While this ex officio or unofficial podcast focuses on issues in the Austin Independent School District, the conversations we have about education are important to everyone. A veces bilingüe
The Austin ISD X Podcast is an essential listen for anyone with a stake in public education, particularly within the Austin Independent School District (AISD). This podcast delves into the complex and often confusing world of education, providing valuable insights and shedding light on important issues. As a new parent to AISD, I found this podcast to be invaluable in understanding the ins and outs of the district. It has fueled my curiosity and motivated me to continue advocating for a quality education for all students.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to educate listeners on various topics related to public education. The hosts do a fantastic job of exploring different facets of AISD, bringing in experts and guests who provide unique perspectives. The conversations center around equity in education, making it more approachable while also pushing listeners to challenge their own thinking. The variety of voices featured on the show adds depth and allows for a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.
Additionally, this podcast provides up-to-date information about AISD that can be hard to find elsewhere. As a parent with children in the district, I have often struggled to find detailed and current information about AISD's initiatives and challenges. The interviews conducted on this podcast offer in-depth insights into these topics, giving me a clearer picture of what is happening within our school system.
While there are many strengths to this podcast, one potential drawback may be its limited focus on Austin ISD specifically. Although this narrow scope allows for deep exploration of local issues, it may limit its appeal to those outside of AISD or those looking for broader discussions about public education. However, given its targeted audience within AISD, this may not necessarily be seen as a negative aspect.
In conclusion, The Austin ISD X Podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in public education or specifically connected to the Austin Independent School District. Its informative episodes shed light on important issues within AISD while also providing up-to-date information and diverse perspectives. The hosts' commitment to equity in education is evident and greatly appreciated. I highly recommend this podcast for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the complexities within our public school system.
Sharyn and Cuitlahuac cover a lot of topics including-TEA Commissioner Mike Morath on curriculum and literacy-Austin ISD Protesting at TEA Offices-Turnaround Plans for 3 Middle School-Consolidation and Closure Plans for the district-Instruction Support for Special Education-Budget Deficit-Advanced Math at 6th Grade-Community Meetings with TrusteesIt's a long episode we hope you listen to as much as you can over as many listening sessions as you need.
Sharyn and Cuitlahuac mark the end of one cycle and the beginning of the next as the academic year comes to an end with profound sadness and joy. They also look forward to the beginning of the latest cycle of school closure in Austin ISD with a focus on turnaround plans, budget cuts, and a call for the community members to consider what sacrifices they will be expected to make.
Lisa Flores joins Sharyn and Cuitlahuac to discuss the impact of Lone Star Governance (LSG) on the Austin ISD Board's efforts to discuss district turn around plans and school closures. They also focus on the current state of Special Education as well as recent community meetings at Webb and Burnet Middle Schools.
Joining to discuss the Austin ISD board voting meeting on Thursday April 24th and the Lamar community meeting on April 21 with Sharyn and Cuitlahuac are Nikkie Shubitz, Nadia Khan, and Lisa Flores. The group starts by weighing on the the decision to remove the principal from the Ann Richards School of Young Women Leaders, then react to the community meeting at Lamar Middle School. They also discuss their hopes for futures budget cuts and the District Turn Around Plan that will be presented to the board during an informational meeting on Friday May 2nd.
Four current Dobie Middle School staff join Sharyn and Cuitlahuac to discuss what its like to teach at Dobie, how the possible options for next year could affect students, and how the students and Rundberg community are reacting to the possible closure of Dobie Middle School
Sharyn and Cuitlahuac tackle head on the prospect of school closures after financial consultants hired by the district present that idea and others to the board as a cost cutting measure.
Trustee Candace Hunter rejoins the podcast with Sharyn and Cuitlahuac to talk about how well Austin ISD is meeting literacy goals for its students and engaging student families. Trustee Hunter also updates us on looming budget cuts and how she and the rest of the board deals with the TEA monitor and Lone Star Compliance is
Former Austin ISD School Board Trustee Noelita Lugo joins Sharyn and Cuitlahuac in conversation about how she went from Pease Elementary School parent fighting closure, to becoming an elected member of the board. Former Trustee Lugo also details the scope and limitations of a trustee working under different superintendents and administrations. The conversations also centers Special Education services in the district and the current situation with the Texas Education Agency monitor.
Sharyn and Cuitlahuac breakdown a lengthy board meeting that includes a budget workshop which discusses possible cuts including less planning time for teachers and school closures, as well as reports on the the district's academic performance and improvements plans to support specific struggling schools.
Sharyn Vane and Cuitlahuac Guerra discuss the Austin ISD Board Information Session from Thursday February 13, 2025 where the district informed trustees of an even bigger budget deficit than anticipated as well as highlighting how well secondary students are performing on the Texas Success Initiative. Sharyn and Cuitlahuac also talk about how the TEA monitor and Lone Star Governance / compliance is affecting board meetings.
Austin ISD Ex Officio Podcast has a new name and new co-host. Join Cuitlahuac, Candace, Emily, and Sharyn as they catch up with Candace about her work as a school board trustee.
