Austin ISD Exits TEA Oversight After Special Education Overhaul

District completes required steps to improve services for students with disabilities

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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After nearly three years of work to overhaul special education services, Austin ISD has completed all required steps under an agreed order with the Texas Education Agency and has been formally released from state oversight. The district's systemwide response helped change the state's approach from a potential conservatorship to monitored support, and the work focused on improving the special education experience for students with disabilities and their families.

Why it matters

The TEA oversight and Austin ISD's special education overhaul highlights the challenges many school districts face in adequately serving students with disabilities. This case demonstrates how proactive, comprehensive reforms can help transform a district's approach and rebuild trust with state education authorities.

The details

As part of the effort, Austin ISD completed more than 10,000 evaluations and meetings to ensure tailored support and services, established districtwide standards, designed and implemented a districtwide support plan, grew its special education team, launched a new digital management platform, and hosted over 100 family engagement sessions. Early academic indicators show progress for students with disabilities, including outperforming the state average in third-grade reading.

  • In 2023, TEA oversight began after a state investigation found systemic failures to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
  • After nearly three years of work, Austin ISD has now been formally released from state oversight in 2026.

The players

Matias Segura

Superintendent of Austin ISD who said the district's systemwide response helped change the state's approach from a potential conservatorship to monitored support.

Texas Education Agency (TEA)

The state education agency that provided oversight and monitoring of Austin ISD's special education overhaul efforts.

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What they’re saying

“That immediate system-wide effort was the reason we were able to shift the conversation from a state-mandated conservator to a partnership with tea monitors. To a place where tea would trust that we had the capacity, the focus, and commitment to dedicate the resource to something that we had not historically proven we were capable of doing.”

— Matias Segura, Superintendent, Austin ISD (cbsaustin.com)

“By elevating the quality of our evaluations and the integrity of our service delivery, we have turned a period of intense work into a profound opportunity to grow and deepen our commitment to the families we serve.”

— Matias Segura, Superintendent, Austin ISD (cbsaustin.com)

What’s next

Austin ISD said its next focus will be deepening inclusive practices and ensuring students receiving special education services have access to high-quality, specialized instruction aligned to grade-level standards.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of proactive, comprehensive reforms to improve special education services and rebuild trust with state education authorities. Austin ISD's overhaul demonstrates how a district can transform its approach and make meaningful progress for students with disabilities and their families.