In 2022, Austin voters approved a $2.4 billion bond to invest in public schools. We were told this funding would improve campuses, upgrade buildings, and provide safer, more modern learning environments for our students.

Now, Austin ISD is closing 10 of those schools — even after spending or committing more than $95 million in bond funds on them.

At Oak Springs Elementary alone, nearly $50 million in improvements were underway before the school was put on the closure list. Other campuses like Martin Middle School and Barrington Elementary also received millions in bond-funded upgrades before being targeted for shutdown. Families were told their schools were being modernized, only to learn later that those same schools will be closed after the 2025–26 school year.

This is not what voters were promised. It’s not what families signed up for. And it’s not how taxpayer dollars should be handled.

We understand that Austin ISD is facing financial pressure and declining enrollment. But that does not excuse spending tens of millions on schools the district had reason to believe might be closed — and leaving communities without answers.

We call on the Austin ISD Board of Trustees to hold a public hearing that clearly explains:

• How these bond spending decisions were made
• What will happen to the money and facilities involved
• How displaced families and students will be supported
• How the district plans to prevent this from happening again

We also demand a commitment to transparency before any additional closures or reallocations are finalized.

Austin families deserve answers. Taxpayers deserve accountability. Our communities deserve better planning and honest leadership.