M Harper

AISD While Austin students are enjoying the last few (and mercilessly hot) days of summer, AISD teachers reported back this week. Tuesday, Superintendent Meria Carstarphen held her second "virtual convocation" for all staff members, opening up the 2011 school year and painfully referring to the previous one as the... continue reading on Austinist

AISD While the previous school year was wrought with budget cuts, layoffs and the threat of school closures, this new year is starting out on a positive note. Despite voting to increase class size to 24 just seven months ago (resulting in 485 cut positions), the Board has now... continue reading on Austinist

It's not just the coffee that packs a punch! Tuesday afternoon, a woman rushed into the Starbucks at Congress Avenue and 6th Street, stole a tip jar, and assaulted a customer for her wallet. Richard Chambers, another customer, stopped the woman outside the store and held her until police arrived.... continue reading on Austinist

Madrid Cow Parade by jorgeip on flickr. This week, colorful cows will be taking over the streets of Austin. Roughly 100 large cow sculptures, painted by local artists, will be installed. The cow parade is the self-proclaimed largest and most recognized public art event in the world. It began... continue reading on Austinist

At the school board meeting on June 20th, superintendent Meria Carstarphen presented some preliminary TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) results. Two middle schools were discussed in depth -- Pearce and Garcia Middle Schools. Both are looking at an Academically Unacceptable rating for the next two years. The... continue reading on Austinist