Taking the first step toward a possible November 2022 bond proposal for facility upgrades, the Austin school board has approved a $1.9 million contract for a consultant to begin community engagement and planning with a promised focus on equity.
The board voted 8-1 Thursday to award the contract to the firm DLR Group and three sub-consultants: Adisa Communications, Vanir and Combs.
The bond proposal would be the first since voters approved a $1 billion bond package in 2017 to modernize schools under the district s 25-year Facility Master Plan.
It s also the first since the district s 2019
decision to close four
schools, including the Metz and Sims elementary campuses, which were consolidated under renovations at other schools funded by the 2017 bonds. Three of the four shuttered campuses were located in East Austin, historically home to underserved communities. The district’s chief equity officer said at the time that the closure plan perpetuated long-standi
KUT News
Kindergarten teacher Ginger Bolen teaches a hybrid of in-person and virtual students from her classroom at Boone Elementary School in South Austin.
The Austin Independent School District s board of trustees on Thursday unanimously approved $1,000 bonuses for all full-time and part-time staff as a way to thank them for their work during the pandemic.
Most trustees at the board meeting mentioned they wished they could give staff more, but were excited the district found a way to give some sort of additional compensation. It really is about focusing on how we can demonstrate our appreciation in this small way, board member Noelita Lugo said.
Aiming to boost morale and retain employees during the coronavirus crisis, the Austin school board has approved $1,000 bonus checks for most employees.
Overall, the $12.4 million, which includes social security payments paid by the district, will go to 11,205 employees.
A resolution approved by the board members Thursday night declared they were issuing the checks because teachers and staff have been working above and beyond their typical job duties in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and meet ongoing student needs.
The Austin board and superintendent have a substantial public interest in providing recognition to employees providing service to the district above and beyond their job description and expectations thereby enhancing employee morale and promoting employee retention, continued the resolution.