Core figures
The funding gap
Scale comparison — relative to state surplus
Visualizing how AISD recapture and deficit compare to the reported state surplus.
Bars scaled relative to state surplus. Source: AISD budget reports, Texas Comptroller.
Recapture growth — AISD
Recapture payments grew roughly 400% from FY2014–15 to recent years.
Source: AISD recapture reports
History: SB 7 (1993)
- Created after Edgewood ISD v. Kirby court rulings on equity
- Described as a temporary fix — no state income tax
- Evolved into a tool that reduces state financial responsibility
The math: WADA
- Weighted Average Daily Attendance — students as decimal weights
- Low-income, bilingual, and special ed carry higher multipliers
- Multipliers fail if the basic allotment ($6,160) doesn't keep pace with costs
A formula mismatch
Wealthy recapture — Austin
Wealthy recapture does not mean Austin families are rich. The state labels AISD property-wealthy based on land values per student — not family income. Nearly 48.4% of students are economically disadvantaged (TEA).
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total recapture paid (FY2000–FY2024–25) | $8.3 billion+ | AISD recapture reports |
| Recapture growth since FY2014–15 | ~400% | AISD recapture table |
| Share of general fund per dollar | ~46¢ to recapture | AISD FY2024–25 budget |
| Local revenue subject to recapture | ~52% | AISD recapture page |
| Largest recapture payer in Texas | AISD (#1) | AISD recapture reports |
Datos en español
La extracción — resumen
El estado etiqueta al distrito como "rico" por el valor de la propiedad, no por los ingresos familiares. Los bibliotecarios — piedra angular de la educación — aparecen en listas de recortes.
Austin ISD Budget 2026 — Recent Developments
Latest Austin ISD Financial Updates
Key developments from public AISD budget documents and reporting (as of June 2026). Focused on financial transparency and impacts to neighborhood schools and libraries.
Austin ISD Budget Cuts vs. Leadership Compensation
Comparison of proposed campus savings and documented superintendent compensation (public contract data).
Note: Superintendent travel benefits (including rental car) remain under contract. Source data below.
Public comment
Send feedback to AISD
Use this form to prepare a message to the Board of Trustees. Your email app will open with the message ready to send.