Austin Independent School District leaders are proposing a wide range of spending cuts and operational changes as the district works to close a projected $181 million budget deficit ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
The proposal includes possible increases in class sizes at some campuses, reductions in teacher planning time, staffing changes, and additional cuts that are still under review. District officials say the financial challenges are being driven by declining enrollment, slowing property value growth, and lower-than-expected revenue projections.
Superintendent Matias Segura said the district has already identified roughly $73.8 million in reductions to central office and department budgets, along with another $33.9 million in proposed campus-level cuts. Austin ISD also hopes to generate additional revenue through real estate monetization and other funding strategies.
Under the proposal, some elementary schools could see larger class sizes, while certain teachers may lose one of their planning periods in future school years. Secondary school teachers at some campuses may also be required to teach more class periods during the school day.
District leaders say campuses with the highest needs, including schools operating under state-required turnaround plans, would receive additional protections from some of the proposed cuts. Austin ISD says it does not currently plan to eliminate librarian or counselor positions.
The district has already approved the closure of 10 campuses as part of broader cost-saving efforts. Officials estimate those closures could save about $21 million, though much of that money is already earmarked for improvement initiatives at struggling campuses.
Teachers and community members have voiced concerns in recent weeks about the potential impact the cuts could have on classrooms, staffing, fine arts, physical education, and student support services. Some educators have also raised concerns about proposed changes to special education and bilingual stipends.
Austin ISD officials say additional budget discussions will continue over the coming weeks before trustees are expected to vote on a final budget in June.
