Advocacy News 8/17

Whether you’re enjoying the last  days with family, powering through all the PD you can as a teacher, or feeling a little anxious about it all — school in Austin ISD starts Tuesday. Take a deep breath. That feeling is normal, and it will settle into a steady rhythm once students are back in the building.

Austin ISD Information

We’ve been at several Austin ISD meetings recently, and common questions keep coming up — especially about new laws passed this legislative session.

Cell Phone/Device Policy—House Bill 1841 (HB1841)

Teachers and administrators are still working out how this will look on campuses and in the classroom (think journalism or other classes that may have used devices in their learning).

• One high school is proposing “start school bell-to-lunch bell, lunch bell to school release bell” no-device times (phones, smartwatches, earbuds, personal laptops)

• One middle school says phones must stay in backpacks until dismissal and that phones are available in classrooms when needed.

• Exceptions will be allowed for medical needs and special education accommodations.

 Be on the lookout for communications from your campus or upcoming opportunities to be onsite. Support your school’s approach and talk with your students. When I shared the info with my rising 9th grader, she noted it will be hard to enforce for everyone; I reminded her that knowing and following the rule — without giving teachers a hard time — is what matters.

DEI Ban — Senate Bill 12 (SB12) (Effective Sept. 1)

Bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies/programs in public K–12 schools. A few key points:

• Parents must give written consent for their children to join school clubs.

• Parents can file complaints if they believe schools violate the ban.

• Districts must discipline employees — up to termination — who knowingly take part in DEI-related activities.

 We’ve asked the District for guidance on how this will affect student clubs and programs and will share updates when available.

Why these changes?

While some campuses already had cell phone limits, the new rules stem from state laws passed this year — not from Austin ISD. If you have thoughts, bring them to your PTA’s advocacy group so your voice is heard where it matters.

School Consolidations

This week, Superintendent Segura released a statement releasing the Data Rubric Tool that will guide future conversations around boundaries, programming, and utilization. The District stressed that this is not a school closure list, but a starting point to spot challenges — like enrollment, building conditions, or program placement — so Austin ISD can plan for stronger schools.

 Dig deep into the tool. 

 Complete the Phase II Survey: Rubric Release, available from August 14–September 26, 2026 

Actions You Can Take:

 Invite a Special Speaker to speak at your campus. 

• Board Trustee - Meet & Greets, Austin ISD updates, policies, special conversations

• Texas PTA's Champions for Children Representatives from the 88th Legislative Session or the Representative for your school zip code.

 Join an Advisory Body. There are a lot of options but Campus Advisory Council (CAC), District Advisory Council (DAC), School Health Advisory Council (SHAC),  Special Education Family Advisory Committee (SEFAC) are a few that come to mind. It's possible that the District is making decisions in the advisory body and there is no one from your campus sharing their voice.  Sign up to Volunteer in Austin ISD.

Texas Legislature Special Session

Earlier this week, Governor Abbott released a statement, "With the Texas House and Senate today announcing they are prepared to sine die on Friday, I will call the Texas Legislature back immediately for Special Session #2," said Governor Abbott. "The Special Session #2 agenda will have the exact same agenda, with the potential to add more items critical to Texans. We still hold great concerns and the characterizations of Senate Bill 8 (SB8). Don't be fooled by headlines like this, "State lawmakers also are proposing to replace the STAAR test with a series of less extensive exams."

Texas PTA Information

Emerging Leaders Academy:  Applications for this amazing program are OPEN!  This is a wonderful annual investment that Texas PTA makes to grow our leaders.  More information as well as the application can be found at Emerging Leaders Academy.

Straight Talk When the Texas Legislature is not in session, Straight Talk gives PTA leaders, members, families, and supporters across Texas an opportunity to lean into the pressing issues affecting students, without waiting for the next legislative cycle. Held every other February, this live streamed event features expert panelists and special guests, including students, educators, and health professionals, who explore timely topics shaping the lives of Texas children.

Save the Date: Monday, February 23, 2026

Other Opportunities

League of Women Voters Fall Kickoff

 Sunday, September 14, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

 UT Austin's Thompson Conference Center

For Advocacy Vice Presidents or Chairs

If your PTA does not have an Advocacy VP or Chair, consider adding the position through a standing committee or elected position. Can't make that work? Join our ACPTA committee.

Take a look at Texas PTA's Advocacy Awards and see how the criteria can be applied to events you already do or plan to do.

 Share, Share, Share this information. And working with your executive board and membership, determine and share out any issues or opportunities for input that may be important to your campus.

"Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten." - David Ogden Stiers

Let's wrap our arms around our schools and students these coming days and connect again next week. 

cheers,

--Laurie, ACPTA Advocacy Chair