Austin ISD will undergo a state review of its spending practices alongside three other Texas school districts, Comptroller Don Huffines announced Monday, Oct. 5. The review, ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott, will examine Austin ISD, Barbers Hill ISD, El Paso ISD and Prosper ISD. Austin is the largest district selected, with 69,074 students enrolled in the 2025-26 school year. The comptroller’s office says the review will assess whether district spending complies with state law and whether public funds are reaching students, classrooms and teachers rather than going to administrative growth or other non-instructional costs. Huffines said the final report is expected by Dec. 31 and could help shape legislation during the 90th Texas Legislature. The selection drew criticism from state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, an Austin Democrat challenging Huffines in the 2026 comptroller’s race. Eckhardt said schools need support rather than what she described as layers of bureaucracy and political retribution. She also questioned why districts under Texas Education Agency control were not included, citing Houston ISD. The review comes as Austin ISD considers significant budget cuts. Its findings could add to public scrutiny of how the district allocates resources and how state officials evaluate school spending.