Austin ISD officials hear from parents, teachers and the community about a proposal for an 890 million dollar bond package to improve and expand some schools, like Anderson High and Murchison Middle School. Murchison band director Jeff Owen says the improvements are badly needed, "We have to teach some of our classes out in the hallway, we have to teach some classes in closets.  I mean, they are larger closets, but they are literally closet spaces."

Owen says the school is so overcrowded, it's population is approaching that of a 4 A high school. Last night's public hearing was one of several planned for the bond.  Other parents spoke about a proposal to phase out the use of portable buildings.  Dr. Meria Carstarphan says some of those portables are 50 years old.