AUSTIN, Texas—AISD invites families and staff and community members to learn more about AISD's 2014-15 preliminary budget and the district’s strategic investment in priorities, projected shortfalls and long-range financial planning.

What:  Nicole Conley, chief financial officer, and the district’s budget team will provide information about AISD’s preliminary budget and will be available to answer questions about the district’s finances.

When: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15.

Where: Baker Center, 3908 Avenue B.

Background: Despite recent budget constraints, AISD has maintained the second lowest overall property tax rates in the Austin area for school districts. AISD has been recognized for using sound fiscal management practices and prudently allocating its resources, while remaining committed to developing a budget focused on students’ needs.

AISD has earned the Aaa debt rating from Moody’s Investors Service, AA+ from Standard & Poor’s, and AA from Fitch Ratings, which are among the highest ratings a Texas public school can earn from these agencies. This has resulted in millions of dollars worth of savings for the district’s bond program and Austin taxpayers.

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts also has awarded AISD with a Leadership Circle Award for budget transparency, for the fifth consecutive year.

In preparation for the community budget conversation, AISD has developed informational materials for community members to learn more about the district’s budget and the role of Austin and school communities to inform and shape the district’s financial future:

• AISD’s preliminary budget for 2014-15
• the district’s annual budget process and calendar, including the scheduled board action for next year’s budget, and
• the services AISD provides based on local property taxes.

Childcare, refreshments and interpretation services will be provided. 

For more information about the community meetings, please email community@austinisd.org or call 512-414-9706.