Austin Independent School District public meetings in 2021

Board Special Session - Grievance

The Austin Independent School District Board will hold a special session to discuss and decide on a Level Four DGBA appeal involving Carlos Cruz. The meeting includes an executive session on personnel and legal matters, a closed‑session review of the appeal, and an open‑session vote on the decision. Opening items such as call to order and agenda approval will also be addressed.

• Executive session to discuss personnel actions, student disciplinary matters, legal issues, Level Four Appeals and COVID‑19 operations
• Closed‑session consideration of the DGBA appeal of Carlos Cruz
• Closed‑session deliberation by the Board
• Open‑session decision on the appeal of Carlos Cruz
• Opening items: call to order and agenda approval

The Board of Trustees held a special session to consider a Level Four DGBA Appeal. Following an executive session, the Board voted to uphold the previous administrative ruling.

• Approved agenda (5-0-0)
• Affirmed administrative decision at Level Three in the appeal of Carlos Cruz (6-0-0)

Board Regular Voting Meeting

The Austin ISD Board will consider a consent agenda and vote on several actions, including approving innovative high‑school courses for the 2022‑23 year. The agenda also includes partner recognition for St. David’s Foundation, a superintendent report, and a discussion of student achievement data from STAAR and MAP assessments. Additional consent items cover the cancellation of the Mendez 1882 Agreement.

• Motion to approve the consent agenda (action item).
• Approval of Innovative Courses for 2022‑23, including the new Peer Assistance Leadership and Service (PALS) course.
• Cancellation of the Mendez 1882 Agreement (consent action).
• Partner Recognition of St. David’s Foundation for district support.
• Student achievement discussion: STAAR data and Beginning‑of‑Year MAP math results.

The Board unanimously approved a consent agenda covering academic courses, financial reports, and multiple school repair contracts. Separate votes were passed to change the 2022-2024 district calendars and authorize a schoolyard stage at Blackshear Elementary School.

• Approved SY 22/23 & 23/24 District Calendar Change (6-0-2)
• Approved license and cost agreement for Blackshear Elementary schoolyard stage (7-0-0)
• Approved innovative courses for 2022-23 (8-0-0)
• Approved critical repairs at Wooldridge Elementary, Crockett High, and fine arts renovations at Covington Middle (8-0-0)
• Approved various improvements at Akins High School (8-0-0)
• Approved issuance of Unlimited Tax School Building and Refunding Bonds (8-0-0)
• Approved cancellation of Mendez 1882 Agreement (8-0-0)
• Approved TASB Policy Update 118 and EIA (LOCAL) grading/progress report policy (8-0-0)

Board Retreat

This is a board retreat, not a voting meeting. The only substantive item is a discussion of board governance. All other items are procedural: call to order, pledge, and adjournment. No formal action will be taken.

• Discussion of board governance practices

The Board of Trustees met for a retreat focused on board governance. No substantive policy or budgetary decisions were made during the session.

• Approved the agenda (7-0-0)

Board Information Session

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees held an information session on December 2, 2021 to review several district scorecard items. Topics included student achievement data for reading assessments, fiscal stewardship goals related to the FIRST rating and bond ratings, and proposed changes to the district academic calendar. No formal actions were taken; all items were presented for discussion and information only.

• Scorecard Goal 1 – All Students, All Grades: STAAR and MAP reading data (discussion only)
• Scorecard Goals 15 & 16 – Fiscal Stewardship: FIRST rating and bond rating targets (discussion only)
• District Scorecard and Agenda Item Calendar – presentation of new multiyear scorecard (information)
• SY 22/23 & 23/24 District Calendar Change – proposed academic calendar revisions (information)
• General Public Comment – up to 60 speakers may address any issue (information)

The Board of Trustees conducted an information session featuring reports on student achievement and fiscal stewardship. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made, as the meeting served as a preview for the December 16, 2021, regular board meeting.

• Approved the agenda (7-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (8-0-0)

Board Regular Voting Meeting

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees will hold a regular voting meeting on November 18, 2021. The main action item is approval of the 2021 Fall Virtual Learning Program Plan for kindergarten through 6th grade students, which would allow the district to receive ADA funding under Senate Bill 15. The board will also consider a consent agenda with routine items, recognize A+ Federal Credit Union as a partner, and hear reports from the president and superintendent.

• Approve 2021 Fall Virtual Learning Program Plan for K-6 students (ADA funding under SB 15)
• Recognize A+ Federal Credit Union and A+ Education Foundation for support of Austin ISD
• Announcement of 2021 Board Continuing Education Credits
• Public testimony on items scheduled for action
• Consent agenda including multiple routine action items

The Board approved a consent agenda covering virtual learning plans, tax levies, and several school repair contracts. Separate votes were held to approve a contract for audiological booths and the termination of probationary professional employees.

