January 2015

AISD Statement on the Arrest of Former Reagan High School Teacher John Baird

John Baird, a first year teacher in AISD at Reagan Early College High School, submitted his resignation on Monday, after his arrest by Lago Vista Police. He is no longer employed at AISD.

AISD received information over the winter break that Baird was being investigated under the suspicion of "enticing a child" by Lago Vista Police. The incident being investigated involved a Lago Vista resident.

U.S. Departments of Education and Justice Release Joint Guidance to Ensure English Learner Students Have Equal Access to High-Quality Education

Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Justice (DOJ) today released joint guidance reminding states, school districts and schools of their obligations under federal law to ensure that English learner students have equal access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to achieve their full academic potential.

AISD Trustees Sworn in

Austin ISD's new board of trustees' first official action included electing Trustee Gina Hinojosa, at-large District 8, as president of the board, Trustee Amber Elenz, District 5, as vice president, and Trustee Jayme Mathias, District 2, as secretary.

"I am excited to work with the tremendous talent on this Board," said Hinojosa. "I am truly honored to serve as president."

MEDIA ADVISORY: Community Provided Opportunities to Meet Paul Cruz

Austin ISD community forums will continue throughout January to give students, families, staff and community members the chance to meet the sole finalist for superintendent. 

Forums will be in English unless otherwise noted.

Schedule of forums:

Jan. 7 

5:30 p.m., Reagan High School, 7104 Berkman Drive

Spanish interpretation provided

Jan. 15

4 p.m., Summitt Elementary School, 12207 Brigadoon Lane

Vietnamese interpretation provided

6 p.m., Pickle Elementary School, 1101 Wheatley Ave.

Forums Offer Community Chance to Meet Paul Cruz

Austin ISD community forums continue throughout January to give staff, students, families and community members the chance to meet the sole finalist for superintendent.

Paul Cruz will give a short presentation at each forum and will then open the floor to questions from those in attendance. 

The Jan. 15 forum at Pickle Elementary School will be conducted in Spanish with English interpretation; all other forums will include Spanish interpretation. The Jan. 15 forum at Summitt Elementary School will include Vietnamese interpretation. 

Reminder: 23 AISD Schools Frozen to Transfers Next School Year

In December, the Austin Independent School District announced 23 schools will be frozen to transfers during the 2015-16 school year, while another 20 schools will be monitored.

Each year, AISD determines which schools should be frozen to transfers because they have, or are expected to have, enrollments that exceed their capacities. Some schools also are frozen to maintain stability in tracking patterns.

The administration will monitor space in all schools as boundary changes and/or reassignments are approved by the board of trustees.