Austin ISD Exits State Oversight of Special Education Services

District completes over 10,000 evaluations, establishes standards, and engages families to regain local control

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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After three years of state oversight, Austin Independent School District has regained control of its special education services. The Texas Education Agency had stepped in after an investigation revealed non-compliance with state mandates and a backlog of over 600 special education evaluations. To exit state oversight, AISD completed thousands of evaluations, established district-wide standards, and hosted family engagement sessions.

Why it matters

The removal of state monitors signifies a significant step toward local control for Austin ISD, but continued focus on governance and instructional quality will be crucial to sustaining progress in special education services. This case highlights the challenges districts can face in providing adequate special education resources and the importance of proactive oversight to ensure compliance and student outcomes.

The details

In 2023, AISD trustees agreed to state monitoring after a TEA investigation revealed non-compliance with state mandates and a backlog of over 600 special education evaluations. The district was required to complete evaluations within 45 school days of parental consent. To regain local control, AISD completed more than 10,000 evaluations, established district-wide standards for resources, hosted over 100 family engagement sessions, and launched a recent digital management platform. Currently, 74 percent of students receiving special education services are in general education classrooms.

  • The state oversight began in 2023 when AISD trustees agreed to state monitoring.
  • In February 2024, Austin ISD completed all 1,159 special education evaluations that were overdue from the 2022-2023 school year.
  • The district was required to clear any remaining backlog by December of 2025.

The players

Mike Morath

The Texas Education Commissioner who informed AISD Superintendent Matias Segura that the two state-appointed monitors overseeing the program have been removed.

Matias Segura

The AISD Superintendent who stated the district was tasked with completing 99 tasks 'with virtually zero room for failure' during the state oversight period.

Cherry Lee

The Interim Assistant Superintendent of Special Education Programs at AISD, who emphasized the need for continued commitment as the district shifts from stabilization to instructional impact.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Commissioner Morath recommended AISD continue working with a governance coach. He also expressed the expectation of 'focused, sustained efforts' from the school board to prioritize instruction, student learning, and eliminate distractions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges districts can face in providing adequate special education resources and the importance of proactive oversight to ensure compliance and student outcomes. The removal of state monitors signifies a significant step toward local control for Austin ISD, but continued focus on governance and instructional quality will be crucial to sustaining progress in special education services.