• Approved 2021 Fall Virtual Learning Program Plan (5-0-0)
• Approved Tax Year 2021 Tax Levy (5-0-0)
• Approved critical repairs at Patton Elementary School (5-0-0)
• Approved critical repairs at Bertha Sadler Means Academy (5-0-0)
• Approved renovations at Mills Elementary School (5-0-0)
• Approved improvements at Boone Elementary School (5-0-0)
• Approved rental of Audiological Booths at UT Speech and Hearing Center (5-0-0)
• Approved termination of professional employee(s) during probationary contract (4-0-1)

Board Special Session - Grievances

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees will meet in a special session to consider and decide on a Level Four DGBA appeal filed by Jamaica Jackson. The board will first deliberate in closed session on the appeal and related personnel and legal matters, then reconvene in open session to announce a decision.

• Decision on Level Four DGBA appeal of Jamaica Jackson (Item 5.1)
• Closed session to discuss personnel, student discipline, and legal matters including COVID-19 operations (Item 2.1)
• Closed session consideration of the DGBA appeal (Item 3.1)
• Board deliberation in closed session (Item 4.1)

The Board of Trustees convened a special session to consider a Level Four DGBA Appeal. Following a closed session, the Board voted to affirm the previous administrative decision made at Level Three.

• Approved agenda (6-0-0)
• Affirmed administrative decision at Level Three for Level Four DGBA Appeal (4-1-0)

Board Information Session

This is a Board Information Session, so no formal votes will be taken. Trustees will hear presentations on a new District Scorecard for 2021-26, a review of the FY2020-21 financial audit, preliminary redistricting data from the 2020 Census, and a fall virtual learning program plan. Public comment is allowed on any topic.

• Presentation of a new District Scorecard aligning with HB3 goals for early childhood literacy, math, and college/career readiness
• Review of the draft FY2020-21 financial audit by external auditor RSM US, LLP; final approval scheduled for November 18
• Discussion of Austin ISD redistricting following 2020 Census data, with legal services provided by Thompson & Horton
• Preview of the 2021 Fall Virtual Learning Program Plan for students

The Board of Trustees conducted an information session featuring reports on the District Scorecard, redistricting, and a financial audit. No substantive policy or contract decisions were made during this meeting other than the approval of the agenda.

• Approved the agenda (5-0-0)

Board Regular Voting Meeting

The AISD Board will consider routine items such as opening, pledge of allegiance, and reports, followed by a consent agenda. A key action is the approval of a 2021‑2022 service agreement with the Seedling Foundation to provide trained adult mentors for students with incarcerated parents, at a cost of $495,270. The meeting also includes recognitions of sponsors and a Heroes for Children award recipient.

• Motion to approve the consent agenda
• Renewal of 2021‑2022 Service Agreement with Seedling Foundation ($495,270)
• Recognition of 24 Inspire the Future sponsors
• Recognition of Derrick Townsend with the Heroes for Children award
• President's Report and Superintendent's Report

Board Special Session - Grievances

This special session is to consider and decide the Level Four DGBA appeal of Larry Horn. The board will first meet in closed executive session to discuss the matter, then reconvene in open session to announce a decision. No other substantive business is on the agenda.

• Consideration and decision on the Level Four DGBA appeal of Larry Horn
• Closed executive session to deliberate the appeal and related legal matters
• Open session vote on the appeal outcome

Board Information Session

This is a Board Information Session with no formal votes. Trustees will discuss middle school STAAR performance against Goal 4, receive a redistricting update, hear from Austin Partners in Education, review internal audit policy and a draft audit charter, and preview the upcoming regular board agenda. A proposed renewal of the service agreement with the Seedling Foundation for mentoring students with incarcerated parents is also presented for information only.

• Scorecard Goal 4: Middle school STAAR data discussion (grades 6-8, all subjects at Meets Grade Level)
• Redistricting Update (no details provided)
• APIE Update – Austin Partners in Education operating plan for 2021-2022
• Internal Audit and Audit Policy – discussion of draft CFC (LOCAL) policy and risk assessment proposal
• 2021-2022 Renewal of Service Agreement with Seedling Foundation (mentoring for students with incarcerated parents)

The Board of Trustees conducted an information session to review student achievement reports and receive updates on redistricting and internal audits. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made, as the session served as a preview for the October 28 regular board meeting.

• Approved the agenda (8-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (6-0-0)

Board Special Meeting

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees holds a special meeting with no formal votes scheduled. The main agenda item is a review of Request for Proposal 22RFP015 for legal services related to redistricting. The board may also enter closed session to discuss personnel, real estate, and legal matters.

