ATX-CTA: Impact 4/9/2026

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Top Story

Austin ISD weighs $117M-plus in cuts as budget shortfall climbs to $181M

Austin ISD is anticipating making more than $100 million in budget cuts to staffing, academic programs and other operational expenses across campuses and departments.

The sweeping cuts come as the district aims to reduce a mounting budget shortfall that has grown to $181 million for fiscal year 2026-27.

What they're saying: "We're at a point now ... where we're no longer able to protect those cuts from impacting our classrooms," Superintendent Matias Segura told reporters after an April 7 budget work session.

What’s happening: To reduce expenses, district officials discussed four scenarios that could involve making anywhere from $117 million-$132 million in budget cuts. Additionally, the district may save $9 million-$10 million by removing vacant positions and receive $50 million from monetizing three district properties, Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery said.

The proposed strategies could lower the projected budget shortfall from $181 million to $4 million or produce a $9 million-$11 million surplus.

The cuts could include letting go of current staff members and eliminating stipends, Segura said.

On the business beat

Half Price Books closes South Lamar location, will relocate to South First Street

Half Price Books closed its South Lamar location at 2929 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, in March and will relocate to a newly constructed building at 2607 S. 1st St., Austin, with an expected opening this spring. A groundbreaking for the new location took place Jan. 13.

What you need to know: During the closure, a temporary Half Price Books location is now open at 3005 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite D-11, Austin, where customers can continue to buy and sell books, records, DVDs and other items.

What’s next: Part of a larger expansion project, the relocation will ensure a permanent presence in Austin’s evolving real estate market, said company president Kathy Doyle Thomas.

The family-owned bookstore chain has been in the Austin market since 1975 and operates 115 locations across 19 states.

See more details.

CI Business

Little Drinks Lounge celebrates 5th anniversary in South Austin

The corner bar, located underneath The Debut Soco Apartments, celebrated five years of business in March.

Other locations from the bar include Drinks Lounge in East Austin and Drinks Backyard.

One more thing: Little Drinks Lounge offers rotating movie-themed cocktails, pool, late-night bites and live DJ sets.