Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Engagement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District reports community engagement results: majority of survey respondents favored larger bond
Summary
AISD staff reported turnout for recent virtual engagement and a survey showing 56% of respondents preferred the larger $2.25 billion package, 17% preferred the $1.75 billion package and 26% remained unsure; safety and modernizations were top concerns.
Communications and engagement staff reported results from recent virtual sessions and an online survey during the Austin ISD Board of Trustees work session July 28. The district said about 300 participants attended the recent virtual engagement sessions and the survey returned 153 responses, representing 77 schools.
A staff presenter reported that among survey respondents 17% preferred Proposal A (the $1.75 billion option), 56% preferred Proposal B (the $2.25 billion option) and 26% remained unsure. Engagement staff said the top positive items respondents cited were additional CTE funding, investments to address open-concept classrooms, and safety and security improvements such as secure vestibules, fencing and door hardware. The district also reported interest in outdoor-space upgrades, electric buses and sustainability features.
Community concerns reported to the board included disappointment that teacher housing and the Bear Creek expansion were removed from the most recent draft, anxiety about school safety while long-term projects are completed, and worry from some families that a campus not chosen for a modernization could be more vulnerable to closure in future planning. Staff said safety and security concerns were the top topic raised in Spanish-language sessions.
Why it matters: administration and the bond steering committee said community feedback shaped changes to the draft packages and will guide outreach messaging before any board vote to order an election. Trustees and committee members told administration that engagement and clear, accessible materials will be critical in a condensed timeline.
Ending: staff provided a full engagement report to trustees and said the report and detailed notes are included in meeting backup materials; trustees asked staff to circulate user-friendly one-pagers and clear explanations of how projects were prioritized so community members can weigh in before the Aug. 9 vote.
