AUSTIN, Texas — The new school year brings new beginnings for Austin ISD students. The same goes for their superintendent, Matias Segura, who officially stepped into the permanent role six months ago after serving for a year as interim.
Segura is not only committed to the district, he's a product of it. KVUE caught up with him at a place he remembers all too well: his former high school.
“I haven't opened this page in forever. Like, this is crazy,” Segura said.
The superintendent has come a long way since his days at Bowie High School.
“This student here would get in lots of trouble. Had my hair dyed, had it super long,” he said.
Never did he think that 25 years later, he'd be in charge of the entire Austin school district.
“My mom was a teacher for 41 years in Austin ISD, and so, I remember her working late nights, lesson plans all over the floor. And that drives a lot of kind of who I am,” he said.
Those memories are ingrained in Segura as he gets ready to lead AISD into a new era.
Despite declining attendance in the past, the district will begin the school year with 73,000 students – the same as last year, according to Segura.
But what about the educators teaching those students?
“We're 96.5% staffed. We haven't been at this level at this point in the year since 2015," Segura said. "You know, we talk about attrition at Title I schools and non-Title I schools – right now, the difference between us is less than 1%, where[as] two years ago, it was a 10 to 12% difference."
Teacher compensation remains a hot button topic that Segura is well aware of. Last fiscal year, the district handed out 7% raises across the board. This year, district leaders are working on a compensation package that will need the support of voters.
“We're very competitive early on, zero to five years," Segura said. "What is challenging for us is five, 10, 15, 20 years further on. And those are educators that understand our system. They built relationships with the community. We want them to stay with Austin ISD and not go somewhere else because that transition is costly."
When it comes to the cost of education, Segura said the price tag is only getting steeper.
“The state hasn't funded education in the way that it has in years past. To not support the mission of public education in a meaningful way over the last legislative sessions has been challenging and disheartening,” Segura said.
Regardless, the district continues to make strides, filling 200 special education positions over the last year and a half to help students with disabilities.
As Segura embarks on his new role, he's a firm believer in the old saying, "It takes a village." He believes everyone must be aligned in one direction for students to reach their potential.
“I made some decisions that my parents weren't happy with a couple times, got close to not even graduating. But time and time again, counselors, our principal, my parents, coaches – because I ran track – came together, supported me across the finish line," Segura said. "So I think about that all the time."
Segura said physics and math were his favorite subjects in school.
His skills will be put to the test as the district works to tackle its $78 million budget deficit. He said he feels confident that throughout the course of this year, AISD will be able to cut that number in half.