor Kirk Watson said interim City Manager Jesús Garza had ended the planning process. City o cials said contention among Austinites over high-pro le elements in the plan led to it being shelved. Going forward, Watson said the city will take a break before circling back to popular items while trying to reach common ground on more disputed aspects. Throughout the planning process, dozens of res- idents have voiced concerns over bringing negative environmental and climate outcomes; the park’s commercialization; park accessibility; respect for the property’s history; public involvement; a pro- posed nonpro t management structure; and more. Others have stated support for the proposal, which aims to address the park’s overuse. The backstory: After determining that the trea- sured city landmark was being “loved to death,” the Austin Parks and Recreation Department kicked o a long-range vision planning process for Zilker Metropolitan Park’s management and improvement in late 2020. Led bythe city and consultants with Design Workshop, the $600,000 planning e ort stretched on for more than two years through multiple rounds of community engagement.
Zilker Metropolitan Park covers 351 acres near downtown.
DARCY SPRAGUE COMMUNITY IMPACT
ZONE 3
MOPAC
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ZONE 6
L U M B U
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ZONE 4
• Combine sports elds into sports area • Restore polo eld Zone 3: Sports Area
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Zone 5: South of Barton Springs Road • Build a parking garage • Remove surface parking lot
Zone 6: Barton Creek • Add controlled Barton Creek water access • Restore Barton Creek banks • Relocate existing bridge over Barton Creek to Toomey Road • Build new bike and pedestrian bridge near welcome center
Zone 4: Welcome Center • Remove surface parking lot • Enhance existing playground • Build a welcome center
• Improve drainage • Create new play areas
many areas of need and improvements for Zilker that would’ve potentially been rolled out over the decades to come. Those dozens of items range from smaller landscaping and visitor upgrades to larger-scale undertakings across the park, including the closure of roadways and the development of major new facilities, such as multiple parking garages and a new theater on the park’s Great Lawn. The plan also called for some local nonpro ts to become involved in park operations in collabora- tion with the city, a similar arrangement to those Austin has in place for resources such as the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and some other
civic parks. The plandidn’t lock in timelines or funding for any of its proposals, all of which would’ve likely gone through environmental reviews, budgetary consideration and further community deliberations before moving forward. What they’re saying: “We know that the Zilker Park Vision Plan proposes many improvements that have community consensus, such as additional green space, shade trees, erosion control, and bathrooms. Other elements, however, seem to be ash points of irreconcilable di erences,” Council Members Ryan Alter, Zo Qadri and Paige Ellis wrote in the statement.
story YOUR BUSINESS HAS A The details: As developed by community members and consultants, the wide-ranging plan covers
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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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DISTRICT DATA
Data and information from local school districts
COMPILED BY GRACE DICKENS
SOURCES: AUSTIN ISD, PFLUGERVILLE ISD, ROUND ROCK ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
AUSTIN ISD
ROUND ROCK ISD
The number of teachers in PfISD dropped slightly from the 2019-20 school year to the 2022-23 school year. In the same time period, student enrollment increased slightly. PFLUGERVILLE ISD
While Austin is considered a property wealthy district, the district is facing budgetary and enrollment issues. For the scal year 2023-24, the district approved raises for teachers and sta ,but is projecting a $53 million shortfall.
From 2020-21 to 2023-24, the district’s enrollment has dropped roughly 2.5%. Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year is projected to rise slightly to 47,080 students, compared to 46,510 the previous year.
TOTAL NUMBER OF TEACHERS*
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Percent change from 2020-21:
-19.89% -8.78% -0.94%
2,000 1,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 0
1.16%
2.53%
+1.22%
*TOTAL IS THE FULL TIME EQUIVALENT AND MAY INCLUDE PART TIME POSITIONS. 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22
2022-23
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24*
*PROJECTED
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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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Visit austintexas.gov/backtoschool to learn more.
