This episode provides an update on the Austin ISD School Consolidation and Boundary Change Plan, highlighting key dates for community involvement.

The Board of Trustees reviewed the current draft of the plan at its Oct. 9 meeting, hearing more than an hour of public comment. We detail how the community can provide feedback on this draft plan now through October 28th by completing a comment card available on the Austin ISD website. This system helps the district efficiently gather, categorize, and track all community input.

Don't miss the opportunity to ask questions during the upcoming virtual Q&A sessions, scheduled for October 14th, 16th, 27th, and November 8th. Following the feedback period, staff will continue to review input and incorporate edits into a recommended plan. That updated plan will be presented at the Nov. 6 Board Information Session, with the Board scheduled to vote on the final plan on Nov. 20.

We also cover other essential reminders, including deadlines for college application fee waivers and employee benefits:

• College Application Fee Waivers: Texas students applying for undergraduate admission to any Texas public university or college between Oct. 13-19 may be eligible to have their application fees waived. Applications must be submitted via Apply Texas by 11:59 PM on Oct. 19.

• Open Enrollment: Eligible Austin ISD employees must complete their Open Enrollment by the final deadline of Oct. 15.

• District Holiday: Campuses and offices are closed on Monday, Oct. 13, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.