Austin ISD board convenes public meeting on community input and school closures

The Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees held an information session on June 12, 2025, to engage with the community and discuss various topics, including public comments on school closures. The meeting, which began at 6:02 PM, was conducted in compliance with Texas government open meeting laws and was broadcasted for wider accessibility.

During the session, the board provided an opportunity for public input, allowing up to 60 speakers to share their thoughts. A total of 32 individuals participated, with four speaking in person and 28 submitting recorded messages. Each speaker was given one minute to express their views, emphasizing the board's commitment to listening to community concerns while adhering to time constraints.

One of the key issues raised during the public comment segment was the topic of school closures. Kathleen Lyon Schneeman, a long-time AISD community member, highlighted her concerns regarding the ongoing discussions about closing schools, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the audience. The board reminded attendees that while they could not respond directly during the meeting, they valued the input and would consider the feedback in future discussions.

The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in the decision-making processes of the AISD, particularly regarding sensitive issues like school closures. The board's approach aims to foster transparency and maintain open lines of communication with the public as they navigate these challenging topics.