The recent death of District 7 Trustee Robert Schneider has triggered inquiries about the resulting responsibilities of the Austin ISD Board of Trustees. 

The board will meet Aug. 10 to discuss its options and determine next steps.

The board may fill the vacancy temporarily—until the next regular board election in 2016—or trustees may call for a special election in November 2015. 

The board does not have the authority to appoint someone to complete the entirety of the unexpired term, which ends November 2018.

If trustees call a special election in November 2015 to fill the vacancy, certain deadlines are triggered, including:

• Aug. 11: Deadline for the district to inform Travis County if trustees decide to hold a special election
• Sept. 2: Deadline for candidates to file to run in a Nov. 3 special election

Stakeholders wishing to express opinions to trustees regarding the vacancy may contact the board by e-mail at trustees@austinisd.org.

Community members may also address the board at its meeting Monday, Aug. 10. Click here for information on signing up for public comment at board meetings.