Austin ISD is under pressure to make challenging decisions regarding Dobie Middle School following the dismissal of a lawsuit that had been preventing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) from releasing its 2023 “A-F” school accountability ratings. This dismissal means that Texas can implement strict remedial actions for school districts that have schools failing for five consecutive years. Such actions include appointing a Board of Managers to replace the current elected board to oversee the district.
Consequently, Austin ISD is left with two options to avoid a potential takeover: either close Dobie Middle School or partner with a charter school, emulating the recent strategy employed at Mendez Middle School.
While Austin ISD is engaging in broader discussions on a districtwide school consolidation plan, the emergent situation at Dobie demands an expedited approach. The possibility of closure or partnership is on the table, but no specific list of schools facing closure has been released. A detailed process will be crafted through community engagement this spring, aimed at determining closures and providing optimal learning environments for students. This process will be presented to the board in the current month and is expected to result in a specific consolidation plan by mid-fall 2025.
Austin ISD recognizes the impact these discussions have on the school communities and remains committed to maintaining transparency, a student-centered approach, and a focus on both student achievement and well-being.