Spring breaking news

Students at 16 Austin Independent School District schools get to start spring break early today – with closures at 12:30 p.m. – thanks to South by Southwest and to President Barack Obama’s visit. The lucky schools are those most affected by SXSW traffic: Barton Hills, Becker, Dawson, Galindo, Pease, Mathews, Travis Heights and Zilker elementary schools; Fulmore, Kealing and O. Henry middle schools; the Ann Richards School; Austin and LBJ/LASA high schools; the Rosedale School; and the Clifton Career Development School. Students at other AISD schools may still get a break – parents can pick them up early, and the absence will be excused. Beginning Monday, all AISD offices and schools will be closed through March 20. They will resume normal business hours on Monday, March 21.