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Austin ISD Unveils $108 Million Cut Plan With Larger Classes and Fewer Planning Periods

The plan reflects years of enrollment losses that cut state funding tied to daily attendance.

Overview

  • Austin ISD, which disclosed the plan late Tuesday, outlined $108 million in reductions to confront a projected $181 million budget gap next year.
  • Elementary class sizes would rise at most passing-rated schools to 17 in Pre-K3, 22 in Pre-K4 through first grade, 24 in second through fourth grade, and 27 in fifth grade, while high‑needs and D or F campuses would keep current ratios.
  • Teacher planning time would shrink in phases, with many middle and high school elective teachers moving to seven classes out of eight next school year and most elementary teachers losing a planning period in 2027–28.
  • Superintendent Matias Segura signaled layoffs are likely, with principals set to meet with affected staff in mid‑May, and the district said counselors and librarians will not be cut.
  • The district points to a drop from almost 81,000 students in 2019 to about 69,800 today as the main driver of the shortfall, and trustees are slated to consider a budget for approval in June.