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Packer Study Table: Austin Public School District expands coached study support for athletes

Austin Public School District Board of Education · December 9, 2025
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Summary

The district showcased the Packer Study Table, a coach-coordinated academic-support program running Mondays and Wednesdays to help athletes maintain eligibility; presenters reported improved grades, math tutoring success and coordination with coaches to verify attendance and progress.

Austin Public School District highlighted a targeted academic-support program for student athletes known as the Packer Study Table (PST), calling it a structured, supervised space where athletes can get help with classwork, check grades and meet with tutors.

District and Austin Aspires staff described PST as operating Mondays and Wednesdays from about 3:30 to 4:30 in the IMC/library. Coaches receive weekly grade reports and PST staff email coaches after sessions to document who attended and what work was completed. Speakers said the model balances accountability with relationship-building — combining one-on-one tutoring, social-emotional support and practical help such as FAFSA assistance and tracking volunteer hours.

Joanna Johnson of Austin Aspires introduced herself and Jacqueline Ruiz and said, “We welcome our students here,” describing one-on-one and drop-in supports and noting that staff check in and track attendance and progress. Presenters reported early outcomes: tutors connected struggling students to targeted support in math (one tenth grader improved to a 79 on an algebra test after working with a tutor), and teachers and counselors are referring students schoolwide, not only those in Austin Aspires programs.

Speakers emphasized coach engagement: coaches are used as the main implementers of outreach because conversations with coaches produce better attendance than email outreach to students. Board members asked whether the model is being replicated at other buildings (Ellis); district staff said a parallel homework group exists at Ellis with some coach-led support and that stipends are available for on-site coordinators.

What happens next: presenters said the district will continue PST in its second season, monitor attendance and outcomes, and report back as needed. The board received the update and asked clarifying questions about eligibility rules and program expansion.