Vikki Goodwin’s Austin Real Estate Weblog

I often talk about how important schools are to real estate values.  There is certainly a correlation between how well the public perceives a school is doing to how well the neighborhood maintains property values.  And because the schools are so important, I’ve joined a group called AISD Up Close.  The Austin Independent School District hosts a monthly meeting for the group of individuals to learn more about the schools in the district, to ask questions, and to provide input.  As a member of this group, I receive updates at least weekly about various things going on in the district.  Today I learned that Office Max is giving about $1200 worth of supplies each to seven different teachers in the AISD.  The program is called “A Day Made Better”, and the supplies are going to schools with a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged children, and specifically to teachers who have shown innovative approaches and exceptional dedication.  I applaud this effort and hope Office Max will continue the program on an annual basis.  The more emphasis we put on rewarding dedicated teachers, the more likely they will stick around longer.  This in turn will have a positive effect on property values.