It is with great sadness that Austin ISD announces the passing of Trustee Robert Schneider, who passed away this morning at his home, surrounded by his family.  

"Trustee Schneider was a tireless champion of public schools and a stalwart advocate for the community he served. His commitment to a superior education for all was inspired by his devotion to his own children and their education. He will be greatly missed. We extend our sympathies and support to his wife Kathleen, their children and all of Robert's family," said AISD Board President Gina Hinojosa. 

Schneider was elected to the AISD Board of Trustees in 2002, dedicating 13 years of service as the District 7 Trustee. He served as chair of the Board Intergovernmental Relations Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee for Policy and Process Review for Site-Based Decision-Making. In 2013, he was elected to represent AISD as a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of School Boards.  

“AISD students and families were served well by Trustee Schneider’s vision and passion. Our school community has lost a great leader,” said AISD Superintendent Paul Cruz, Ph.D. 

Schneider retired from The University of Texas at Austin after 30 years of research and departmental work. He was actively involved in the community, serving on numerous neighborhood, environmental and school committees and task forces. His primary interests included promoting academic achievement and studying models of board governance. 

Schneider is survived by his wife Kathleen and his four children, who graduated from AISD schools.