August 2012

City's Volunteer Mentorship Program Expands to Include Firefighters

As students in the Austin Independent School District return to class, dedicated citizens across Austin are preparing to support these students through the City of Austin’s Mentor and Tutor Program. For years, the City of Austin has encouraged its employees to actively participate in education initiatives, even allowing time off during the workday for staff members to visit campuses. Each year, more than 360 City volunteers enter classrooms as mentors and tutors. 

Austin ISD Names Eric Mendez AISD Police Chief

Austin, TX—Tonight, the Austin Independent School District's Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Eric Mendez as the new Austin ISD police chief.


In 1999, Mendez left the Kingsville police department to join Austin ISD police as a midnight patrol officer. He then became a school resource officer at what was then Johnston High School, now Eastside Memorial High School. After serving two years as an officer, Mendez earned the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

Public Hearing: Proposed FY2012-13 Budget and Tax Rate

Information about Public Hearings: The Board may schedule public hearings to gather input on a particular subject. If you wish to speak during the public hearing, you must sign up the day of the hearing in the Superintendent’s Office (Room A-250) during regular work hours and from 4:45 pm until the beginning of the hearing in the location on the notice of the Board hearing as posted.

For more information about meetings and public hearings, please visit the Board of Trustees website.

Teachers Offer Tips on How to Have a Great School Year

The Austin Independent School District boasts 12,000 employees, who serve the district’s 86,000 students, their families and the community. Among those on the frontlines everyday are AISD’s dedicated teachers.

To celebrate the new 2012-13 school year and to welcome teachers who are new to the district, a few AISD teachers sat down with My AISD to share their tips on how to have a great school year and to succeed in the classroom.

Austin ISD Superintendent Plans Back-to-School Visits

Austin, TX—Austin Independent School District Superintendent Meria Carstarphen will welcome back students, teachers and staff members for the 2012-13 school year with special campus visits.

The superintendent will visit campuses across the district during the first two days of classes.

Monday, Aug. 27

6-6:30 a.m. – Media availability with Kris Hafezizadeh, director of transportation, at Saegert bus terminal, 3300 Jones Rd.

Austin ISD Hosts All-Staff Convocation

Austin, TX—Austin Independent School District staff members are back and ready to embark on the 2012-13 school year. As part of the kick-off festivities for the new year, AISD will host a virtual, all-staff convocation. Staff members are invited to watch the convocation live on the district's website.

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen will discuss goals for the district and introduce new AISD leadership.

Who: AISD Superintendent Meria Carstarphen

What: All-staff, virtual convocation for AISD staff members