Today, Commissioner of Education Michael Williams named Patty Hill, an algebra teacher at Kealing Middle School, as a finalist for the 2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This is the highest recognition a mathematics or science teacher may receive for exemplary teaching in the United States.

Hill is one of only 10 finalists throughout Texas. The National Science Foundation administers the presidential awards on the behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

According to the Texas Education Agency's preliminary state accountability ratings released last week, 111 Austin ISD schools earned the highest rating possible on the state's accountability system.

Under the state accountability system, all public districts, campuses and charter schools are assigned a label of:

• Met Standard,
• Met Alternative Standard,
• Not Rated; or
• Improvement Required.

Last year at this time, 109 of the AISD schools had earned the Met Standard rating.

Austin ISD Board of Trustees have decided to appoint someone to fill the vacant District 7 seat. 

The passing of Trustee Robert Schneider in July meant an open seat on the board. Trustees were facing an Aug. 11 deadline to notify Travis County if they planned to hold a special election.

The board will now determine the process for appointing a new District 7 trustee and will keep the public informed of the process as it is developed. 

Eligibility—Texas Election Code Section 141.001

Starting early in school helps children get a head start in their education—and in life.

From the littlest learners to college-bound graduates, Austin ISD offers a world of opportunities—including arts, athletics, health sciences and robotics—to help all students achieve their greatest potential.

AISD offers a challenging and nurturing environment to help children discover and develop the full range of their talents and skills, while ensuring students are prepared for college, career and life.

The Career and Technology Association of Texas has recognized Danny Wynn as the Area IV Champion of the Year.

Wynn has been an instructor at the LBJ High School Fire Academy for nine years and has worked for the Austin Fire Department since 2001. 

CTAT recognizes "individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Career and Technology Education. The champion of the year award is given to individuals who contribute to the improvement, promotion, development and progress of CTE."