Austin ISD is planning to hold off on future school closures while moving forward with adopting new attendance boundaries.

What's happening: District officials discussed potential changes for the 2027-28 school year as AISD faces a $181 million budget shortfall and considers potential staff layoffs for fiscal year 2026-27. AISD Superintendent Matias Segura confirmed his decision to pause additional school closures in a letter posted to the district's website April 26.

“I am very much committed to moving forward the boundary process but have concerns around taking on consolidations,” Segura said at an April 23 board meeting.

The update: AISD will begin discussing districtwide rezoning at community meetings in May and June.

What else? AISD is weighing $117 million-$132 million in budget cuts for next fiscal year, which could include laying off staff and reducing academic programming. The district’s projected budget shortfall has increased from $49 million in FY 2025-26 to $181 million in FY 2026-27 due to a decrease in property values, drop in enrollment and the delay of a $26 million property sale.

Owner of the plant-based restaurant, Sue Davis, is gearing up to open a permanent Counter Culture restaurant in Austin this summer, she said.

Learn more: Counter Culture had a previous food trailer, which opened in 2009, and later a brick and mortar, before Davis closed the location to build a purposeful space, according to its website. 

Dig deeper: The restaurant’s crew is currently renovating an older building in Windsor Park with help from Havens Construction and Weiss Architecture, Davis said. 

“We are transforming it into a mid-century-inspired vegan diner,” Davis explained.

Final takeaways: According to a Kickstarter page, construction costs have piled up and Counter Culture is now turning to the community to help open its doors sooner. So far, 270 backers have raised over $35,000 of the $45,000 goal. 

• 5812 Berkman Drive, Austin

Uncle Nicky’s had its last call at its Hyde Park storefront on April 26, according to its Instagram.

What they offer: Uncle Nicky’s serves up antipasta, salads, sandwiches, pasta and desserts, incorporating Italian flavors. 

Pastas include a classic spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and roasted chicken alfredo. Featured sandwiches include a chicken parm, porchetta and turkey pesto. 

Looking for a libation? Uncle Nicky’s also has a selection of cocktails, including different varieties of Negronis, spritz, espresso martinis, and a frozen Italian margarita. The restaurant also has wine, beer and coffee.

Dig deeper: The restaurant will continue to serve patrons at its South Lamar location.

• 4222 Duval St., Austin

Check out the latest Austin metro transportation updates. 

Upcoming projects
Roundabout at Sam Bass Road, Hairy Man Road Intersection
Project: A roundabout will be added to the intersection of Sam Bass and Hairy Man Roads in Round Rock to improve traffic flow and safety.
Update: Project design is 60% complete, per Round Rock city officials.

• Timeline: TBD
• Cost: TBD
• Funding source: TBD

• Timeline: total project completion expected in 2026
• Cost: $500,000 for design
• Funding source: Hutto Economic Development Corporation funding

• Timeline: summer 2024-spring 2026
• Cost: $6.9 million
• Funding source: Austin 2016 Mobility Bond