Parents look to get clarity on upcoming Austin ISD changes

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin ISD held its first school board meeting Monday since announcing the possible closure of 12 schools.

AISD is looking to close several schools, including ten elementary schools, a women's leadership academy and a middle school. 

Parents filled AISD headquarters looking to get some clarity on the upcoming changes the district has for the area. AISD discussed the upcoming plan for the future during Monday's school board meeting. During the meeting, AISD did not allow for public comment.

Some attending the meeting wore shirts of the schools chosen to be closed. 

School closures aren't the only thing being proposed. In order to compete with charter schools, one of the changes includes offering more before and after school programs.

The district also has plans to open new middle schools and also wants to offer new programs such as bilingual, increased mental health services, and improvements to their special education program.

Overall the possible school closures is what's drawing concern with parents. 

The district says these closures will save around $240 million on deferred maintenance, which they plan to invest in these other programs.

Monday's board meeting is one of many the district plans to have to discuss the proposed changes and the district is seeking input from parents before the changes are finalized.