AISD partnered with the city of Austin to install parking meters along Stephen F. Austin Drive to reduce traffic and generate more revenue for the school.

Both of the student parking lots are overflowing due to the number of students who drive to school. Eighty spaces previously unavailable have been opened on Stephen F. Austin Drive.

“I have never been able to get a parking spot in the parking lot. I feel like I’m out of the loop when it comes to this fiasco,” senior Gabe Nugent said.

AISD got approval on Aug. 30 to install a total of 11 pay stations along Stephen F. Austin Drive. In addition, the school receives half of the money the parking meters make to help pay for security.

“Parking meters are being installed to help with some revenue to help pay for the extra security guards we have now, and to help with parking just in general,” Assistant Principal Steve Maddox said.

All students who have purchased a permit can park next to the maroon colored parking meters without paying. Everyone parked next to the yellow meters has to pay to park.

Parking permits can be purchased from David Martinez for $15. Only 80 new parking passes will be issued.

“The waiting list for additional permits has been filling up,” Assistant Principal Doug McGraw said. “Once these 80 permits are issued, we will be done issuing permits this school year, as we are not going to issue more permits than we have parking spots.”