AUSTIN, Texas — Some Austin ISD parents are asking district leaders to pause a planned consolidation effort that could close or merge campuses.

The district is expected to release its draft plan next week, which could include school closures and consolidations.

District officials say the move is necessary because of flat state funding, rising costs and declining student enrollment. Austin ISD reports about 25,000 empty seats across its campuses.

Parents say they feel shut out of the process. Melissa Brown has three daughters who attend Bryker Woods Elementary School, and said she and other parents have repeatedly asked the district for data showing how closing schools would save money.

“We've asked many, many times and we’ve heard nothing from the district,” Brown said. “It feels very

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