Earlier this week, during discussions with the Board of Trustee on the District’s 2011-2012 Preliminary Budget, the topic of school closings arose. I want to repeat the message I said to the Board, and to the Austin community, during that broadcast and webcast Board Meeting: In this fiscal year 2012 budget, it’s not about school closure.
Assuming that our budget challenges do not become any more significant, beyond the $94.4 million budget shortfall, I will not recommend any schools for closure in the 2011-2012 school year. I will, however, continue to look for every operational efficiency available, if cost savings can be achieved. I anticipate that it will probably be in the area of facilities about which we have already publicly spoken, such as the Alternative Learning Center building, the Carruth Administration Center, and other administrative buildings and lease spaces, portables, etc.
If, however, as the legislative session continues, AISD’s budget forecast worsens beyond the projected $94.4 million shortfall, the Board and Administration will have to revisit all possible options to save money, including school closings. We all certainly hope that won’t be the case.
In the meantime, and in light of the Facility Master Plan Task Force work, I continue to meet with individual campus communities and assure them, as best I can, that there are no school closures being considered for School Year 2011-2012.
And, finally, the Board of Trustees has the ultimate authority over any decision regarding school closures.
Thank you.
