Austin ISD spent more than $95 million in bond money on 10 schools that the district voted to close in November, drawing criticism from taxpayer advocates and community members who supported the $2.4 billion bond package just three years ago.
The November school closure decision was aimed at helping offset a nearly $20 million budget deficit and addressing enrollment declines across the district.
The school board voted to close eight elementary schools and two middle schools at the end of the 2025-26 school year, affecting nearly 3,800 students. Superintendent Matias Segura said the plan would generate $21.5 million in savings and eliminate 6,319 empty seats from more than 20,000 vacant seats across the district.
Millions Already Spent on School Improvements
Oak Springs Elementary received the most substantial investment among closing schools, with more than $48 million allocated for a complete modernization that was already underway when the closure decision was announced, according to the Texas Tribune.
The East Austin campus was set to receive a new 83,000-square-foot, two-story building with a gym, cafeteria, theater, music studio, and mental health spaces. Construction had begun in early 2025 with completion scheduled for spring 2027, but the project remains suspended.
Martin Middle School was allocated $36.5 million for phased modernization work. Barrington Elementary had $4.9 million in spent or committed funds, while Widén Elementary received $2.8 million, and Bedichek Middle School got $1.2 million.
The remaining closing schools also received bond allocations for various improvement,s including HVAC systems, secure entry vestibules, technology upgrades and safety enhancements, Austin Schools reported.
Questions About Bond Planning and Future Use
James Quintero, policy director with the Taxpayer Protection Project at Texas Public Policy Foundation, questioned why the district sought such a large bond while enrollment had been declining for years. He said taxpayers have witnessed a significant amount of money being wasted on facilities that will go unused.
District officials said the remaining bond money earmarked for closing campuses is being reassessed. School board president Lynn Boswell said bond dollars would still benefit students in the district, though not exactly as planned when voters approved the bond in 2022.
The district may continue some work at closing schools to keep students comfortable until relocations occur in August 2026.
The situation has upset communities that believed their financial support was a sound investment in their schools. District operations officer Christine Steenport said the current priority is preparing schools to receive students from closing campuses and ensuring a smooth transition, as per Austin Current.
