AISD talks '12-'13 budget Tuesday night

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The first community meeting concerning the 2012-2013 Austin Independent School District budget gets under way at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Reagan High School.

The purpose is two-fold.

• First, to look at next year’s budget.
• Second, to talk about some proposals for the following school year.

Some of those proposals include creating two single-gender schools, expanding the dual language programs and adding onto the charter schools that specialize in helping at-risk students.

The community will also have a chance to look at next year's budget, which includes a one-time 3 percent raise for teachers.

But the budget outlook may still be rocky in the next several years, and that's why there's also discussion about a possible property tax rate increase.

The Austin school district has the second lowest tax rate in Central Texas.

Meantime, this year there is no discussion about teacher layoffs.

"I think people are relieved, but I don't think we've turned the corner. I think it's very hard on morale, in general, under conditions Texas is in today," said Superintendent Meria Carstarphen.

The next community meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 17 at Bowie High School.

A final vote on the budget isn't expected until this summer, and voters could vote on a tax rate increase in November.