First day of school for Austin Independent School District

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - It's the first day of school for more than 80,000 Austinites and students will be going back to class with a few changes.

Austin Independent School District made several changes over the summer including the dress code.

The dress code change happened after hundreds of parents signed a petition that said the old dress code didn't uphold the district's values of being all inclusive. The new updated dress code may seem pretty lax compared to what it was before.

The district is also expanding its services when it comes to mental health. AISD says it's expanded its partnership with VIDA Clinic to provide access to mental health services for students on 16 additional campuses. The services will be available throughout the entire year.

VIDA has partnered with AISD for eight years and under the new contract will offer services at a total of 43 schools.

Another change this school year is that students will have more options when it comes to getting ahead in college. 

The Early College High School Program allows students to earn college credits while working toward their diploma. Navarro High School is joining the list of campuses offering that option.

And it's not just changes for students. Teachers are also getting a pay raise. If they have more than five years experience they'll get a seven percent increase.