• Review of RFP 22RFP015 for legal services for redistricting
• Discussion of closed session items including personnel, real estate, and legal issues

Board Retreat

This is a board retreat with no formal action expected. The main item is a training session on evaluating and improving student outcomes. The agenda also includes procedural items and a closed session authorization, but no decisions will be made.

• Board Governance - Evaluating and Improving Student Outcomes Training (information item)

The Board of Trustees held a retreat focused on training for evaluating and improving student outcomes. No substantive policy or budget decisions were made during the meeting.

• Approved the agenda (5-0-0)

Board Regular Voting Meeting

The Austin ISD Board will vote on a consent agenda including a $1.96 million service agreement with Communities In Schools to provide social service support at 49 campuses. The board will also recognize the partner organization For the Children and issue a Hispanic Heritage Month statement. Other items include committee reports and a superintendent's report.

• Approval of $1,960,000 contract with Communities In Schools of Central Texas for student support services at 49 campuses
• Recognition of For the Children for their support of Austin ISD
• Hispanic Heritage Month recognition statement
• Consent agenda includes routine items grouped for a single vote

The Board approved the 2021-2022 tax rate and granted partial tax exemptions for historical landmark properties. Trustees also approved a series of consent items covering academic partnerships, budget amendments, and personnel actions. Several interlocal agreements with the University of Texas were authorized.

• Adopted tax rate of $1.0617 per $100 of assessed valuation (7-0-0)
• Approved partial tax exemptions for historical landmark properties (7-0-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items 9.1-13.3 including academic agreements and budget reports (7-0-0)
• Approved renewal of Literacy First agreement with University of Texas (6-0-1)
• Approved Health Careers Mentorship Program partnership with UT Austin (6-0-1)
• Approved Young Scientist / Austin Urban Scholars Program agreement with UT Austin (6-0-1)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with UT Austin for College of Pharmacy Program (6-0-1)

Board Public Hearing

The board will hold a public hearing required by state law to present the district's 2021 School Financial Integrity Rating. Austin ISD received a 'Superior' rating with a score of 92 out of 100. The district also earned a Aaa debt rating from Moody's and AA+ from Fitch, and maintains its Transparency Star certification.

• Presentation of district's 2021 School Financial Integrity Rating (FIRST)
• Austin ISD received a 'Superior' rating with a score of 92 out of 100
• Moody's assigned Aaa debt rating
• Fitch assigned AA+ debt rating
• District maintains Texas Comptroller Transparency Star certification

The Board conducted a public hearing regarding the School Financial Integrity Rating for 2021. No members of the public signed up to comment, and the Chief Financial Officer presented information on the rating. No substantive votes were taken other than procedural motions.

• Approved the agenda (7-0-0)

Board Information Session

No formal action will be taken at this Board Information Session. Presentations include House Bill 3 goals for reading, math, and college readiness; an update from the AISD Police Department on safety and security; and a preview of a $1.96 million service agreement with Communities In Schools for academic support at 49 campuses. Public comment will be recorded via phone due to COVID-19.

• Discussion of HB3 literacy, math, and CCMR goals with quantifiable annual targets
• Safety and Security Update: AISD Police Department has 88 officers, SROs at all middle and high schools, and is Texas Police Chiefs accredited
• Preview of 2021-2022 Service Agreement with Communities In Schools (CIS) for $1,960,000 covering 49 campuses
• Public comment via phone recordings, deadline 3 p.m. on meeting day
• Preview of Regular Board Agenda for September 23, 2021 meeting

The Board of Trustees held an information session to receive updates on student achievement and safety and security. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made during this meeting, as it served as a preview for the September 23 regular board review.

• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0-0)

Board Regular Voting Meeting

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees will meet to approve a consent agenda including a Memorandum of Understanding for the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Cooperative of Travis County for 2021-2022. The board will also recognize sponsors of the 2021 Back to School Bash and Office Depot Start Proud. The meeting includes committee and superintendent reports, public testimony, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Approve 2021-2022 MOU for Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Cooperative of Travis County (consent item 9.1)
• Recognize Back to School Bash 2021 sponsors and Office Depot Start Proud (item 3.1)
• Approve October 5, 2020 and November 9, 2020 Board Retreat minutes (items 10.1, 10.2)
• Public testimony on agenda items scheduled for action
• Board may meet in closed session for personnel, real estate, legal, and security matters

The Board of Trustees approved the 2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct and a resolution for curriculum. They also approved a series of consent items including HVAC improvements at Galindo Elementary School and several inter-agency agreements.

