April 2018
Legislature
89th Legislative Session
The 89th Legislature adjourned sine die June 2, 2025 and subsequently met in two special sessions. Nearly 2,000 more bills were filed in the regular session compared to the 88th legislative session, including 188 more public education bills.
The Texas Legislative Study Group (LSG), an official caucus of the Texas House of Representatives, has issued an 89th Legislative Session Recap, including summaries of HB 2 (Public School Finance), HB 6 (School Discipline), HB 1481 (Ban on Personal Communication Devices) and SB 10 (Ten Commandments).
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) also provides information on legislation passed during the 89th regular legislative session, including changes to the Texas Education Code, other Texas statutes, and proposed rules as they are published for comment. TEA’s website provides high-level overviews and its implementation timeline.
Preparing for the 90th Legislative Session
The Board of Trustees’ Intergovernmental Committee will begin its consideration of its legislative priorities for the 90th legislative session in the spring of 2026, with input of the Advocacy Advisory Committee and the community at large.
The Speaker of the House and the Lt. Governor will likely issue interim charges to the standing House and Senate Committees in mid to late fall, 2025. This page will be updated when the interim charges are made.
Who Represents Me
- Representatives and contact information (PDF)
- Find your representatives, their websites and contact information
Resources
- Raise Your Hand Texas
- Texas Association of School Boards
- Texas PTA
- Texas School Coalition
- Texas Association of School Administrators
- Coalition for Public Schools
- Texans for Strong Public Schools
- Every Texan (formerly Center for Public Policy Priorities)
- Grandparents for Public Schools
Board of Trustees
Responsibilities of Leadership
Guiding the Austin Independent School District toward excellence is the goal of the nine-member AISD Board of Trustees. As the district's elected leaders, trustees represent community expectations as they chart the direction of educational programs and services and establish the standard by which success is measured.
Trustees employ the superintendent, approve the budget and monitor expenditures, set the tax rate, and may call for a bond or tax rate election. The board also establishes policies for operating the district and ensuring its financial viability.
AISD Board Meetings
The AISD Board of Trustees generally meets on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of the month (except November, December and May; there are no meetings in July) in the Board Auditorium at Central Office, 4000 S. IH-35 Frontage Road.
Here are the types of board meetings and when they are:
- Information Sessions are the second Thursday of the month; and
- Regular Voting Meetings are the fourth Thursday of the month.
NOTE: Check the district calendar for any changes to board meetings.
Information sessions and regular voting meetings are cablecast live on AISD.TV and are periodically re-cablecast. AISD board meetings are open to the public. Within the limits of the Texas Open Meetings Act, however, parts of board meetings, such as consideration of real estate transactions, personnel matters, student hearings and legal matters, may be closed to the public.
Public Comment Policy & Public Testimony at Regular Voting Meetings
General public comment will take place during Board Information Sessions and may pertain to any issue or topic the public would like to address. Please visit the board meetings page for information.
Board Service
Members are elected to a four-year term of office. On a rotating basis, board seats are filled during biannual elections held on the first Tuesday in November. Vacancies are filled by appointment until the next election. Candidates must conform to the eligibility requirements of the Texas Election Code. The president, vice president and secretary are elected by the other members of the board. Trustees provide public service to the Austin community without financial compensation.
District Policies
District policies are revised as needed to reflect changes in federal or state law, Texas education guidelines and local options. Policies posted online are generally current, however, delays of up to 30 days may occur before newly adopted policies appear.
Operating Procedures
The Austin ISD Board of Trustees adopts operating procedures to guide the organizational, logistical and role-specific activities related to the work of the board.
Austin ISD Board Handbook (updated Sept 25, 2025)
Austin ISD College Fair
Date
Wednesday, September 26, 2018 - 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Where
Delco Center, 4601 Pecan Brook Dr.
The annual Austin ISD College Fair hosts more than sixty college, university and other representatives of higher education and is open to all students and families.
Buses at each high school campus will transport students to the Delco Center, 4601 Pecan Brook Drive. Students may preregister for the event at www.gotocollegefairs.com.
