Podcasts about aisd

Mark, Melynda and Ed discuss a man getting probation in Travis County for child sex crimes, new gun safety classes in schools, and AISD maybe closing schools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central Texas Food Bank told CBS that they are spending almost their monthly budget every week to keep up with the demands for food due to the government shutdown. Could Gov. Abbott do more to support Texans in crisis? On this week's Friday News Round Up, host Nikki DaVaughn chats with Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and producer Elissa Castles to unpack the growing food insecurity facing Austinites as SNAP benefits arrive late. Plus, we break down why AISD is pumping the brakes on some of its proposed changes to shore up their $19.7 million budget deficit, and what's next in the ongoing Cheer Up Charlie's saga.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this November 7th episode: DUER - Get 15% off at shopduer.com/ccaustin

Mark, Melynda and Ed discuss today's news, including SNAP benefits, a Virginia teacher seeking $40 million, and AISD announcing new changesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark and Melynda discuss SNAP benefits and people threatening to steal food if they don't receive them, AISD announcing changes, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the AISD school closure situation and House Democrats plan to launch an "ICE tracker" website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, the Austin Independent School District released a draft plan to close 13 schools to combat its $19.7 million budget deficit. With a final vote scheduled for Nov. 20, parents and community members are trying to make their voices heard before decisions are set in stone. On today's episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Austin American-Statesman education reporter Keri Heath and Emily Poliakoff, whose son is a student at Ridgetop Elementary – one of the schools that might close – to discuss the district's plan, how it's impacting families, and the bigger questions these closures raise about the future of public education in Austin. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about the sponsors of this October 20th episode: LBJ Presidential Library Adios - Use code CITYCAST for 50% off

At the end of Friday last week, AISD announced a plan to close 13 school campuses at the end of the school year in an effort to address its $19.7 million deficit. The proposed closures come amid years of declining student enrollment and as the district faces a looming threat of a state takeover. On this week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to break down what these potential school closures mean for the community and for the future of public education in Austin. Plus, the team dives into the highs and lows of ACL weekend one and shares the electric news about the new business moving into the old Austin American-Statesmen's building.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this October 10th episode: Wise New Waterloo - Trick Hat Workway LBJ Presidential Library The Texas Tribune Festival

AISD parents are urging the district to not close schools and the Travis County jail is running out of cells. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The City of Austin says it will need to find a operator for a proposed homeless navigation site if the council approves the purchase of land for it, President Trump is defending his decision to request that the Texas National Guard be deployed to Chicago to assist with ICE raids and some Austin parents are questioning where the money from a 2022 bond package has been spent as the AISD plans to close 13 campuses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharyn and Cuitlahuac are joined by Lisa Bennett and Emily Germain, two parents with children at Maplewood and Sunset Valley elementary schools respectively, both schools on the closure list of Austin ISD's draft plan released October 3rd, to talk about how it feels to have their school targeted for closure, what their reaction is to a trustee who already came out against the plan, and what they would need to see as parents to move forward with this plan.

AISD is possibly closing 13 schools and Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones is in trouble. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue to discuss AISD's potential school closures and a San Francisco judge decided to give a career criminal rehab time instead of life in prison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austin District 10 Councilmember Marc Duchen joins the show to discuss Prop Q, some AISD parents are speaking out against the AISD's school consolidation plan and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has authorized the deployment of the Texas National Guard to other states.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark, Melynda and Ed discuss today's news, including the federal government shutting down, AISD's initiative of naming rights on schools, and updates on the war in GazaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharyn and Cuitlahuac respond to the public comments at the Sept 18 board information session and detail how Lone Star Governance has become the Party by telling trustees that whatever LSG holds to be student centered, is student centered. They also ask, can the superintendent even keep the promises he is making with regards to the scorecard and stadiums? Finally, just how low a bar can the district set?