• Approved 2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct (9-0-0)
• Approved Board Resolution for Curriculum (9-0-0)
• Approved Cooperative Agreement with UT Austin for OnRamps Program (8-0-1)
• Approved termination of professional employee(s) during term contract (7-0-2)
• Approved HVAC Improvements contract for Galindo Elementary School (8-1-0)
• Approved MOU for Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Cooperative of Travis County (8-1-0)
• Approved MOAs with Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Texas School for the Deaf (8-1-0)
• Approved Virtual Education Policy Resolution (8-1-0)

Board Work Session Meeting

The Austin Independent School District Board held a work session with no formal actions. Trustees heard a presentation on the district's long-range facility plan and then discussed it. The meeting also included standard procedural items such as call to order, pledge of allegiance, and adjournment.

• Call to Order – closed‑session topics listed in agenda
• Presentation of Long‑range Facility Plan (information only)
• Discussion on Long‑range Planning (information only)
• Reference to $1 billion bond investment approved by voters (background)

Board Information Session and Special Meeting

The board will receive information-only presentations on end-of-year math and reading assessment data, a legislative and redistricting update, and proposed changes to the 2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct. Key changes include deletion of long-term suspensions, reduction of suspension lengths from 3 to 2 days, and new campus discipline review procedures. No formal action is scheduled; all items are for discussion or information.

• End of Year Assessment (EOY) Math and Reading data review for 2020-2021
• Legislative and redistricting update, including potential redrawing of single-member districts using 2020 Census data
• 2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct: deletion of long-term suspensions, reduction of in-school and out-of-school suspension lengths to 2 days
• HB 4545 requires accelerated learning committees for students who did not pass STAAR/EOC in certain grades

The Board of Trustees approved a resolution regarding COVID safety protocols. The remainder of the meeting consisted of information presentations and previews of upcoming agenda items.

• Approved Board Resolution Addressing COVID Safety Protocols (9-0-0)
• Approved the meeting agenda (8-0-0)

Special Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees will receive updates regarding local health data and safety protocols for the start of the 2021-22 school year. No formal action is scheduled to be taken during this special meeting.

• COVID-19 Health and Data Update
• COVID-19 Safety Protocols

The Board held a special meeting featuring public comment from 60 speakers and two executive sessions. Superintendent Elizalde provided an update on safety protocols, including a mask requirement on all district property. No other substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded.

• Approved the meeting agenda (8-0-0)

Board Special Session - Grievances

The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees is scheduled to review closed-session deliberations on Level Four DGBA appeals for 20 named individuals. The board will announce decisions in open session for two appeals and continue deliberations for the remainder. The meeting is conducted remotely via Zoom.

• Closed session consideration of Level Four DGBA appeals for 20 named individuals
• Open session decisions scheduled for appeals of Arami Rosales and Suzann Vera
• Executive session to discuss employee/student grievances and legal counsel consultation
• Board deliberation and decision announcements scheduled throughout the day

The Board of Trustees reviewed several Level Four DGBA appeals in closed sessions and subsequently voted in open sessions. In nearly all cases, the Board voted to affirm the administrative decisions made at Level Three.

• Approved agenda (5-0-0)
• Affirmed administrative decisions for Level Four DGBA appeals 6.1 through 6.10 (each passed 3-1-1)
• Affirmed administrative decisions for Level Four DGBA appeals 10.1 through 10.10 (each passed 4-1-1)
• Affirmed administrative decisions for Level Four DGBA appeals 14.1 through 14.8 and 14.10 (each passed 5-0-0)
• Took no action on Level Four DGBA appeal 14.9 to allow administration to resolve the matter

Board Special Meeting

The board will receive information on the proposed use of $155 million in ESSER III federal funds for COVID-19 recovery and reopening. They will also hear an update on COVID-19 data, safety protocols, and protection measures from Dell Children's Medical Center and UT experts. No formal votes are scheduled; all items are for information only. Public comment will be taken by phone recording.

• ESSER III proposal details $155 million in federal COVID relief for Austin ISD
• Update on COVID-19 data, safety protocols, and protection measures from Dr. Meena Iyer, Dr. Lauren Meyers, and AISD staff
• Plan for two school reopening town hall meetings on August 4 (English) and August 5 (Spanish) at 6:00 PM
• Board may enter executive session to discuss personnel, real estate, and legal matters including Board Policy CW and COVID-19 implications
• Public comment limited to 60 seconds via phone recording due to COVID-19

The Board received presentations on COVID-19 safety protocols and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III proposal. No substantive policy decisions or budget approvals were recorded in the open session.

• Approved the meeting agenda (9-0-0)

Board Regular Voting Meeting

The board will receive information on $155 million in ESSER III federal COVID relief funds and review family survey results. The meeting also includes recognitions for Teacher Appreciation Week partners and vaccine providers. Most items are informational or procedural, with a consent agenda for routine action items (details not listed in the agenda excerpt).

