Austin ISD Board Poised to Vote on School Closure plan Amid Community Concerns
AUSTIN,TX – The Austin Independent School District board of trustees is set to vote Thursday evening on a plan to close schools and implement turnaround strategies for academically struggling campuses,following a months-long process marked by meaningful community pushback. The vote, scheduled for 6 p.m., comes as district officials face scrutiny over communication and engagement with families.
The proposal has undergone revisions in recent weeks, with three schools – Bryker Woods, Palm, and Maplewood elementaries – removed from the initial list of potential closures on nov. 4, coinciding with the declaration of an internal examination into how public feedback was handled and the leave of two top staffers. Some families have expressed relief at thes changes, while others continue to criticize the district’s approach.
During a Nov. 6 board meeting, President Lynn Boswell questioned weather district officials were adequately utilizing community input. “I see a lot of things that we’re doing for families, but I don’t see a lot of leaning into our families as experts,” Boswell stated.
The vote is particularly time-sensitive as district officials are required to submit turnaround plans for struggling campuses by friday. Superintendent Matias Segura has committed to reopening the conversation about further potential changes, though any adjustments considered during the spring semester will not be implemented until the following academic year.
The board will first discuss turnaround plans at 5 p.m. before the 6 p.m. vote on the broader school closure plan.
