In this episode, Austin ISD highlights critical decisions regarding middle school management, the future of district real estate, and upcoming opportunities for families and creative students.

Key Highlights

• Middle School Partnerships: The district is proposing "1882 partnerships" for Dobie, Burnet, and Webb Middle Schools for the 2026-27 year. This move would involve charter school management to secure extra funding and a two-year reprieve from state sanctions. The Board of Trustees will discuss this on March 12, with a vote scheduled for March 26.

• Property Repurposing: With six school campuses closing after the 2025-26 school year, the district is launching community conversations to decide how these properties can best serve their neighborhoods. The first meetings take place March 9 at Dawson Elementary and March 11 at Widen Elementary.

• Early Childhood Enrollment: Virtual info sessions for Pre-K and Kindergarten are launching soon.

• Kindergarten: Info sessions on March 12; registration is open now.

• Pre-K: Enrollment opens April 1.

• Flood Safety Video Contest: Students in grades 6–12 are invited to create 30-second "Turn Around – Don’t Drown" videos for the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department. Submissions are due March 25.

• Spring Break: A reminder that all district offices and schools will be closed from March 16 through March 20.