FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Sean Doles, Greater Austin YMCA, sean.doles@austinymca.org, (512) 923-5015.
JJ Maldonado, Austin ISD Sr. Media Relations, jorge.maldonado@austinisd.org, (512) 406-1550
Austin, TX – February 27, 2025 – The Greater Austin YMCA will enter a new partnership to lease office space from Austin ISD with the aim of enhancing community services and operational efficiency. Austin ISD Trustees approved the agreement during its Regular Voting meeting Feb. 27.
Beginning April 1, 2025, the YMCA will lease approximately 16,550 square feet of office space at Austin ISD's Central Office, located at 4000 South IH-35 Frontage Road in South Austin. This strategic move allows the YMCA to vacate its current administrative building at 55 North IH-35 Frontage Road, which will see significant impacts from upcoming construction and will further impact employee transportation.
"We commend Superintendent Segura and the Austin ISD Board for their willingness to think creatively about new ways to collaborate and leverage our collective strengths for the good of AISD students and families,” said Kathy Kuras, Greater Austin YMCA President & CEO. “The opportunity for our YMCA team to work alongside Austin ISD leaders will surely generate new and innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing our community.”
Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura echoed the sentiment, stating, "We are excited to welcome the Greater Austin YMCA into our facilities. This partnership aligns with our mission to support the community and provide opportunities for growth and development."
The rental income from this agreement will help offset Austin ISD's central office operating expenses, allowing the district to redirect budgeted dollars to other essential areas. Additionally, the YMCA will have the opportunity to make improvements to the leased space and install exterior signage, subject to district approval.
The Greater Austin YMCA and Austin ISD have partnered for more than 50 years to serve the needs of students, families and staff. Today the Y provides afterschool care at 30 Austin ISD locations (many of which are Title I Schools) and Summer Day Camp programs at eight Austin ISD campuses. The Y also provides financial assistance to Austin ISD families to expand access and help meet their childcare needs.
Through YMCA Project SAFE, the Y has provided free water safety and fitness education to more than 10,000 Austin ISD students since 2010. The Y also provides Community Partner Memberships to all Austin ISD employees enabling hundreds of district staff and families to enjoy recreation, family time and community building.
For nearly 75 years, the Greater Austin YMCA has been a dynamic force in the community, helping people of all backgrounds improve their wellbeing and quality of life. Serving over 100,000 people annually through eight centers, the YMCA also provides afterschool education and care at more than 60 licensed campuses in four school districts, including Austin ISD, and camps at over 20 locations.
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