We hear from newly elected Austin ISD Trustee Candace Hunter as she shares her experience and journey from classroom teacher to board member. Emily and Cuitlahuac also give their analysis of the election results including the historic Austin ISD bonds. And we weigh in on the news that Interim Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays will be leaving the district sooner than expected. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Cuitlahuac makes his picks for the Austin ISD Trustee elections and why you should vote for all three Austin ISD bond proposals. There are only a few days of early voting left, and of course Election Day. Give this short episode a listen, share it with your friends, and get out and vote. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Candace, Emily & Cuitlahuac are joined by special education services advocate Lisa Flores to discuss the Austin ISD discipline data presented to the trustees as part of the superintendent scorecard during the first board meeting of September. What can Austin ISD do to stop disproportionately discipling Black students? Did the district meet its goal when it comes to disciplining students with disabilities, or are campuses using "shadow discipline" to improve their data? What purpose do police on campus serve and what impact are they having? While this conversation about discipline in schools starts by focusing on the the Austin Independent School District, its goes over issues of students safety in schools that are important to everyone. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Join the AISDXP team as we learn more about the bond, get an update on where the district is in the bond process, and hear our take on voting. https://www.austinisd.org/equityoffice/framework https://www.austinisd.org/advisory-bodies/lpc (meetings tab) https://www.austinisd.org/advisory-bodies/bsc (meetings tab) https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-22/texas-schools-are-stuffed-to-the-max-as-voters-reject-bond-sales --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
We understand that voting for a Bond is a complex and individual process. We felt that the last 4 minutes of S3 E3 deserved to be heard again and on its own. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
In this episode Emily and Candace analyze the June 23 Austin ISD Budget Hearing and Regular Board meeting; providing commentary and asking the questions that have yet to be answered around the essential areas redesign, district partner accountability, and the way forward. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Join the AISDXP team as they reflect on the interim Superintendent selection process, how the process can be improved, as well as the path forward for the community. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Join Cuitlahuac, Candace, and Emily as they take a look at three of the major issues facing the Austin Independent School district: Essential Areas redesign, selection of an interim superintendent, and the budget. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
I recently got intwined in the snarl that is Austin ISD communication. I attempted to make a public comment based on the requirements on the website and the outgoing instructional recording. However I was informed today that the language is incorrect and my comments do not meet the threshold to be played. Lesson learned; all my future comments will be made in person. Below is the social media post I made along with the recording of my public comment. @Austin ISD has chosen opacity over transparency. I made a public comment based on the website (now changed see original below) and outgoing message original recorded here along with the comment you will NOT hear this evening. I was informed the process has changed; therefore my call did not meet the requirement. This only further supports the lack of communication within the district itself and with the community. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Candace shares all the feels as Austin ISD moves to optional masking beginning Monday March, 7; the week before Spring Break and SXSW. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
The AISDXP team commiserates with our co-host, Emily, a parent at Martin and attempts to analyze and reflect on the Austin ISD's decision to remove 6th grade from two Eastside middle schools and the community engagement around the decision. Austin ISD Q & A on the change: https://fb.watch/bnvMyKRmMi/ (English) https://fb.watch/bnvQAOTo9i/ (Spanish) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Candace looks at how stressful it is educating kids, and how the district can start to heal itself and the community. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
The AISDXP team talks Covid, scheduling (7/8), community engagement, long range planning and feeder patterns. Accompany resource can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O0kbzhSN3iNDUKoZO9KUnxBO7qJ7_TReKwDO14kxmFQ/edit?usp=sharing --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
In this second installment, Candace shares her experiences of the December 11, 2021 High School Fair. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Emily discusses the need for a holistic discussion about feeder patterns in Austin ISD, and touches on a few of the various methods of enrollment design. Links: Example of a healthy feeder pattern Example of a fractured feeder pattern Segregation Contribution Index A Vox explainer highlighting the work of Tomàs Monarrez and the Urban Institute on school boundaries Dividing Lines: How School Districts Draw Attendance Boundaries to Perpetuate School Segregation San Francisco United School District's new student assignment policy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
This week Candace prepares to take her 7th grader to the High School Fair in the hope of finding a program aligned to her daughter's current course of study in Digital Arts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Basic breakdown of Period Scheduling and lots of questions. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
In an attempt to provide clarification for the community Austin ISD publishes Myth Buster posts. However this only served to increase the chasm between administration and some district families. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
This BlogCast captures Candace's thoughts about the Austin ISD Middle School Fair on 11/13/21. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Welcoming our new host. Emily, Candace and Cuitlahuac talk about the contract extension given to the Austin ISD superintendent. The three also weigh in on the district's long range planning committee, and the superintendent's scorecard currently being drafted by trustees. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
