City Cast Austin Where Are the Worst Public Schools in Austin?
Jun 10, 2025
Keri Heath, an education reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, joins to delve into the state of public schools in Austin. They explore the ongoing budget crisis facing the Austin Independent School District, where underperforming middle schools are in the spotlight. The conversation highlights the $8.5 billion funding boost from Texas lawmakers and its potential impacts on teacher salaries and school performance. Additionally, they discuss disparities between East and West Austin schools and the future of educational reform in the community.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
East Austin's Resource Gap
- East Austin schools have historically been under-resourced compared to west side schools.
- AISD is working on an equity model to allocate resources based on needs rather than equality.
Personal Busing Experience
- Nikki DaVaughn shared her childhood experience of being bused from East Austin to a west side school.
- This historic busing program exemplifies past efforts at addressing school inequities that still echo today.
Consequences of Failing Schools
- Schools with five consecutive Fs face drastic consequences like closure or state takeover.
- AISD's three failing middle schools are developing turnaround plans to avoid these outcomes.