AISD graduates have only a 12% chance of learning a living wage if they do not attain a postsecondary degree or industry certificate. For this reason, we must ensure that we are expanding expectations and opportunities for all our students.

Accomplishments

• After two attempts, was finally successful in adding college enrollment, industry certifications, and/or associate’s degree attainment for economically disadvantaged student to the superintendent’s accountability scorecard

• Set accountability metrics for reducing long-standing 3rd grade reading gaps between student groups

• Requested and was granted a public vetting of an external evaluation of special education

• Helped lead the revision of an outdated and inequitable bilingual education policy

• Advocated special education inclusion policies and practices

Looking Ahead

1. Austin is a city of innovation! Pilot and grow programs to prepare students for high growth careers of the future—including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and ethics in a more technological world.

2. Create policies to ensure sufficient staffing at all schools, including “hard to staff” campuses

3. Increase access to rigorous academic and career curricula in all areas of town

4. Increase access to college and career advisors

5. Ensure consistent implementation of two-way dual language programs in all parts of town

6. Ensure timely evaluations for students with learning disabilities and the development of an inclusion plan

7. Continue focusing on disaggregated data to diagnose and address challenges in academic outcomes

8. Support the arts and athletics

9. Expand early childhood education programs