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Austin ISD students outperform state average on 5 of 13 spring 2026 STAAR exams

Austin ISD students topped the state average on five of 13 spring 2026 STAAR exams, according to scores the Texas Education Agency released June 16, while posting mixed results in math, especially in the middle grades.

By the numbers: AISD outpaced the state in reading and language arts across third through fifth grade and in eighth grade math and social studies. Math results were more uneven: AISD matched the state in third and fifth grade, trailed in fourth, sixth and seventh grade, and beat the state in eighth grade.

Seventh grade math saw the steepest year-over-year drop, with the passing rate falling from 37% in 2024-25 to 32% this year. TEA attributes part of that decline to a shrinking pool of test takers, as more students move into Algebra I before high school.

What's next: Science scores for fifth and eighth grade are delayed until July 31. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, only students taking the Algebra I end-of-course exam will skip the seventh grade math STAAR.

 
Latest News
Virginia executive appointed as Austin's economic development chief

Austin has named its next head of economic development initiatives, as city leaders back a renewed push to attract and support more local economic investment.

The details: The city announced the appointment of Michael “Mac” Cummins as Austin Economic Development's next director June 16. Cummins will officially start in that role July 27 and said he's eager to advance Austin's domestic and international economic profile.

The hire comes months after city management outlined a new economic approach led by city management, and follows City Council's adoption of a separate economic development policy this spring.

Austin Economic Development and the city's human resources department declined to confirm Cummins' salary and benefit information, or the cost of the recruitment led by Mosaic Public Partners, as of press time.

 
Coming Soon
MML Hospitality slated to open new Greek restaurant at former Sledd Nursery

Austin-founded MML Hospitality is bringing a new Greek restaurant to Clarksville in the former Sledd Nursery location. The concept is expected to open in 12 to 18 months, according to a representative for the company. 

More details: MML Hospitality is also behind Clarksville staples like Clark’s Oyster Bar, Swedish Hill, Pecan Square Café and Rosie’s Wine Bar. The team isn’t prepared to share the restaurant's name at this time, though it will incorporate “Sledd” to honor the nursery’s legacy, which MML Hospitality licensed from the Sledd family, according to a representative.

On the menu: This will be MML’s first Greek restaurant, though the company has developed a Mediterranean menu at The Peacock Mediterranean Grill in The Austin Proper Hotel. 

The Greek spot is expected to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The team has no additional details to share at this time, according to a representative. 

  • 1211 W. Lynn St., Austin
 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Juneteenth celebrations

Yoga on the Plaza

June 19
Austin, Leander and Pflugerville

June 20, 8-9 a.m.
Round Rock

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Blue Flame Cruisers Car and Motorcycle Show

ScareWaves Movie Night

June 20, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bastrop

June 21, 7:30 p.m..
Austin

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To submit your own event, click here.

Latest Education News
Austin ISD's projected shortfall grows to $95M ahead of budget vote

Austin ISD closed the 2025-26 school year with a projected $95 million shortfall—more than four times the $19.7 million shortfall the board adopted last June—as trustees questioned whether they could vote on a budget that may already be underpowered before it takes effect.

Some details: The district's fund balance is projected to fall to 10.1% of operating expenditures by the end of June, according to a June 11 Austin ISD board meeting presentation. That figure is half the 20% that the board's own policy requires and below even the temporary 15% floor trustees set in 2025. The fund balance acts as the district's savings account, covering payroll and expenses during the months before property tax revenue arrives each year, according to the presentation.

The district expects to need a short-term loan in September or October to cover payroll—a repeat of the $19 million it borrowed last year at a cost of approximately $250,000 in interest and fees, AISD's Chief Financial Officer Katrina Montgomery said.

 

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