In August 2008, the Board of Trustees felt it prudent and necessary to conduct an Efficiency Study following the adoption of the District's 2008-2009 operating budget. Given the budget deficit the District faced this year and the fiscal constraints of the state's school finance system, the District sought to take a critical examination of possible opportunities for savings. As a result of a request for proposal process, Austin ISD contracted with MGT of America, a consulting firm experienced with carrying out such studies in districts across the country, to conduct the study on behalf of the District.

MGT of America has provided the District with a variety of options for consideration. While we appreciate the areas MGT has noted as a "best practice" worthy of emulation, we view this report primarily as a tool that will help the District and the community clarify our values in terms of prioritizing and reducing spending. The options from MGT will help guide deliberations on both the 2009-2010 and 2010-11 budgets, as well as in future years.

The report calls for the elimination of numerous positions. Since 85% of the District's budget consists of personnel costs, it is not surprising that so many of the options presented by MGT call for reductions in staff positions. We want to take this opportunity to emphasize to both our employees and the public that such decisions will not be made lightly and we wish to caution against over-reacting to any particular efficiency option. In reading the study, no employee should assume that her/his position will be cut. While tough decisions will need to be made, we will proceed carefully during this time of superintendent transition.

The District believes in holding itself accountable in its obligation to the taxpayers to effectively utilize public resources. The District seeks to continue to maintain its status as having one of the lowest property tax rates in Central Texas. This year, AISD received the highest bond rating of Texas school districts at AA+. This has resulted in millions of dollars of savings for the District's bond program and Austin taxpayers.

Receiving this report is but one initial step in carrying out the District's responsibility to the public. As we begin to implement many of the options, we look forward to your continued support of our public schools.

Click here for Efficiency Study Final Report (13.4MB)

MGT Presentation to the Board of Trustees

Efficiency Study Executive Summary (Spanish)