Austin ISD Postpones Boundary Changes Amid Community Feedback

Parents and board members of the Austin Independent School District (ISD) voiced their opinions following significant changes to the school consolidation and boundary adjustment plans proposed by Superintendent Matias Segura. On November 14, 2023, Segura announced the removal of three schools from a list initially consisting of 13 campuses scheduled for closure due to declining enrollment and a budget shortfall of nearly $20 million.

The decision to retain Palm Elementary, Bryker Woods Elementary, and Maplewood Elementary reflects the district’s ongoing efforts to incorporate community feedback into its planning. Segura noted that some staff members have been placed on leave amid the review process, acknowledging the long-term implications of the decisions being made. “It’s not lost on me that these decisions that we’re making are not, you know, short-term decisions,” Segura stated. “These decisions and the changes that we’re recommending will change the district, really forever.”

As part of the requirements set forth by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), several schools will experience leadership changes and implement improvement plans. Segura clarified that any boundary changes not associated with the turnaround plans (TAP) would be postponed until the following fall. “Just to be really clear, this work is continuing; it is not cancelled,” he emphasized. “The need to align our school system to improve feeder patterns is something that I am committed to doing; it will be done.”

At the board meeting, parents and students expressed their hope for alternative solutions to improve the educational environment rather than solely focusing on closures. Rebecca Steen, a parent from Becker Elementary, highlighted the need for the district to prioritize TAPs over school consolidations as the critical vote approaches on November 20, 2023. “We need less people at the central office, and we need more teachers in the classrooms. We need more support and tutoring,” Steen remarked.

In a show of community support, a solidarity event took place at three locations of Kerbey Lane, where 10% of all proceeds were designated for the ten schools on the consolidation list. Briana Rubin, a parent at Bryker Woods Elementary, expressed the importance of unity within the community. “That’s something the Solidarity Spirit Night is really trying to do, trying to lift all of the voices and support those who need the most help,” she stated.

The district plans to finalize the turnaround proposals by the upcoming vote on November 20, after which they must be submitted to the TEA by November 21, 2023. As discussions continue, the Austin ISD remains committed to navigating these changes with community input at the forefront.