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EDUCATION Central Texas school districts seek solutions to retain, recruit teachers
METHODS TO KEEP STAFF
BY BROOKE MILLER
Financial solutions: AISD started the 2022-23 school year with 997 teacher vacancies and is projected to have about 180 vacancies for all sta for the 2023-24 school year, said Arnoldo Gutierrez, the assistant superinten- dent of talent strategy systems. Gutierrez said he believes vacan- cies have gone down due to speci c recruitment e orts orchestrated at AISD, including a 7% raise for the 2023-24 school year for teachers and librarians districtwide. District data shows LISD increased its teacher pay 4% for the 2023-24 school year. LTISD approved a 3% raise for employees for the 2023-24 school year, said Evalene Murphy, the district’s assistant superintendent for employee and community relations. Thinking outside the box: Beyond raises, LISD is educating prospective applicants on non-traditional ways to become a teacher, including alternative certi cation programs, Gibbs said. At LTISD, Murphy said substitute teachers are on call for any teachers who need them, and at HCISD Blanchon said the district has o ered free health care to their teachers for a few years. Additionally, AISD is o ering bene- ts for employees to access housing, said Darla Caughey, the district’s director of employee experience. “We’re trying to create opportuni- ties for our really dedicated teachers to actually get the chance to experi- ence Austin,” she said.
Following increasing vacancy rates, school districts throughout Central Texas are implementing incentives to retain and recruit more teachers. FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR 2023 24 SCHOOL YEAR
Following several years of dropping teacher retention rates at Central Texas school districts, o cials at Austin, Leander, Hays Consolidated and Lake Travis ISDs say they are using traditional and out-of-the-box thinking to retain and recruit teachers. In addition to pay raises, adminis- trators say they are more frequently combining other methods to bolster retention, including discounted teacher housing and discounted health care. “It all stems from the same thing,” said Ginger Blanchon, director of talent acquisition and human resources for HCISD. “Compensation, not feeling valued, having to do all these extra duties outside of work … as a district, we’re combatting that.” De ning the issue: Representatives with multiple local districts said teacher retention fell after the COVID-19 pandemic began. LISD had its lowest retention rate during the 2021-22 school year, with retention dropping from 85% in 2020-21 to 79% in 2021-22, said Lisa Gibbs, the district’s human resources director of talent acquisition and employee support. O cials in AISD, LTISD and HCISD also said they saw a signi cant drop in retention rates. “You don’t have enough college students deciding they want to be teaching,” said Amie Ortiz, executive of talent engagement and talent strategies at AISD.
Austin ISD • 7% raise for all teachers and librarians • $4 -per-hour raise for hourly sta • Sliding scale pay increase of 3%-5% for administrative positions Lake Travis ISD • Increased all minimum wage to $17 an hour • Approved 3% all-sta raise • $3,000 student teacher stipend • $400 teacher referral program • Mentor program o ering up to $1,900 for guiding two teachers
Leander ISD • 4% midpoint raise for teachers • $500 mentor teacher stipend • $1,250 incentive for student teachers and an additional $1,250 for students teachers who return • $200 classroom decorating and supplies stipend for new teachers Hays CISD • $2,000 master’s degree stipend • $4,500 doctoral degree stipend • $7,100 bilingual teacher stipend • Teacher incentive allotments up to $20,000 for qualifying teachers • Overtime salary of $30 an hour
NON FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR 2023 24 SCHOOL YEAR
Austin ISD • Discounted housing rates for teachers • Free career coaching • Community discounts for teachers • Employee recognition for good performance • Mental health resources Lake Travis ISD • Annual substitutes on standby for teacher emergencies • Can wear jeans every day • Two built in days for professional development
Leander ISD • Alternative pathways to become teachers o ered • Virtual job fairs for comfort and accessibility • Health bene ts including a free breast cancer screening • 24/7 recruitment resources for incoming teachers Hays CISD • Continued free health care packages • Inspire Hays professional development program • Continued discounted coverage for all insurance other than health care
SOURCES: AUSTIN, HAYS CONSOLIDATED, LAKE TRAVIS & LEANDER ISDS COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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AT THE CAPITOL
2023 EDUCATION EDITION
Texas Legislature approves school safety bills, shelves school funding increases
BY HANNAH NORTON
From January to May, lawmakers battled about the best ways to fund public schools and provide raises for teachers. Sweeping school funding legislation died during the nal days of the 88th regular session, although lawmakers are expected to return this fall to continue the discussion.
Senate Bill 838 Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe
Senate Bill 10 Sen. Joan Hu man, R-Houston
Senate Bill 763 Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston School districts can hire or allow
BILLS THAT DIDN'T MAKE THE CUT Senate Bill 9 Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe The bill would have improved teacher retention by providing bonuses, creating a teacher residency program and helping schools rehire retired teachers.
