SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCES TIMELINE CHANGE

Austin Independent School District Superintendent Matias Segura told parents, staff and students at a public Q&A that he had changed the district’s timeline for boundary adjustments and consolidations to allow more time for community vetting after “some things shared with me” raised concerns that proposed refinements had not been fully vetted. “I am a process person,” Segura said. “If we can agree that the process is sound, relying on the best data that we have, that all ideas were explored, and that we put the energy and the time to truly listen to community and incorporate their voice, then that’s the way we get behind.”

WHY THE CHANGE MATTERS

Segura framed the work around five priorities: aligning feeder patterns; revising transfer policies; addressing a multi‑year budget deficit; reducing more than 20,000 empty seats districtwide; and responding to changing accountability rules that raise the risk of state intervention. He said the district has protected librarians, nurses and planning time where possible while making cuts elsewhere, and that the decisions under consideration aim to reduce inefficiency and preserve local control of Austin ISD schools.

KEY DETAILS AND NEXT STEPS

Segura said the November 20 board packet will contain a condensed set of materials tied to what the board must act on, and that some items under community discussion will be refined and re‑issued. “There is not a plan. There is an idea,” he told attendees about specific proposals that surfaced in recent work sessions. He pledged to hold community meetings only when proposals are sufficiently developed for meaningful discussion and promised updated documents would be posted in the coming days.

COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Several speakers urged the district to slow decisions, press for clarity on staffing and student supports, and publish maps and impact analyses that avoid cascading boundary effects. Community members and staff repeatedly asked for guarantees on staff placement, student transportation and continuity of specialized programming.

WHAT THE DISTRICT SAID ABOUT AUTHORITY AND RISK

Segura warned that without addressing enrollment, program alignment and budgets, there is an increased risk of state intervention under Texas Education Agency accountability processes. He said the district would continue to explore options but wanted to ensure changes were executable and supported by community input.

LOOK AHEAD

Segura said he was working with trustees on timing and that revised maps and materials were being finalized; he encouraged families to use the district comment card and said staff would remain available for informal follow‑up after the meeting.