Austin ISD’s application to partner with a charter school to support three academically struggling middle schools was denied by the Texas Education Agency, district officials announced May 28.

What’s happening: In March, AISD officials chose Texas Council for International Studies to operate Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools this fall. Under the three-year-long agreement, TCIS must help the three low-performing middle schools receive a state rating of C or higher by the 2027-28 school year.

On May 28, district officials announced that the TEA denied the district’s initial application to contract with TCIS. However, AISD officials intend to reapply with additional information to be reconsidered.

How we got here: The decision to partner with a charter school came after the schools each received their fourth consecutive F rating from TEA in 2025. If a Texas public school receives five or more consecutive failed ratings, the TEA will close the campus or take over the district. Through Senate Bill 1882, AISD can receive a two-year exemption from state interventions by partnering with a charter school.

A potential 2026 bond totaling hundreds of millions of dollars is moving forward, even as city staff and some officials have urged a pause on the process.

The details: City Council set a new framework for when they can order bond elections based on Austin's financial position earlier this year. And in May, they formally advanced the 2026 bond's development ahead of a final election decision to come this summer.

While city finance staff previously suggested capping the size of a 2026 program due to government debt capacity, weeks ago they recommended against any vote in 2026 in favor of a broader 2028 package. Officials have also been split over whether a 2026 bond is needed and how much funding should be included. This spring, they voted to revise finance policies to allow for new bonds even if some past bond projects aren't completed.

Prototype Vintage will close its South Congress location after 20 years of business. Co-owners Audrie San Miguel and Emily Larson will focus efforts toward the new North Loop location that opened in December.

The details: The 110-year-old building housing the vintage store's South Congress location requires extensive electrical and plumbing updates to modernize operations. The need for such a project prompted San Miguel and Larson to shift focus to their North Austin location, according to a news release. The flagship will officially close June 1 at 7 p.m.

Going forward: The shopping inventory of Prototype Vintage in North Loop will double. The move also allows San Miguel and Larson to incorporate new vintage lifestyle items, pursue more creative collaborations and host event pop-ups, the news release states.

The background: The duo launched their first location on South Congress in 2005 after previously meeting at a North Loop block party. After celebrating 20 years in business, San Miguel and Larson opened Prototype Vintage's second location in December.

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area May 25-28. 

1. From multifamily to master-planned: Check out 6 housing developments in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle

2. Signal at H-E-B, Loop 360: 3 local transportation updates

3. Swig to open soon along SH 130 in Hutto

4. Trustees move forward with concept plan for Round Rock High School renovations

5. Austin advances 45-year development deal for Colorado River 'mega-site'

6. Tea and coffee shops among new and coming soon businesses in east Georgetown