In this Blog Cast Candace shares some thoughts around Middle School magnet/arts academy programing and it's impact on neighborhood schools. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Candace and Cuitlahuac share their hot take on the latest regarding the new Northeast Middle School being built in the Mueller development, an what they know about issues at LBJ High School. They also talk about how district's hiring of a new General Counsel and who the new hire is, and their reaction to the district's plan for a bond election in fall of 2022. Here are links to the stories we mention. Northeast Middle School https://www.austinisd.org/construction-management/bond/project-status/new-northeast https://www.austinisd.org/sites/default/files/dept/schoolchanges/scenarios/english/AISD_scenarios-ENGv3.pdf (p23) https://www.austinisd.org/sites/default/files/dept/schoolchanges/scenarios/english/110419_AISD-School-Changes-Scenarios-V2-3.pdf (p26 & p27) https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/education/2021/06/10/land-deal-snag-delays-new-middle-school-in-austins-mueller-neighborhood/ LBJ https://www.austinisd.org/announcements/2020/04/28/aisd-board-trustees-approves-new-principal-appointments-0 https://www.lbjechsaustinisd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1614801&type=d&pREC_ID=1754125 https://4.files.edl.io/31e5/09/02/21/012545-f5bd4534-3675-4ba1-a960-05a95ac7bb3d.pdf https://austinisd2017bond.org/schools/lbj-echs/ https://www.statesman.com/article/20120901/NEWS/309006656 https://lasaliberator.com/917/news/bidding-farewell-to-sheila-henry/ General Counsel https://communityimpact.com/austin/southwest-austin-dripping-springs/2021/08/18/austin-isds-new-general-counsel-has-background-in-intelligence/ https://www.austinisd.org/announcements/2021/08/18/austin-isd-appoints-new-general-counsel https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Despite-contract-scandal-panel-has-few-questions-6078483.php https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/11/report-texas-fraud-investigator-resigns-over-work-iraqi-government/ 2022 Bond https://www.statesman.com/article/20130513/NEWS/305139748 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Cuitlahuac and Candace sit down with Austin ISD's Executive Director of Enrollment and Advocacy, Alejandro Delgado. Listen as they walk through his background, philosophy, and career that led him to the largest public school district in central Texas, finding intersections while they discuss the challenges, and future of enrollment in the district. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Candace and Cuitlahuac break down the special board meeting called to present the district's plan for use of federal funds, share how they feel about the virtual option, mask mandates, and more, and reflect on the work they've done in the past two episodes. This hot take was recorded on Wednesday July 28. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Founder of Taju Learning, Alexandra Guilamo co-hosts this episode and gives her perspective on a range of topics including bilingual education, equitable funding of schools, the effect federal policy has on a local level, and how best for parents and community members can impact their children's education. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Ellison and Bavu Blakes, authors of the book El's Mirror, co-host this special episode of AISDXP. They share the real-life events and their creative process behind writing their book, the meaning of Lion History, and what Netflix and Blockbuster have to do with the future of education. Buy the book El's Mirror by clicking here ! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Candace & Cuitlahuac discuss an ongoing issue at Martin Middle School, the district's response to the Great Texas Snow Storm, and the ever growing number of Central Office resignations. Austin Chronicle article regarding special education in Austin ISD --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Candace and Cuitlahuac take a look at the infection rates for kids in Travis County schools, breakdown snap decisions made by leadership, reflect on the board officer elections, and share a service opportunity which you can learn more about by visiting www.sparkchangeproject.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Candace and Cuitlahuac get the download on upcoming board officer elections and why they're important from Paul Saldaña, former Austin ISD trustee, businessman, advocate, and philanthropist. Listen to find out our choice for AISD Board President, Vice President, and Secretary. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Candace and Cuitlahuac catch up on the latest education news as communities try to stay alive and educated during a global pandemic. In this episode: AISD family survey, state testing, Social Media "civil" war, teacher accommodations, and more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
The Texas State Board of Education is revising the Science and Health/Sexual Education standards. The SBOE is engaged in erasure of climate change and refusal to include any acknowledgement of LGBTQIA+ community. Science and Sex Ed teacher Geoff Carlisle explains how people can let their voices be heard in this curriculum update and why inclusive standards are so important. Candace and Cuitlahuac also bring you Hot Takes on the latest Covid-19 pandemic re-opening news, reflect on the results of the school board election. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Four Austin ISD teachers speak candidly about their circumstances, the choices they've made, and what they'd like to see moving forward in this time of teaching and learning in a pandemic. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
The missed opportunity to reimagine school with a focus towards equity. Texas Education Agency's ever evolving guidance gives permission to districts to end virtual learning with a 14 day notice. Waxahachie ISD's assault on public education. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Candace and Cuitlahuac give you their hot take on the candidates for Austin ISD Board of Trustees and reflect on their endorsements. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Austin ISD At-Large Trustee Candidate Noelita Lugo --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Austin ISD District 8 Trustee Candidate Jared Breckenridge --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Austin ISD District 2 Trustee Candidate John Mckiernan-González --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Austin ISD District 2 Trustee Candidate Ofelia Zapata --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Austin ISD At-Large Trustee candidate Leticia Caballero --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
Austin ISD District 5 Trustee candidate Lynn Boswell --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/aisdxp/message
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