In the third hour of today's show, Mark and Melynda discuss new AI programs for non-English-speaking home buyers, AISD schools failing, and new polling on who would win a Vance v. Newsom showdown in 2028.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austin-area students are back in school, but things are looking a little different this year in classrooms. While the new Texas law requiring schools to display the 10 Commandments is on hold at Austin Independent School District, the law banning cellphones during the school day is in full effect. Three AISD campuses are going through changes to stave off closures for poor performance, and a slew of others are facing closures to help the district fight off a $19.7 million budget deficit. There's still another year before Texas students will be eligible for school vouchers, but even now, new and innovative private schools — like the AI-driven Alpha School — are coming to town. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Community Impact's education reporter Chloe Young and Sharon Jayson, a local independent reporter who recently wrote about the district's new equity assessment for the Austin Free Press, to discuss it all.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 3rd episode: Water Lantern Festival Downtown Austin Alliance Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Residents near the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center are raising alarms about the shelter after multiple used needles were found on the playground of Joslin Elementary, AISD has won a temporary injunction against Senate Bill 10, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms and a mass shooting occurred at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not just you, traffic has indeed gotten worse since AISD went back to school this week. But the congestion on the roadways isn't the only thing changing this school year. Starting September 1, two new Texas laws will go into effect – one that bans cell phones during school hours and one (currently temporarily blocked by a federal judge) that requires schools to display the Ten Commandments. On this week's Friday News Roundup, the City Cast Austin team breaks down these new school rules. Plus, now that the redistricting map is moving forward, Rep. Lloyd Doggett says he won't be seeking reelection if the map is upheld by the courts. The team discusses what shifts are expected for Austin's districts and also, why taxpayers might foot the flood recovery bill.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Plus, we're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Austin swag. Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Mark, Melynda, and Brad Swail discuss AISD's new policy of banning phones in the classroom, Gen Z not paying for dating, and new updates on the National Guard in Washington D.C.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharyn and our panel of advocates, Nikkie, Nadia, and Lisa, share their takeaways from AISD's recent consolidation workshops: pleasant surprise, wat was missing, and they they way to see in the final plan.

Sharyn and Cuitlahuac discuss why the leadership in Austin ISD cannot articulate a clear academic vision, whether it be pedagogical curriculum and instruction, or a baseline of offerings and programs that every parent can expect at any AISD school, as trustees vote to approve a budget, turnaround plans, and get an update on consolidations and closures.

