On Thursday May 16th, Austin ISD released the finalized map that the district will use as it moves forward with the school changes process. The map divides the district into five regions that stretch east to west that AISD says will allow them to look for opportunities to enhance academic programming. This is all part of budget-cutting measures as the district heads toward the June deadline to finalize a budget. This map was sent to families on Thursday to show where in the city schools will be closed. The map is meant to be a starting point for the decision making process behind deciding which campuses will be closed. One of the district’s goals is to show families they’re not just closing schools in areas of the city where schools have been historically shut down. AISD also wants to make sure it is placing students in better learning environments with equal access to academic programs. This is just one part of the process for the district. They expect to get money from the state when lawmakers pass the school finance bill, but a good chunk of that money will be put into teacher raises.