Overview

• District leaders released a draft consolidation and boundary plan that would shut 11 elementary schools and two middle schools, with trustees holding their first meeting since the rollout and setting a final vote for Nov. 20.
• Austin ISD projects at least $20 million in immediate annual savings and $25.6 million in total from closures and mergers, including staff reductions, lower utility costs, and removal of portable classrooms.
• An analysis of appraisal records shows the 13 campuses carry nearly $296 million in combined value and encompass more than one million square feet of air‑conditioned space.
• More than $188 million from the voter‑approved $2.4 billion 2022 bond had been slated for these campuses, some work is already complete, and officials say unneeded funds would be reallocated with priority to affected students as bond costs run over budget.
• Parents and staff rallied Thursday outside district headquarters, while AISD said property reviews will begin in January to consider reuse, leasing or sale, with any sale or long‑term lease requiring a public trustee vote.