Last night, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees approved measures related to campus turnaround plans and school closures. The first vote addressed Texas Education Agency-required turnaround plans for campuses with multiple consecutive unacceptable ratings. The second vote followed a recommendation from the AISD administration to close certain campuses, some of which were also included in the improvement plans.
The board acknowledged the significant impact these decisions will have on students, educators, families, and neighborhoods. In a statement, they said: “Our votes to move forward with the TAPs and close these schools will involve change for many students, educators, families, and neighborhoods.”
The board recognized the difficulty of these choices. “This has not been easy, as a board or as a community. We know that our decisions are fracturing some campus communities, closing some beloved campuses, and reshaping some of our neighborhoods. And we know that some communities are mourning the loss of something they value deeply. As a board, we are committed to celebrating the work on each campus this year, and to supporting our students, educators, and campuses through this transitions ahead.”
They thanked those who participated in the process: “Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share your input, your ideas, your time, and your advocacy. The emotion, energy, and creativity you have brought to this process is a reflection of the love our community has for our public schools. In many cases, your voices have made these plans stronger. And for some campuses, we know that our decisions have not matched the ideas you brought or the asks you have made as we have worked to balance many competing needs.”
The board cited ongoing challenges such as inadequate state funding and declining enrollment but affirmed their commitment to strengthening AISD for all stakeholders: “As we work to help the district navigate inadequate state funding, declining enrollment, and high-stakes accountability, we are also committed to making AISD as strong as it can be – for each of our students, for all of our educators, and at every one of our schools. That is the work of this board. And we are grateful for all in our community who share that work – as district partners, public education advocates, and people who use their voices to push Austin ISD to do more and do better.”
Looking ahead to upcoming holidays and future efforts within AISD schools: “We hope that you can spend the upcoming break and holiday doing things you love with the people you love most. And when we return, we hope you will continue advocating for our community’s public schools and all that makes them so essential and so powerful.”
The message concluded by emphasizing continued efforts needed across academics and engagement: “There is more work to be done – to ensure strong academics throughout our district, to invite more Austin ISD families into our schools, and to highlight the joy discovery,and learning that happens in every Austin ISD classroom every single day.” The board expressed gratitude toward those involved with public education in Austin.
