AUSTIN (KXAN) — Facing financial struggles, the Austin Independent School District will take drastic steps by closing some middle and elementary schools across the city to help resolve its budget challenges.

The district said declining enrollment, rising education costs, inadequate state funding and budget shortfalls have spread the district’s resources too thin across too many campuses. The district started the year with a more than $19 million budget deficit in the general fund. The general fund helps cover teacher salaries and daily operational expenses.

On Friday, AISD released its preliminary draft plan to close 11 elementary schools and two middle schools.

The schools listed for closure in the draft plan include: Bedichek and Martin middle schools, as well as Barrington, Becker, B

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