Education
Transportation
BY CHLOE YOUNG
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Nonprofit to take over 3 Austin ISD schools Texas Council for International Studies may begin operating Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools next school year. The Austin ISD board of trustees is expected to vote on a three-year contract with TCIS at a March 26 meeting, after press time. The educa- tional nonprofit specializes in the International Baccalaureate program and works with Region 1 Education Service Center. The background The nonprofit partnership comes after Burnet, Dobie and Webb each received their fourth consecutive F rating in 2025 from the Texas Edu- cation Agency. If a campus receives five or more consecutive failed ratings, the TEA may close the campus or takeover the district. This school year, the district restarted the three middle schools by hiring new principals and teachers.
Austin ISD looks to cut costs by $39M Austin ISD is aiming to reduce its expenses over time and increase its savings. What’s happening The district is planning to make $39 million in cuts this fiscal year to lower a pro- jected $136 million shortfall to $49 million, among other cost-saving measures like a hiring freeze, adjustments to discretionary spending and identifying additional revenue opportunities. The backstory The projected shortfall has increased from $111 million to $136 million after a $26 million land sale failed to go through this fiscal year, Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery said.
Dobie Middle School and College Prep Academy
Ongoing projects
Completed projects
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Burnet Middle School
HATHAWAY DR.
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Webb Middle School
AIRPORT BLVD.
1 Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative Project: The project will redesign Congress Avenue to expand sidewalks, add pedestrian amenity zones, upgrade bikeway barriers and add turn lanes for vehicle traffic. Update: Construction began Jan. 30. • Timeline: Phase 1: 2026–summer 2027; full project: 2026–2030 • Cost: full project: $29 million • Funding source: 2020 Mobility Bond
2 Wishbone Bridge Project: The new pedestrian and bicycle bridge runs over Lady Bird Lake, connecting the Ann and Roy Butler Trail at Mt. Holly Peninsula, Canterbury Park and Longhorn Shores. The new underpass links Longhorn Shores to Krieg Fields and the Roy G. Guerrero Trail. Update: The bridge and underpass opened Feb. 7 • Timeline: July 2024-Feb. 2026 • Cost: $25.9 million • Funding source: 2020 Mobility Bond
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The impact Under Senate Bill 1882, school districts can receive additional funding and a two-year exemp- tion from state accountability interventions by partnering with a charter school or nonprofit.
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COLORADO RIVER
N. PLEASANT VALLEY RD.
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MAP NOT TO SCALE
BRODIE LANE 4970 W Hwy 290 (512) 366-8260
NORTH LAMAR 914 North Lamar (512) 214-6665
35TH STREET 1500 West 35th St (512) 277-2518
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