Retired teachers age 75 and older will receive a one-time $7,500 check, and retirees ages 70-74 will get a $2,400 check. Teachers who retired before 2001 will get a 6% cost-of-living adjustment, and those who retired between 2001-13 will get 4%. Status: Becomes law Sept. 1; cost-of- living adjustment takes e ect Jan. 1 if approved by voters in November
By the 2025-26 school year, all public and charter school classrooms must have silent panic alert devices. The electronic devices, which can be activated manually or through an app, are used to immediately alert district o cials and law enforcement of an active shooter or other issue, such as a medical emergency. Status: Became law May 5
volunteer chaplains to perform the duties of school counselors. They can provide mental and behavioral health services, and other support to K-12 students. Unlike traditional counselors, chaplains are not required to hold a State Board of Educator Certi cation. Status: Becomes law Sept. 1 House Bill 900 Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco Schools will not be allowed to purchase or display books deemed “sexually explicit” or “educationally unsuitable.” The bill establishes a new rating system for books and other educational materials. Book vendors must rate all their content, and libraries will review their materials every odd-numbered year. Status: Becomes law Sept. 1
House Bill 100 Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian
House Bill 3 Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock
House Bill 1883 Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-Euless
The bill would have raised minimum salaries for public school employees, boosted funding schools receive from the state and increased money for certain programs. Lawmakers are expected to return to Austin for a third special legislative session in October. They will likely discuss teacher pay raises, school funding and school choice.
All public and open-enrollment charter schools must have at least one armed security o cer—such as a law enforcement o cer, school marshal or teacher licensed to carry a handgun—on campus during regular school hours. Each district will receive $15,000 per campus and $10 per student for school safety initiatives. Status: Becomes law Sept. 1
Schools must provide alternative assessment dates for any tests scheduled on religious holy days or periods of observance. This includes any holy days observed by religions whose places of worship are exempt from property taxes in Texas, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and more. Status: Became law June 18
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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023
INSIDE INFORMATION Understanding charter schools Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that were created by the Texas Legislature in 1995 to foster innovation and allow for more choices in the state’s public school system. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools are mostly funded by the state and receive no local revenue, such as property taxes.
BY CHLOE YOUNG
2023 EDUCATION EDITION
The process for admission to charter schools depends on whether there is space available at the school.
In the Greater Austin area, about 10% of all students attend charter schools.
Admissions
Teacher certification process
Enrollment by metro
While independent school districts require all teachers to have a bachelor’s degree and state certi cation, the requirements for open-enrollment charter schools depend on the school.
Austin
Dallas-Fort Worth
Future students or parents must ll out an application with basic identifying information.
36,586 students
115,319 students
All charter school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree.
Preference in the lottery may be given to students with a sibling already admitted to or attending the school or students whose parent works on sta . If a school has more applicants than positions available, all open- enrollment charter schools are required to utilize a random lottery or admit students based on application submission order. Charter schools are open to all students, but barriers to entry can include living outside school boundaries, or having a criminal or disciplinary history.
10% of all students
8.1% of all students
Comparing schools
Charter school teachers only have to be state certi ed if they teach special or bilingual education.
Charter schools serve about 7% of all public school students in Texas. Charter schools and independent school districts have similarities and di erences in their required rules and regulations. Key Number of students served Number of campuses ISDs Charter schools 5.43M students Nearly 300,000 students 8,973 schools 896 schools
Houston
San Antonio
The governing body of a charter school determines the licensing requirements for teachers.
85,536 students
48,826 students
6.3% of all students
10.8% of all students
Approximately 2/3 of charter school teachers are certi ed.
While charter schools receive more funding from the state overall than independent school districts, charter schools receive less public funding since they are not funded locally through taxes.
Funding
Disadvantaged student populations
ISDs
Charter schools
The similarities
The differences
• Flexibility in designing and running charter schools • Specialized programs and models • Teacher certi cation requirements
• State curriculum standards and exams • Graduation requirements • Special education and bilingual
Comparative to their student populations, charter schools serve a higher percentage of minority and economically disadvantaged students than independent school districts, while independent school districts serve a higher percentage of special education students.
Public charter schools
Independent school districts $11,958* per student Local funding: $7,611 per student State funding: $4,347 per student
$10,992 per student Local funding: none State funding: $10,992 per student
education requirements • Financial and academic accountability
African American students
Hispanic students
Economically disadvantaged students
Special education
Limited English pro ciency
*TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS GET MULTIPLE ALLOTMENTS BEYOND THE BASIC PER PUPIL FUNDING. THESE NUMBERS ARE CALCULATED BASED ON AVERAGE OVERALL FUNDING FROM STATE AND LOCAL SOURCES.
SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, TEXAS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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