• Information item on $155 million ESSER III federal COVID relief funding
• Recognition of vaccine providers for 7,000 vaccinations at campus clinics
• Scorecard family survey results for constraint on parent engagement
• Consent agenda for routine action items (items 9.1–14.2, not detailed)
• Partner recognition for Teacher Appreciation Week supporters

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the budget for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year and a consultation agreement for employee compensation. The board also approved several partnership agreements with universities and city agencies, as well as various operational contracts.

• Approved Budget for 2021-22 Fiscal Year (9-0-0)
• Approved Consultation Agreement - Employee Compensation (9-0-0)
• Approved MOU with University of Texas Principal Residency Program (8-0-1)
• Approved MOU with Workforce Solutions Capital Area and City of Austin (8-0-1)
• Approved Interlocal Agreement with UT Austin for Dell Med CLIMB Summer Program (8-0-1)
• Approved Final Budget Amendment for FY2020-21 (9-0-0)
• Approved contracts for waste management, food service dry staples, and youth/family out-of-school programs (9-0-0)
• Approved naming of the LBJ Early College High School Basketball Court (9-0-0)

Board Public Hearing

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees held a public hearing on June 24, 2021 to discuss the proposed FY 2022 budget and tax rate. No action was taken; approval is scheduled for a later regular board meeting. The proposed total budget is $1,776,882,829, with a total tax rate of $1.1027 per $100 valuation.

• Proposed FY 2022 budget of $1,776,882,829 ($1,578,598,486 general fund, $35,754,408 food service, $162,529,935 debt service)
• Maintenance & Operations tax rate of $0.9897 and Interest & Sinking rate of $0.1130 per $100 value (total $1.1027)
• General fund includes $709,420,278 in recapture payments to the state under Chapter 49
• Discussion only; budget adoption occurs at a future regular board meeting

The Board conducted a public hearing to receive comments on the FY 2022 Budget and Tax Rate. No formal votes were taken to approve or deny the budget or tax rate during this meeting.

• Approved the agenda (8-0-0)

Board Information Session

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees will hold an informational meeting with no formal votes scheduled. Administrators will present updates on the T-STEM partnership at Mendez Middle School, changes to the student code of conduct, and results from staff and student surveys. These updates will inform the board’s formal review of the Student Code of Conduct on August 26. The session also includes a public comment period for residents.

• Mendez Middle School T-STEM 1882 partnership update, including accountability exemptions and testing program changes.
• Overview of district discipline policies and the upcoming August 26 review of the Student Code of Conduct.
• Review of GPM 3.5 and CPM 3.5 survey outcomes measuring staff and student perceptions of school climate.
• General public comment period allowing up to 60 residents to submit 60-second phone recordings.

The Board of Trustees conducted an information session featuring updates on student conduct, surveys, and a new middle school in Northeast Austin. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made during this session, as the meeting served as a preview for the June 24 regular board meeting.

• Approved the agenda (9-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (8-0-0)

Board Special Session - Grievances

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees will hold a special session to consider Level Three and Level Four grievance appeals, hear public testimony, and vote on action items including a summer work schedule resolution and a settlement agreement for deficiencies in the construction of the Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy. The settlement involves Pfluger Associates, L.P. and Jose I. Guerra, Inc. and provides restitution to the district.

• Approval of settlement agreement for construction deficiencies at Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy (12.2)
• Approval of summer work schedule resolution setting Monday-Thursday hours from June 7 to August 6 (12.1)
• Closed-session deliberation on Level Three FNG grievance appeal (4.3)
• Closed-session deliberation on Level Four DGBA grievance appeal (6.3, 8.3)
• Public testimony on action items via recorded phone messages (11.1)

The Board of Trustees unanimously affirmed administrative decisions regarding two separate appeals (Level Three FNG and Level Four DGBA). The board also approved a summer work schedule and a settlement agreement.

• Approved meeting agenda (7-0-0)
• Affirmed administrative decision at Level Two for Level Three FNG Appeal (7-0-0)
• Affirmed administrative decision at Level Three for Level Four DGBA Appeal (7-0-0)
• Approved Item 12.1 Summer Work Schedule (7-0-0)
• Approved Item 12.2 Settlement Agreement (7-0-0)

Board Retreat

This is a procedural board retreat of the Austin ISD Board of Trustees. The agenda includes a closed session for personnel, real estate, and legal matters, followed by an information-only discussion on board governance. No formal action will be taken at this meeting.

