Austin Independent School District (AISD) is considering relinquishing control of three middle schools – Dobie, Webb, and Burnet – to charter school operators, a move prompted by concerns over persistently low academic performance. The Austin ISD board is scheduled to vote later this month on whether to pursue these partnerships as a way to avoid a potential state takeover of the district.
Struggling Schools and State Oversight
Superintendent Matias Segura confirmed Thursday that while the schools have shown academic gains, the progress may not be sufficient to meet state accountability standards. Under Texas policy, a fifth failing accountability rating for any of the three campuses could lead to closure or a complete takeover of the district by the state, replacing elected trustees with a state-appointed board.
An internal review, along with analysis from Steady State, indicated academic growth at Burnet and Dobie, but Superintendent Segura acknowledged the challenges of achieving the necessary improvements within the limited timeframe. Trustee Arati Singh highlighted double-digit gains in reading and math scores for seventh and eighth graders at Dobie and Burnet, stating, “I don’t know if I have really seen these kinds of gains.”
Timeline and Potential Outcomes
The state has a January 31st priority deadline, and a decision on the district’s application is expected by the end of May. If approved, a 2017 law would pause accountability ratings for the campuses through the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. If the proposal is rejected and any of the schools receive a fifth failing rating, a state takeover remains a distinct possibility.
Should the board move forward, a vote to determine which charter operators would manage each campus is planned for February. Superintendent Segura indicated that the district will prioritize charter partners with a proven track record of staff retention, collaboration with existing administrators, and alignment with district values.
Concerns from the community are surfacing. Hidekel Garcia, a parent at Dobie Middle School, expressed dissatisfaction with the current education while also voicing apprehension about potential teacher losses if the school is turned over to a charter. Garcia believes a state takeover would only be beneficial if it included a clear plan for student success and consideration for existing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is at stake if the schools continue to struggle?
If any of the three schools – Dobie, Webb, or Burnet – receive a fifth failing accountability rating, the state education commissioner could order the campuses closed or take control of the entire district, replacing elected trustees with a state-appointed board.
What happens if the district partners with charter schools?
If the partnership is approved, accountability ratings for the campuses will be paused for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. While instructional decisions would shift to the charter partner, the district would retain responsibility for areas like transportation.
What is the timeline for a final decision?
The Austin ISD board is expected to vote later this month on whether to seek charter partnerships. The state has up to 60 days to approve or deny the district’s application, with a decision expected by the end of May. A vote on which charter operators would run each campus would take place in February if the board moves forward.
How might these changes impact the future of public education in Austin?