Austin ISD launched a public dashboard Sept. 15 tracking academic and staffing data at 29 campuses carrying "unacceptable" ratings from the Texas Education Agency. The dashboard is expected to expand to cover all Austin ISD schools over time.

Why it matters: Most of the campuses are operating under state-mandated turnaround plans, or TAPs, which require campuses with repeated unacceptable TEA ratings to show academic improvement or risk more severe state intervention, per the district.

The dashboard tracks static and regularly updated metrics, including:

• Principal experience for the 2026-27 school year

• Core and overall teacher vacancy numbers and rates

• Percentage of certified and experienced teachers

• Teacher attendance against a 95% goal

• Active PTA status

• Assessment data

What's next: The dashboard is set to update on the 15th of every month on the district website.

The Austin Infrastructure Academy will receive an additional $2.55 million in city funds over four years to support its workforce training and jobs program. This funding, approved by the Austin City Council in September, follows an initial $5 million investment in the initiative led by Workforce Solutions Capital Area.

The details: The academy is connecting Austin-area residents with construction careers during major local infrastructure upgrades, including the I-35 expansion, Project Connect, the Austin Convention Center redevelopment, and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expansion.

By the numbers: According to a one-year report released in spring 2025, the initiative:

• Connected more than 1,500 residents to career opportunities

• Enrolled nearly 1,100 participants

• Awarded 162 training scholarships

• Raised participants' annual earnings

Four candidates will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot for Round Rock ISD board of trustees, Place 3. Read Q&As with each of them here.

The big picture: Incumbent Amber Feller Landrum will face challengers Ayaan Moledina, Vera Southwell and Gregory Andrew.

The specifics: Candidates were asked to keep responses to 50 words or fewer, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines or for style and clarity.

Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.