• Closed session permitted for personnel, real estate, security, and legal consultations
• Discussion of board governance without decision-making

Board Regular Voting Meeting

The board will hear recognitions for Asian Pacific American and Jewish American Heritage months, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Salute Award winners. They will discuss the Student Equity Council and review Gifted and Talented enrollment scorecard data targeting 8% African American student participation by SY 2021/22. No major financial decisions or rezonings are on the agenda.

• Recognition of 2021 Salute Award winners (consent agenda)
• Presentation on Student Equity Council launched December 2020
• Scorecard review: Gifted and Talented enrollment target of 8% African American students
• Recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
• Recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month

The Board approved a contract for a planning partner for the Long-range Facilities Plan and adopted a new policy for board meetings. A series of consent items covering academic adoptions, business contracts, and personnel terminations were also approved.

• Approved contract for Long-range Facilities Plan planning partner (8-0-1)
• Approved BE (Local) - Board Meetings option 2 (9-0-0)
• Approved Prekindergarten Systems adoption in English and Spanish (9-0-0)
• Approved contract renewal with United Way for Greater Austin (9-0-0)
• Approved contracts for dairy products, vehicle repair, and internal audit services (9-0-0)
• Approved contract for replacement of intrusion equipment districtwide (9-0-0)
• Approved proposed termination of professional employee(s) during term contracts (9-0-0)
• Approved May 2021 Monthly Budget Amendment Report (9-0-0)

Board Information Session

This is a Board Information Session of the Austin ISD Board of Trustees where no formal action is taken. The board will discuss the FY2021-22 recommended budget, magnet enrollment scorecard targets, strategic plan updates, proposed changes to policy BE(LOCAL) on board meetings, and the adoption of Pre-K instructional materials in English and Spanish. Public comment is accepted via recorded phone messages.

• Magnet enrollment targets: increase African American enrollment from 81 to 109 and Hispanic from 594 to 802 by 2021-22
• FY2022 recommended budget overview presented by Interim CFO George Gogonas; budget adoption targeted for June 24
• Proclamation 2021 Pre-K systems adoption in English and Spanish at an estimated cost of $1,777,061 from IMAC funds
• Proposed changes to policy BE(LOCAL) adding timeline for agenda development and clarifying consent agenda procedures
• Strategic Plan update from Studer Education outlining levers for culture, academic excellence, and leadership

The Board conducted an information session to review reports and preview items for the next regular voting meeting. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made, other than the approval of the meeting agenda.

• Approved the meeting agenda (8-0-0)

Board Retreat

The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees will hold a retreat on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd. The agenda includes a call to order, approval of the agenda, a pledge of allegiance, and a discussion on board governance. No formal actions or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is informational and procedural. The board may meet in closed session to consider confidential matters permitted under Texas law.

The Board of Trustees conducted a retreat focused on team-building led by AJ Crabill of the Council of the Great City Schools. No substantive policy decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.

Board Regular Voting Meeting

The Board of Trustees meeting includes several recognition items presented by the Superintendent. These include observances for Autism Awareness, Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, School Library Month, Earth Week, National Arab American Heritage Month, and AISD Pride Week.

• Recognition of Vaccine and Testing Partners including Ascension Seton, Austin Public Health, Code 4, CommUnityCare, UFCU, Walgreens, and H-E-B Pharmacy
• Recognition of over 8,000 COVID-19 vaccination opportunities provided to AISD staff

The Board approved the 2022 health plans and an interlocal agreement with the University of Texas at Austin for the 2021 UT PREP Summer Program. A consent agenda was passed covering federal ESSER funding, bond issuance, and several facility improvement contracts. The Board also approved the naming of the new modernized Eastside campus.

• Approved 2022 Health Plans (8-0-1)
• Approved Interlocal Agreement with UT Austin for 2021 UT PREP Summer Program (8-0-1)
• Approved Federal ESSER Funding resolution (9-0-0)
• Approved issuance and sale of Unlimited Tax Bonds (9-0-0)
• Approved contract for district-wide security camera replacement (9-0-0)
• Approved improvements contract for Blanton Elementary School (9-0-0)
• Approved easement at Lamar Middle School for City of Austin Burnet Road Corridor Mobility Project (9-0-0)
• Approved naming of the new modernized Eastside campus (9-0-0)

Board Information Session

This is a Board Information Session, so no formal votes will be taken. The board will hear presentations on direct-to-college enrollment data, an update from the Office of Equity, and an enrollment recovery plan called Operation Reconnect. Public comment will be accepted via recorded phone messages due to COVID-19 precautions.

