AUSTIN, TX—The Austin Independent School District will hold a media briefing with Meria Carstarphen, superintendent, and Vincent Torres, president of the Board of Trustees, to provide information about the district’s next steps after this weekend’s bond election, in which voters approved two of the four propositions.
When: 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 13
Where: AISD, Carruth Administration Center, A-230, 1111 W. Sixth St.
Background: Saturday, Austin voters approved Propositions 1 and 3 of the AISD bond to support technology, transportation, energy conservation and address facility repairs and improvements across the district.
Voters approved Proposition 1 for $140.5 million to upgrade technology to ensure all students have access, build new science and technology labs, add new school buses and improve energy conservation.
Proposition 3 was the largest of the four at $349.1 million and will allow the district to repair and renovate all of its aging schools, including fixing leaky roofs and replacing old plumbing. This proposition includes repairs for every school in the district. A complete list of repairs by school can be found online at www.austinisd.org/bond/bond-program/by-school.
Two propositions did not pass. Proposition 2, which was for $233.9 million, included building new schools to address overcrowding, improvements in safety and security, and improving facilities for fine arts, physical education and athletics. This proposition lost by less than 200 votes. Proposition 4. which was for $168.5 million, included facility improvements for career and technical education, fine arts, special education and physical education and athletics, and facility renovations at the Ridgeview campus (old Anderson High School) for the School for Young Men.
The administration will work with the board and all school communities to reassess how to prioritize the district’s needs and determine what is affordable for the Austin community. As with any approved bonds, AISD will establish a Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee to ensure the will of the voters is carried out.
Official results on the election can be found at www.traviscountyclerk.org.
For more information, please contact the Department of Communications and Community Engagement at 414-2414.