Earlier this month, the Austin Independent School District released a draft plan to close 13 schools to combat its $19.7 million budget deficit. With a final vote scheduled for Nov. 20, parents and community members are trying to make their voices heard before decisions are set in stone. On today's episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Austin American-Statesman education reporter Keri Heath and Emily Poliakoff, whose son is a student at Ridgetop Elementary – one of the schools that might close – to discuss the district's plan, how it’s impacting families, and the bigger questions these closures raise about the future of public education in Austin.

Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter. 

And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm 

Follow us @citycastaustin

You can also text us or leave a voicemail. 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about the sponsors of this October 20th episode: