Austin's back-to-school guide
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Back-to-school season is here.
Why it matters: A new school year is always a moment of excitement and trepidation for kids and their parents, but it is now especially fraught with questions of politics and budget deficits.
Here's what to know before the first bell.
The specter of a state takeover
Campus accountability scores will be released Aug. 14 — and a failing grade at one of three middle schools could lead to a state takeover.
- Dobie, Webb and Burnet middle schools have received "F" ratings from the Texas Education Agency for four consecutive years. A fifth for any of them would legally require state education commissioner Mike Morath to intervene.
- Last month, the Austin ISD board of trustees voted to shutter Paredes Middle School, another struggling campus, as a way to stave off state intervention.
- Read our two-minute guide about why a state takeover matters.
New laws
Texas' law requiring the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom is in effect statewide after a federal appeals court lifted an injunction that had blocked enforcement in some districts. The law remains under legal challenge.
Texas' Education Freedom Accounts program — the state's school voucher system — debuts this school year, with participating families receiving state money for private school tuition and approved education costs.
Between the lines: Districts return on different dates.
- Aug. 12: Del Valle ISD, Dripping Springs ISD, Elgin ISD, Hutto ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Leander ISD, Liberty Hill ISD, Manor ISD, Pflugerville ISD
- Aug. 13: Bastrop ISD, Eanes ISD, Hays CISD, Lago Vista ISD, Wimberley ISD
- Aug. 18: Austin ISD
- Aug. 19: Georgetown ISD, Round Rock ISD, San Marcos CISD
Transportation changes
Facing budget challenges, Austin ISD is scaling back its transportation operations.
- Districtwide transportation will end for Campbell Elementary School and Eastside Early College High School.
- High school students will transition to centralized hub stops.
- District-funded late activity buses for secondary schools will be eliminated, though individual campuses may pay for after-school transportation using their own budgets.
What they're saying: "My commitment is to ensure that your student gets what they need to be successful every single year," Austin ISD superintendent Matias Segura told parents late last month as he tried to reassure them after the decision to close Paredes.
What's next: The Carlson Law Firm Giveaway on Aug. 14 at Casey Elementary School will award up to three backpacks per family, starting at 2pm.
- Teachers receive a 20% discount on select school supplies at H-E-B through Aug. 29.
🚨 What else: Austin ISD police announced last month their first female motorcycle officer — Linda Lopez.
👟 What we're watching: Austin ISD coaches warming up for the new year.