Parents of students at Burnet and Webb Middle Schools are urged to sign a petition directed at the State Education Commissioner, advocating for the closure of their campuses. This initiative is a final attempt to prevent a state takeover after the schools have consecutively received five failing grades.
The situation has reached a critical point, with the deadline for signatures set for October 15. If more than half of the parents at each school support the petition and it is validated, the commissioner will be compelled to consider the request. In this case, the district must then submit an improvement plan, though the commissioner retains the ultimate authority over its approval.
As the Austin Independent School District (AISD) awaits a response to their appeal regarding the ratings, the options on the table include the potential replacement of the school board or the closure of the schools. The petition represents a unique opportunity for parents to exert influence over the future of their children’s education.
Supporters of the petition emphasize the necessity of taking a stand for their schools. Ken Zarifis, a parent at Burnet, articulated the sentiment that the community must unite to resist state intervention. He expressed that the state should provide assistance rather than take control. Concerns have been raised about the implications of a district-wide takeover, which could jeopardize vital programs such as fine arts, dual language offerings, and essential educational and social services.
Not everyone is in favor of the petition, however. Some parents believe that closing the schools will not address the underlying issues, attributing the poor ratings to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One anonymous parent criticized external influences, such as the Austin mayor’s involvement in pushing for the petition, suggesting that those unfamiliar with the capabilities of the students should not dictate the future of the schools.
While AISD has expressed its commitment to allowing families to voice their opinions, the district remains neutral regarding the petition’s advocacy. The Texas Education Agency has yet to respond to the unfolding situation.
