In 2025, Austin ISD completed a monthslong school consolidation process resulting in the closure of 10 schools in the 2026-27 school year.

Additionally, the district navigated mounting budgetary concerns, the release of new A-F ratings and the construction of an affordable housing development.

Here are some of the top trending Austin ISD news stories you may have missed in 2025.

Future of Austin ISD dual language campuses uncertain amid school consolidation process
Austin ISD officials have discussed relocating wall-to-wall dual language programs at Becker, Ridgetop, Reilly and Sunset Valley elementaries to campuses where a greater number of emergent bilingual students reside.

Austin ISD board votes to close 10 schools, intervene at failing campuses
The Austin ISD board of trustees voted to close 10 campuses next school year at a Nov. 20 meeting.

The board’s vote comes nine months after the district began discussing consolidating campuses to address failed state ratings, reduce a $110 budget shortfall and account for an ongoing decline in enrollment.

Capital Metro's downtown Red Line rail station will temporarily close Jan. 2-5 due to construction activity for the Austin Convention Center redevelopment.

What's happening: The entire Red Line rail won't be operating on New Year's Day Jan. 1. During the downtown disruption over the following days, the Plaza Saltillo Station to the east will serve as the rail line's end of service. Dedicated bus transfer service to and from Plaza Saltillo and the Downtown Station will be available Jan. 2-5.

The construction activity comes soon after Austin officials approved a fee waiver for the relocation of some CapMetro infrastructure around the Downtown Station as the convention center project progresses.

We Are Blood is encouraging Central Texas to kick off the new year by donating blood at a local hospital.

The overview: In honor of its 75th anniversary, the organization will host its Partners for Patients event from Jan. 2-9 at nearly 20 hospitals and emergency medical service agencies across Central Texas. The blood drive campaign, held during National Blood Donor Month, is intended to combat blood shortages experienced during and after the holidays, according to We Are Blood information.

How it works: Interested participants can sign up for a time slot to donate blood at several locations from Jan. 2-9.

Why it matters: “During the holidays, emergencies do not slow down,” said Davis Winget, Williamson County clinical practices captain, in a news release. “As first responders, we see firsthand how donated blood saves lives every day. Partnering with We Are Blood helps ensure patients have what they need when it matters most.”