Austin, Texas – Parents of students at Webb Middle School are expressing confusion and frustration regarding a petition that could shape the future of their school. This petition process has raised significant concerns about whether families were fully informed before signing.
Webb Middle School and Burnet Middle School, both part of the Austin Independent School District (AISD), have received five consecutive failing grades from the Texas Education Agency, placing them at risk of state intervention. In light of these circumstances, a petition aimed at determining the schools’ fate has been circulated, prompting mixed reactions among parents.
At a recent press conference held by the Webb Middle School PTA, parents voiced their concerns, suggesting that many were misled about the nature of the petition. PTA President Vanessa Gamez highlighted the prevailing confusion within the community, stating, “There’s a lot of confusion in our community. Our feelings are confused because now parents don’t trust Austin ISD and the school.”
Understanding the Petition
The petition outlines three potential actions: the state could replace the current school board, close the campuses, or allow parents to petition the education commissioner for closure. If over 50% of parents from each school sign the petition, the commissioner is obligated to consider it, although the final decision remains with the commissioner.
Mayor Kirk Watson has indicated that sufficient signatures have been collected to potentially initiate the closure of Webb and Burnet Middle Schools to avert a state takeover. Advocates for the petition argue that it empowers parents to have a say in their schools’ future. Ken Zarifis, a parent from Burnet Middle School, emphasized the importance of parental involvement, stating, “It’s important that we are able to stand up and defend our school.”
Concerns Over Misleading Information
However, the Webb PTA contends that many parents signed the petition under pressure without fully grasping its implications. Gamez recounted instances where parents were approached in a misleading manner, with some being told the petition was to “save” Webb when it actually called for its closure. This has raised questions about why English copies of the petition were distributed in a school with a predominantly Hispanic population, leading to fears among parents about voicing their concerns due to the current immigration climate.
Some parents are now pushing back by creating their own petition, claiming that various outside organizations, including the Austin Council PTA, have been involved in a pressure campaign to gather signatures.
Valarie Gonzales, a Webb Middle School parent, expressed uncertainty regarding the petition process, stating, “We don’t know how the process will work. We don’t know how many signatures will be redacted.” This has left many parents feeling unease about the outcome.
Responses from Involved Organizations
The Austin Council PTA responded to recent developments by stating their commitment to providing families with factual information rather than influencing their decision to sign the petition. They emphasized their role in supporting community engagement in schools.
Keep Austin Schools Independent also clarified their position, explaining that they were invited to assist in disseminating information about the petition. They maintained that their volunteers were instructed only to share information, leaving the decision-making to the families.