• Presentation of direct-to-college enrollment rates for AISD graduates, tied to the DTC70 initiative.
• Office of Equity update on the newly formed equity advisory committee and plans for an equity assessment RFP.
• Operation Reconnect: strategies to boost enrollment and attendance, addressing state funding impacts.
• Virtual public comment allowed via phone recordings (up to 60 speakers, 1 minute each).

The Board of Trustees conducted an information session featuring reports on the FY2021-22 preliminary budget, 2022 health plans, and student achievement. No substantive policy decisions were made during the open session, which included a preview of the upcoming regular board agenda.

• Approved the meeting agenda (8-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (7-0-0)

Board Special Session - Grievances

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees will consider and decide on a Level Three appeal under policy FNG (Local) in a special session. The meeting includes closed executive sessions to consult with legal counsel and deliberate, followed by open oral presentations and a final public vote on the appeal.

• Level Three public appeal under policy FNG (Local) to be decided by the board
• Closed session to consult legal counsel and deliberate on the grievance
• Open session for oral presentations before the board
• Action item: decision on the Level Three appeal

The Board of Trustees held a special session to consider a Level Three Appeal. Following an executive session, the Board voted to affirm the previous administrative decision made at Level Two.

• Approved the agenda (7-0-0)
• Affirmed the administrative decision at Level Two for a Level Three Appeal (5-0-2)

Board Regular Voting Meeting

The Board of Trustees will conduct several recognition items including student academic achievements and various appreciation weeks. The meeting also includes a recognition of partners who provided relief assistance following the 2021 winter storm.

• Recognition of National Merit, College Board National Recognition, and U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates
• Recognition of Women's History Month
• Recognition of César Chávez-Dolores Huerta Day
• Recognition of National School Breakfast Week
• Recognition of National School Social Work Week

The Board approved several facility contracts, including emergency winter storm repairs and school renovations. It also authorized a contract for a real estate consultant and an agreement with the University of Texas at Austin Heart of Texas Writing Project.

• Approved emergency purchases for winter storm damage (9-0-0)
• Approved kitchen hood suppression system replacement contract 21CSP068 (9-0-0)
• Approved critical repairs at Saegert Bus Terminal contract 21CSP071 (9-0-0)
• Approved electrical and plumbing repairs at Burnet Middle School contract 21CSP070 (9-0-0)
• Approved LASA HS Renovations to Existing Eastside ECHS contract 21CSP069 (9-0-0)
• Approved AggieTerm MOU with Texas A & M University (9-0-0)
• Approved Interlocal Cooperation Contract with UT Austin Heart of Texas Writing Project (8-0-1)
• Approved contract for Real Estate Consultant 21RFP007 (9-0-0)

Board Information Session

This is an information session only; no formal action will be taken. The board will receive a mid-year district check-in with data from August 2020 to February 2021, including a scorecard update. They will also hear the annual demographic report showing a 7.6% student population decline and 75,075 enrolled students, largely due to COVID-19. Additionally, an academic update on special education will be presented.

• District mid-year check-in covering August 2020–February 2021 data and scorecard progress
• Annual demographic report: enrollment of 75,075, a decline of 5,815 students from 2019–20
• Elementary population down 13% (-5,425) since 2019–20; projected increase of 2,656 next year
• Nearly 15,000 apartment units under construction within AISD but expected to yield minimal students
• Academic update on special education: overview of IDEA, IEPs, and least restrictive environment

The Board held an information session featuring administrative updates on special education, demographics, fiscal forecasts, and staffing formulas. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made during the open session.

• Approved the meeting agenda (8-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (8-0-0)

Regular Voting Meeting

The board will consider approving Calendar A for both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years as part of the consent agenda. The meeting also includes recognitions for African American Heritage Month, Career and Technical Education Month, school counselors, and the Genevieve & Ward Orsinger Foundation. Public testimony will be heard before the consent vote.

• Approval of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 instructional calendars (Calendar A)
• African American Heritage Recognition
• Career and Technical Education Recognition Month
• School Counselor Appreciation
• Partner Recognition: Genevieve & Ward Orsinger Foundation

The Board approved an interlocal contract with UT Austin's Dell Medical School for the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program. A consent agenda was passed approving instructional calendars, network upgrades, and various school facility repairs. The board also approved several personnel terminations.

• Approved TCHATT interlocal contract with UT Austin/Dell Medical School (8-0-1)
• Approved 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Instructional Calendars (9-0-0)
• Approved contracts for internet firewall, router, switch, and wireless upgrades (9-0-0)
• Approved roofing and HVAC replacement at Cowan Elementary School (9-0-0)
• Approved renovations at Lively Middle School (9-0-0)
• Approved HVAC replacement at Kiker Elementary School (9-0-0)
• Approved critical repairs at Webb Middle School (9-0-0)
• Approved HVAC upgrades at Kealing Middle School (9-0-0)

Board Information Session and Special Voting Meeting

The Board of Trustees will consider a resolution to provide one-time retention payments to employees. The meeting will be held virtually due to inclement weather and COVID-19 protocols.

