Austin ISD is facing a projected $181 million shortfall in the 2026-27 budget, setting the stage for major cuts, per a letter sent by superintendent Matias Segura to families and staff Tuesday night.

Why it matters: The crisis facing public schools in Austin and across the state appears to be accelerating amid what district leaders say is insufficient state funding.

• Some school staff are likely to lose their jobs, and the district is eying cuts to art and music programs and 15% cuts to budgets across campuses.

The big picture: Last year, state lawmakers increased teacher pay and per-student funding, but public school advocates warned it wouldn't be enough to make ends meet after years of stagnant funding and rising costs.

• Meanwhile, driven by Gov. Greg Abbott, lawmakers earmarked $1 billion in taxpayer money to private schools through a newly created voucher program.

Catch up quick: In November, the Austin ISD board committed to shuttering 10 campuses to save money.

Follow the money: In a presentation to board members Tuesday, district officials proposed cuts including $5.7 million in special education teacher stipends, $40.9 million to staff positions, $2 million to librarians and $6 million to elementary physical education, art and music programs.

• The district may also try to raise money through sales of school district property and by selling naming rights to school facilities.

Between the lines: The projected shortfall for the coming school year "exists because Austin ISD prioritizes essential programs and services that the state does not fund," Segura wrote Tuesday.

• He also cited declining property values and a dip in enrollment, both of which affect school funding.

Yes, but: During a budget session Tuesday evening, board president Lynn Boswell warned against making permanent budget cuts in case more state funding materializes or enrollment bounces back up.

• "If we get rid of all our librarians, that will be very hard to get back," Boswell said as an example.

What's next: The preliminary Austin ISD budget will be presented on April 23, with a final board vote scheduled for June 18.

Look up! Millions of birds are traveling through Texas this week as part of the annual spring migration.

Why it matters: Texas sits in the Central Flyway, a superhighway for birds traveling south before the winter months and back north during the spring.

State of flight: Fall migration happens between August and November. Spring migration peaks mid-April to mid-May.

• Warblers, ruby-throated hummingbirds and northern parulas are among the dozens of species that travel through Texas.
• Most of the migration happens at night, and some birds travel as far as the Arctic in the spring.

By the numbers: An estimated 6.3 million birds crossed Texas between Tuesday night and yesterday morning.

• Roughly 448,500 crossed Travis County, per Cornell University's BirdCast dashboard.

Threat level: Drought, urbanization and heat can threaten birds by making it hard for them to find food and reproduce, per the National Audubon Society.

• Brightly-lit buildings can also be disorienting to birds.

What to do: Travis Audubon has asked Austin residents and business owners to turn off non-essential lights 11pm-6am every night through June 30.

• Plus, close your blinds at night and aim any lit outdoor fixtures downward.

What to watch: You might spot migrating birds in your own backyard.

• Warblers — Nashville, Yellow, Wilson's, and Black-throated Green — are the most common, according to Travis Audubon's Caley Zuzula.
• Use the BirdCast dashboard for Travis County to check which birds are flying through the area.

🦫 Austin Wildlife Rescue has taken in a baby beaver that was found wandering alone on a sidewalk. (Fox 7)

💰 Travis County commissioners voted to withhold 9% of Tesla's tax rebate after the company failed to provide documentation for some of the rebate requirements, particularly around environmental and safety rules. (KUT)

🍽️ Eldorado Cafe plans to again expand its location on Anderson Lane. (Austin Business Journal 🔒)

Here's what's on deck this weekend.

Friday

🐦‍⬛ Head to Travis Audubon's Flock Party Friday at Hornsby Bend, where you can learn about some of the best birding spots during spring migration. 8-10am, free.

🎶 Catch Zara Larsson at Stubb's. 7pm, resale tickets available.

Saturday

🍺 Wish Zilker Brewing Co. a happy 11th birthday, with an all-day party at the brewery featuring hourly giveaways, plus the first 111 beers sold will be $1.11. Free entry, 11:11am-11:11pm.

Sunday

🍸 Celebrate five years of Lutie's at the Commodore Perry Estate. Try a signature anniversary cocktail and a curated selection of seasonal bites. 5-9pm, $65.

🏃‍♀️ Cheer on runners in the annual Statesman Cap10K. 8am start, registration required to run.

Austin residents can get a closer look at new art installations along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail this weekend.

Catch up quick: Nine local and regional contemporary artists were selected to be part of this year's TEMPO, a program by The Trail Conservancy and the Economic Development Department's Art in Public Places Program.

• All nine works across mural, sculpture and new media were installed last month, per the Trail Conservancy.

📍 If you go: Meet the artists and explore their work during a free event 9-11am Saturday at Seaholm Waterfront.