AISD Superintendent Takes Stand in School Finance Trial

Austin Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen is expected to take the stand again today in the school finance trial.

AISD is one of about 600 Texas school districts suing the state. AISD says the state has increased academic requirements, but failed to provide funding to pay for it.

The Texas Legislature cut $5.4 billion from public education last year.

Local education consultants Moak, Casey, and Associates have been put together briefs of each of the 18 days of litigation thus far.

According to yesterday's brief, Carstarphen focused on the needs of AISD's changing demographics—particularly the growth of the number of students learning English.

Judge John Dietz, of the 250th Judicial District Civil Court in Travis County, is presiding over the case.