• Resolution for Retention Incentive Benefit: $1,000 for full-time staff earning $150,000 or less
• Resolution for Retention Incentive Benefit: $500 for part-time staff
• Academic Update on Dual Language Implementation
• Review of 2021–22 and 2022–23 Instructional Calendars

The Board of Trustees approved a resolution to provide a $1,000 Retention Incentive Benefit to eligible employees. The benefit applies to full-time and part-time staff earning less than $150,000 who were active employees as of February 15, 2021.

• Approved Retention Incentive Benefit Resolution (9-0-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (9-0-0)

Board Public Hearing

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees is holding a required public hearing on the 2019-20 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR). Due to the cancellation of spring 2020 STAAR testing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the performance section of the report was not updated and will not contain new student test results. The agenda is entirely informational and procedural; no votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Presentation and discussion of the 2019-20 Texas Academic Performance Report, including STAAR results from 2017-18 and 2018-19 only
• Public hearing to receive comments on the TAPR, limited to one minute per speaker
• Meeting held virtually due to COVID-19, with a quorum physically present at 4000 S. IH-35 Frontage Road
• Agenda includes only procedural items: call to order, agenda approval, and adjournment

The Board of Trustees conducted a public hearing to receive information and public comments regarding the 2019-2020 Texas Academic Performance Report. No substantive policy or budgetary decisions were made during the meeting.

• Approved the meeting agenda (9-0-0)

Regular Voting Meeting

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees will hold a regular voting meeting on Jan 25, 2021. The meeting includes a motion to approve a consent agenda that bundles routine items 8.1 through 12.2 into a single vote. Several recognition items will also be presented, such as Board Appreciation Month, a partner award for Austin Free‑Net, and a proclamation honoring Mrs. Sarah Lively. The superintendent will give an informational report titled “Open for Learning.”

• Motion to approve Consent Agenda (items 8.1‑12.2)
• Board Proclamation honoring Mrs. Sarah Lively
• Partner Recognition: Austin Free‑Net
• Board Appreciation Month recognition
• Superintendent’s “Open for Learning” report

The Board of Trustees approved contracts for school mental health centers and multiple campus facility upgrades. They also authorized interlocal agreements with the University of Texas and accepted several state grant funds.

• Approved contract for School Mental Health Centers at Elementary, Middle and High Schools (9-0-0)
• Approved interlocal agreements with University of Texas for Project MALES and Community-Wide Service Tracking Solution (8-0-0)
• Approved HVAC Replacement at Williams Elementary School (8-0-0)
• Approved Resolution to Accept Justice Assistance Grant Funds through Governor's Office (9-0-0)
• Approved roofing repairs at Dawson Elementary and HVAC/structural repairs at Kocurek Elementary (9-0-0)
• Approved upgrades at Travis High School, Widén Elementary, and Barrington Elementary (9-0-0)
• Approved Head Start Continuation Application (9-0-0)
• Approved Annual Financial Audit Services agreement (9-0-0)

Board Retreat

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees held a retreat on January 23, 2021, to discuss board governance and other operational matters. No formal action was taken as the meeting was designated for discussion only. The agenda included procedural items such as call to order, approval of the agenda, and adjournment.

• Discussion of board governance as an information item
• No votes or decisions scheduled or taken
• Meeting held at Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd

The board participated in a retreat focused on board governance and team-building. No substantive policy decisions or votes were recorded during the meeting.

Board Information Session and Special Meeting

The board will discuss an equity assessment update and a potential request for qualifications for an outside provider. They will also recognize outgoing board members, administer oaths for positions 5 and 8, and take action to select board officers. Public comment is collected via phone recordings due to COVID-19.

• Recognize outgoing board members and administer oath of office for Positions 5 and 8.
• Superintendent's report on 'Open for Learning' plan.
• Discussion of equity assessment and issuing RFQ for a third-party provider.
• Executive session to discuss personnel, real property, and legal matters.
• Action to select board officers.

The Board of Trustees appointed Geronimo M. Rodriguez, Jr. as President, Yasmin Wagner as Vice President, and Arati Singh as Secretary. The meeting also recognized the transition of two outgoing trustees and the swearing-in of new trustees Lynn Boswell and Noelita Lugo.

• Approved agenda (9-0-0)
• Elected Geronimo M. Rodriguez, Jr. as President (7-0-2)
• Elected Arati Singh as Secretary (9-0-0)
• Elected Yasmin Wagner as Vice President (5-4)