AUSTIN, Texas — Austin ISD has entered an agreement that will allow the Greater Austin YCMA to lease a floor of office space at its central office in South Austin.
Austin ISD’s Board of Trustees approved the 5-year lease agreement, which begins on April 1. According to district documents, YMCA will pay $300,000 a year in rent, with a 5% annual increase for the approximately 16,550 square feet of office space on the building’s fifth floor.
The fifth floor currently houses AISD staff working in academics, career and technical education; school family and community education staff; and special education staff. Those staff members are expected to move to the fourth floor, and staff currently housed on the fourth floor will move to Metz School.
The revenue from the rental agreement will offset operating costs for the central office. The YMCA will also be allowed to make improvements and alterations to the space, add signage and extend the lease if required.
“We commend Superintendent [Matias] Segura and the Austin ISD Board for their willingness to think creatively about new ways to collaborate and leverage our collective strengths for the good of AISD students and families,” Greater Austin YMCA President and CEO Kathy Kuras said. “The opportunity for our YMCA team to work alongside Austin ISD leaders will surely generate new and innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing our community.”
“We are excited to welcome the Greater Austin YMCA into our facilities,” Segura said. “This partnership aligns with our mission to support the community and provide opportunities for growth and development.”
Initially, Austin ISD was anticipating a $78 million deficit for the current school year, but the number jumped, which district leaders attributed to falling property values in the area. A decline in property value means the district takes in less property tax revenue.
Earlier in February, the school district froze hiring as financial issues continue to persist. District leaders are now scrambling to cut another $32 million in spending, to once again meet the initial $78 million deficit.