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AISD School Closings Possible

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Real Estate Broker/Owner

AISD school closingsAustin Independent School District (AISD) is considering closing several neighborhood schools in an effort to save money.  AISD is considered "property rich" and sends locally collected dollars to the state for redistribution. This redistribution plus  lower funding from the state and rising expenses have forced AISD to consider moves that would save dollars. 

Neighborhood schools are a vital part of any community and the quality and location of schools impacts property values in surrounding areas. The AISD task force said they did not consider school performance or academic achievement, but looked at maintenance costs, capacity utilization and how many students overall are affected.

Parents and students of some of the impacted AISD schools have organized quickly in opposition.  As Realtors, we all know that schools can heavily influence home buying decisions.  I have had my share of parents who only consider one school or district and will not look elsewhere.  Closing AISD schools will make a difference in Austin neighborhoods which means it will make a difference to Austin families and where they choose to live.  

One of the schools that may be closed is Downtown Austin's only elementary, Pease.    Opened in 1876, it is one of the oldest operating schools in Texas. AISD also wants to close Zilker, Barton Hills, Sanchez, Brooke, Joslin, Oak Springs and Ortega Elementary along with Pearce Middle School.  

The next public meeting on the AISD proposal is Thursday January 13 at 6 p.m. at Burger Center off 290. AISD Board of Trustees can be contacted by email at  trustees@austinisd.org.  Now is a good time to to let AISD know your thoughts on this issue.  UPDATE:  As of March 2, the 2011-2012 AISD budget does not call for any school closures in Austin.  That could still change as the state tweeks budget estimates.

 

Jeff Harris

Broker

www.trueaustinhomes.com

jeff@trueaustinhomes.com

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