David Kauffman, Austin ISD Board Trustee, District 7

Austin ISD’s annual Salute! is a joyful celebration of the dedicated people supporting public schools day after day—one lesson, one meal, one bus ride at a time. Congratulations to all the nominees and awardees! Bravo to Akins Mariachi, Ann Richards School Orchestra, the wonderful emcees from Akins, the red carpet reporters from Blazier, and student performers from Wooten & Joslin Elementaries. Thank you to everyone who made Salute! happen — the Talent Strategy team, the PAC staff, the A/V team, custodians, transportation, and so many more.

Congratulations Cowan Elementary for 25 years of serving the south Austin community! Thank you for the invitation to attend and speak at the celebration. The choir was excellent and the original lyrics were both touching and funny.

It was great seeing founding Principal April Glenn, architect & AISD supporter Tommy Cowan, former Superintendent Pat Forgione, and original teachers Katie Brown, Molly Deeb, Rachel Galindo, Pam Kling, and Juli Naranjo.

My connections to Cowan date back to 2004-05 when I provided administrative support from the district elementary schools office, then in 2006 when Dr. Dru Robinett and I were officed at Cowan while we worked to open two new schools. The Cowan staff and students were always very welcoming.

Thank you Principal Alison Balic and PTA President Amanda Stokes and all the current Coyotes for maintaining the history of service, community, and excellence that has defined Cowan Elementary for 25 years.

Congratulations to Austin ISD teachers Megan Vasquez and Alasin DeVeny — 2026 HEB Excellence in Education award winners!

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Trustee Awards at Bowie High School!

Congratulations to the many students and four community members honored at tonight’s Austin ISD Latino Academic Achievement Awards (LAAA). Bravo to the student performers! Thank you to AISD Multilingual Education for organizing this inspirational event and to the administrators, teachers, and other staff who joined with families to celebrate our students tonight.

* Young Leader * Outstanding Progress in ESL * Outstanding Progress in Dual Language * Highest Grades * AISD Dual Language Seal of Biliteracy

🎵 Dobie Band 🎻 Navarro Mariachi Vikingos 🎤 Oak Hill Soaring Eagles Singers
🇺🇸 Bedichek JROTC 💃🏽 Dobie Dance Group