Austin ISD is taking its first steps to prepare for the closure of 10 campuses next school year.

What's happening: In early December, AISD Superintendent Matias Segura appointed principals for 17 campuses. Most of these campuses will receive new students from closing schools or implement turnaround plans following multiple failed state accountability ratings.

The details:  The district has appointed new principals for Pecan Springs, Sánchez and Wooldridge elementaries, which will be restarted after receiving three consecutive F ratings amid low academic performance.

Sunset Valley Elementary Principal Elaine Navarro will become the principal of Odom Elementary after Sunset Valley closes.

Ridgetop Elementary Principal Kara Schultz and Reilly Elementary Principal Leyla Olano were appointed as the principals of Pickle and Wooten elementaries, respectively.

AISD will keep the same principals at seven campuses that are receiving students from closing campuses that earned three consecutive F ratings. 

What's next: On Jan. 9, principals will receive survey results from current staff members on where they would like to work and may begin extending job offers.

The city of Austin is seeking public input as it develops a citywide Curbside Management Plan aimed at addressing competing uses for curb space, according to a recent update from the Transportation and Public Works Department.

What’s happening? Curbs play a key role in daily transportation, serving as areas for parking, passenger pick-up and drop-off, deliveries, transit access, biking and scooter use, as well as building access, according to the update. City officials manage these spaces through tools such as signage, designated loading zones, pricing and enforcement.

The upcoming plan is intended to help prioritize curb uses, reduce conflicts and prepare for future changes, with a focus on safety, fairness and efficiency.

As part of the planning process, the city has opened an online survey to better understand how residents use curb space, the challenges they encounter and what improvements they would like to see.
The survey is available at www.SpeakUpAustin.org/curbmanagement and will remain open through Jan. 25. 

Virtual reality experience Horizon of Khufu opened in early December in North Austin.

The details: The 45-minute long excursion takes users through the Giza Plateau and Great Pyramid of Giza in ancient Egypt using VR headsets. Tickets for the experience range from $26-$32 and are open to anyone 8 years old or older and at least 4’6”.

Did you know?: Austin is the first Texas city to feature the exhibit, which has been brought to other major cities such as Chicago, Montreal and London. 

• 11000 Middle Fiskville Road, Ste. A1, Austin

The following is a non-comprehensive guide to senior living communities in Central Austin.

Types of communities:

• Independent living communities cater to older adults with limited care needs. Most include amenities, such as fitness programs, housekeeping and communal meals.
• Assisted living communities specialize in providing care and supervision. These facilities frequently offer a full range of amenities as well as limited medical assistance.
• Memory care facilities specialize in providing care to seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia and other cognitive issues. Staff members are trained to help residents manage these diseases.
• Hospice care is intended to relieve symptoms and suffering associated with a terminal illness in those who have been given six months or less to live. The patient must choose to forgo further curative treatment.
• Nursing home/skilled nursing facilities provide care to those with illnesses or mental conditions requiring full-time monitoring and medical care.