Meeting Recap: 4/24 Community Forum with Robert Schneider *Based on demographic studies, AISD is expecting a decline in overall student population over the next 10 years. Bowie and Akins are overcrowded, but Travis and Crockett are under-enrolled, so the board is not fully aligned with the need for a new South Austin high school. In addition, if there is a new high school built, some on the current school board prefer that it be placed in East Austin. [Note, we do not agree with their demographic projections and have already compiled data to refute them.] *The land for a new high school has not been purchased (from $32 million allocated in 2008 bond) but our trustee affirms that a Southwest location is still in the running. *The budget deficits created by the mandated recapture (Robin Hood) policies and legislative educational cuts have created concern at AISD about the financial aspects of opening a new comprehensive high school. AISD would need to pass another bond of roughly $110 million to fund the actual construction of the new high school. [Note, bond money is not subject to state-wide recapture.] In the last bond election, Southwest Austin voted against all 4 propositions. Two of the four propositions ultimately passed for district-wide facility improvements. There is currently an impression that SW Austin isn’t supportive of AISD. *Short term options for overcrowding that were discussed include adjusting the transfer policy, adjusting boundaries or utilizing under-enrolled campuses for magnet programs.
Posted on: Mon, 12 May 2014 17:16:47 +0000
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