The AISD has submitted its turnaround plan for some of its failing schools to prevent the Texas Education Agency from taking over the entire district, the controversial Sunrise homeless center in south Austin is getting closer to finding a new location and Texas Governor Greg Abbott remains confident that the 10 Commandments bill that recently passed will survive a legal challenge from the ACLU.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the third hour, Mark, Melynda & Ed talk about Iran, Supreme Court decisions, and AISD to try and improve middle schools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In hour four of today's show, Mark and Melynda discuss issues with attendance in public schools, Ken Paxton vs. John Cornyn, and AISD's vote on what will happen with a middle school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final hour of the show, Mark and Melynda talk about possible job cuts within AISD, a hit-and-run in Houston, the Mayor L.A. bashing President Trump, and an inflation report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If we were to grade Austin Independent School District's paper right now, they'd probably get a B — could be better, but certainly could be a lot worse. After getting repeated “F's,” three AISD middle schools are being forced to shape up, in a year that the school district's budget has shrunk to deficit level. But now that state lawmakers have funneled $8.5 billion into public schools, increasing the basic student allotment and giving teachers raises, will AISD be able to balance its books? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Austin American-Statesman reporter Keri Heath to discuss it all, including other education-related bills passed by the Texas Legislature.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10th episode: Tecovas XOXO Downtown Austin Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Grindr is being sued and we discuss the status of AISD. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austin's Public Safety Commission is pushing the city council to vote against extending the use of license plate readers by the police department, AISD officials are scrambling to finalize a turnaround plan for three failing campuses by the end of the month and the most controversial piece of legislation that remains unresolved as the Texas Legislature adjourns for the next two years is leaving some business owners in the state uncertain of their futures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In hour three, Mark & Melynda talk about the approval of DOGE cuts, a girl who was attacked by her ex-boyfriend, and will there be an AISD beginning the consolidation of schools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AISD will move forward with closing down schools to consolidate campuses amid a budget deficit, the City of Austin is expected to put new rules in place against e-scooter rental companies and Texas Governor Greg Abbott is pushing lawmakers to pass bail reform this session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trio is out today, but we have Kenny Rahmeyer and Brad Swail for today's show. The duo discuss President Trump's trip to Saudi Arabia, AISD's horrible school performances, the Texas House passing a bill to eliminate STAAR testing, and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple teenagers in the Austin area have been arrested for various charges of grand theft auto, unlawful possession of a gun and evading arrest, AISD held a meeting related to another of its failing schools and how to fix it and the Texas House has approved a bill that would eliminate tests like the STAAR test in public schools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark, Melynda and Ed discuss Biden's Gaza pier being a disaster, Rick Caruso calling LA's rebuilding after the fires a failure, a former AISD elementary teacher charged with child pornography, and moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple senior level employees have left their positions with SXSW, early voting in Central Texas begins on Saturday for a number of elections, propositions & bond proposals and a "Save Dobie" rally was held over the weekend where AISD officials pushed back on the idea of closing Dobie to prevent a state takeover of the school district.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue to discuss the Supreme Court parental rights case and AISD. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AISD officials continue to blame the state for poor results and the possible closing of Dobie Middle School, the Austin City Council is expected to approve the purchase of an office building for $26 million and Travis County officials report a 36% drop in fentanyl deaths.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Austin City Council has passed amendments to the city building code including the allowance of single staircase apartment complexes and the requirement of AC units in every dwelling, parents are speaking out against the possible closure of Dobie Middle School in AISD and legislation is being filed to allow guns on the Texas State Fair grounds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the third hour of today's show, Mark & Melynda discuss RFK Jr.'s comments about pharmaceutical advertisements, AISD enrollment decreasing, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In hour two, Mark, Melynda and Ed talk about changes to AISD bus routes next school year, whether or not APD should keep using license plate readers, and the study has come back on if Austin should/shouldn't burry powerlines and if it's financially do-able.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

State lawmakers are trying to put guardrails on the use of A.I. and deepfake images, an AISD elementary school teacher is alleged to have been found in possession of child pornography and APD has opened Sixth Street to traffic during SXSW.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final hour of the show, Mark and Melynda talk about AISD putting cameras on all of their school busses, Space X tasked to look into the air-traffic control in D.C., and what needs to be done about the bad behavior in schools these days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

In hour three, Mark and Melynda talk about swing voters having "buyers remorse" when it comes to voting for Trump and AISD putting stop-sign cameras on school busses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final hour of today's show, Mark and Melynda talk about AISD wanting to put cameras in their school busses as well as conversation about how the Democrats aren't happy with DOGE and Elon MuskSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In hour two, Mark, Melynda and Ed talk about Greg Casar saying DOGE savings are going to Elon Musk, surveillance of cartel's in Mexico, and AISD complaining about Texas' "Robinhood" program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In hour three, Mark and Melynda talk about the problem of bullying in AISD and Trump trying to stop transgender surgeries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ECHO is seeking hundreds of more volunteers to assist with their annual counting of the homeless population in Austin, some AISD parents are reporting they haven't seen any results from the $2.4 billion bond package they approved for facilities upgrades and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has filed a school choice bill at the national level that emulates the fight for school choice in the Texas Legislature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Explore the evolving landscape of student transportation with insights from Kris Hafezizadeh, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience at Austin Independent School District. Kris delves into the unique challenges facing school transportation today—from cost disparities to complex logistical issues—while sharing a forward-looking vision that prioritizes safety and embraces the shift toward electric school buses. Send us a textSupport the show