This event is in partnership with the Texas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
Austin ISD Afterschool Showcase 2018
Date
Saturday, May 12, 2018 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where
Reagan Early College High School, 7104 Berkman Drive
Join us for Austin ISD's annual After-school Showcase, featuring programs throughout the district.
This event is brought to you by ACE 21st Century, Boys and Girls Club and Foundation Communities.
Students from more than 30 schools will demonstrate what they have learned this year in after-school programs through interactive tables and performances.
We invite you to come out and experience all that after-school has to offer!
This year's event is 9 a.m.–noon at Reagan Early College High School, 7104 Berkman Drive.
For more information, please contact Dena Bryant at 512-414-0194.
Austin ISD Letter and FAQ concerning National School Walkout Day
(Version en español abajo)
Dear Austin ISD students and families,
It is anticipated that some of our students and staff may participate in the National School Walkout on April 20.
As students raise their voices, we understand there are many questions regarding their actions in this or any future demonstration. Austin ISD has created a Frequently Asked Question tool (below) to share important information and processes with our community.
Career & Technical Education
Select the title below to collapse menu.
What is Career and Technical Education?
CTE provides students with the academic knowledge and technical skills they need to gain entry to high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand industries. CTE provides work-based learning experiences that combine hands-on learning with real-world scenarios so students are prepared to enter the workforce or college after they graduate high school.
Courses
Career and Technical Education courses are dynamic and engaging, giving students a platform to find their passion and make a career of it. With options for earning college credit, industry credentials, and postsecondary awards (like Industry-Based Certifications (IBC) and associate degrees).
There are CTE national career clusters which guide students through a planned program of study. Admission to these courses is based on a student’s interest and aptitude, as well as availability.
Instructors
Instructors are a highlight of CTE —they are talented individuals who are experts in their area of study. Many CTE instructors continue to work in their industry and field while they teach, giving them the distinct advantage of staying up-to-date on trends and best practices.
Student Benefits
CTE helps all students prepare for college, career and life. Student learning is focused and experience-based, so when they graduate from Austin ISD, they are skilled, knowledgeable and ready to succeed.
View CTE opportunities at Austin ISD schools
Non-discrimination policy >
find your career path
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Career and Technical Education offers recommended sequences of courses based on student interests, goals and aptitudes which align to the national career clusters that guide students through a planned program of study. Students work with their high school counselor to develop an individualized four-year plan that outlines the program of study through which the student can earn an endorsement upon graduation. The endorsement recognizes a student’s concentrated study in a pathway that progresses from foundational knowledge in introductory courses to advanced level study and experiences.
The career clusters at Austin ISD align with state and federal standards.
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
High School | Middle School
Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications
High School | Middle School
Business, Marketing & Finance
High School | Middle School
Engineering
High School | Middle School
Health Science
High School | Middle School
Hospitality & Tourism
High School | Middle School
Information Technology
High School | Middle School
Law & Public Services
High School | Middle School
Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics
High School | Middle School
Best of the Best: Superintendent Surprises AISD 2018 Teachers of the Year
Superintendent Paul Cruz surprised four teachers in their classrooms yesterday to announce their selection as Austin ISD's 2018 Teachers of the Year for elementary and secondary schools.
Being selected as a Teacher of the Year is one of the highest honors the district bestows on AISD teachers.
"I am so proud of these exceptional teachers and the passion they bring to teaching," said Superintendent Paul Cruz. "Engaging and supporting our students in learning every day is our primary focus as a school district and we could not do that without our teachers."
Crockett Early College High School Block Party
Come celebrate the end of the school year and enjoy some family fun with the Crockett Early College High School community!
Join us for food, games, activities and entertainment provided by student performers from throughout the Crockett family of schools.
This free event is noon–3 p.m. April 21 in the Manchaca parking lot at Crockett, 5601 Manchaca Road.
See you there, rain or shine!
About PALS
Austin ISD PALS (Peer Assistance Leadership and Service) is a youth empowerment and cross-age peer mentoring program that has served thousands of Austin ISD students since it was founded at Crockett High School in 1980.