Education
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Austin ISD considers $117M-plus budget cuts Austin ISD is anticipating making more than $100 million in budget cuts to staffing, academic programs and other operational expenses across campuses and departments. The sweeping cuts come as the district aims to reduce a mounting budget shortfall that has grown to $181 million for fiscal year 2026-27 The approach To reduce expenses, district officials dis- cussed four scenarios that could involve making anywhere from $117 million-$132 million in budget cuts. Additionally, the district may save $9 million-$10 million by removing vacant positions and receive $50 million from monetizing three district properties, Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery said.
City looks to shape school closures The city of Austin is seeking to have a say in the future of some Austin ISD campuses—10 of which are slated to close this summer. What’s happening Following council’s approval March 26, the city manager will develop a land policy around when to acquire or partner in the redevelopment of land owned by other public groups, such as local school districts, council member Vanessa Fuentes said. The city has joint ownership of parks at 12 AISD campuses. Under council member Ryan Alter’s resolution, the city manager must now develop a process for managing city parkland condemnations. Previously, the city could greenlight the condemnation of public parkland without the council’s approval, Alter said.
The following are some of the top cuts the district is considering for fiscal year 2026-27.
Estimated savings
Strategies
$40.9M
Staffing adjustments for departments
Elimination of funding tied to vacant department positions Reduction of current-year non-staffing department balances Secondary campus teacher staffing adjustment 15% reduction to non-staffing department expenses
$23.1M
$17.1M
$16M
$9.2M
$6M
Elementary campus staff adjustments
$5.7M
Reduction of special education stipends
Reduction of campus safety monitors at secondary campuses Potential staffing adjustments for campuses Conversion of librarian positions to support roles
$2.9M
$2.5M
$2M
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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EAST AUSTIN EDITION
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