Austin School Board Nears Decision on Budget and Scorecard Amid Financial Woes

AISD: One Step Closer to Budget and Scorecard Approval Amid Financial Crisis

The Austin Independent School District (AISD) is on the brink of achieving approval for its budget and progress report. The AISD Board of Trustees is currently undergoing weekly sessions this month to review and finalize these critical elements, which will guide the operation of AISD in the years ahead.

At present, AISD is combatting a financial crisis. During a briefing to address the more significant than anticipated deficit last month, Superintendent Matias Segura highlighted the district’s strategy to cope with a potential deficit close to $90 million.

AISD Facing Budget Struggles

“School districts across the state are having a difficult time with their budgets and are operating in deficit budgets due to what the legislature and the governor persist on doing – holding funds hostage for vouchers. And that’s the predicament we find ourselves in Austin,” expressed Ken Zarifis, president of the Education Austin union, which represents AISD employees.

Next week, the board is anticipated to vote on securing the final budget for 2024-2025, which could entail a $60 million deficit. “AISD has constituted a budget that is responsible given the circumstances,” Zarifis said. “It’s not quite what we’d hoped for it to be, but I think it’s reasonable.”

The Key Role of VATRE in Budget Shortfall

An essential component to bridge the budget gap is the Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) that, if endorsed, could subsidize staff pay rises next year and possibly be put to the public in November. Upon VATRE’s approval, it’s projected to inject roughly $41 million of revenue, according to Segura.

Before the public voting commences, Segura will formulate a plan for restructuring central operations to improve efficacy and cater better to the students’ needs. The community will be given full opportunity to express their views on any proposed changes. The final plan is set to be rolled out by October, ahead of the election.

AISD’s Proposed Scorecard

The fresh district scorecard mandated by the Texas Education Agency will establish goals directly linked to academic outcomes. Proposed targets include improvements in third-grade literacy, third-grade math, College and Career Readiness, middle school algebra, and biliteracy.

Zarifis conveyed his faith in the board and superintendent, “We are confident that the right decisions will be made regarding the scorecard, considering the current environment with TEA and our legislature.”