The Austin School District invites community members to get up close with how AISD is managed and operated through AISD UpClose. There are seats available in the class that will get underway in September 2011 through May 2012. The deadline to apply is May 13.

AISD UpClose develops parents and community leaders who are informed about the District's infrastructure, programs, and services, and who understand the District's challenges and opportunities.

Each month, AISD UpClose classes meet at various District sites to have an "inside look" at key programs, services, and areas. AISD UpClose graduates are challenged to become leaders and advocates for the District, to volunteer for service on committees and task forces, to speak up when misinformation is circulating, and to encourage other parents and community members to get informed and involved.

Modeled on municipal leadership training programs, AISD UpClose has "graduated" 175 community members since its inaugural year in 2007-2008.

"The Austin School District is an extremely complex organization which meets the educational needs of more than 84,000 students," Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said. "We want to share information about how we are meeting the challenges of urban education, as well as managing the resources entrusted to us by Austin taxpayers. We encourage anyone who would like to learn more about their schools to apply to join AISD UpClose."

Application forms are available on the AISD website, www.austinisd.org; or interested persons can contact Pat Dabbert at 414-3991, or e-mail pdabbert@austinisd.org.