The Austin Independent School District (AISD) board of trustees has made the decision to close Paredes Middle School just weeks prior to the commencement of the new academic year. This closure will take effect immediately, ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
Facing a fourth consecutive ‘F’ rating in preliminary accountability assessments, the closure was proposed by AISD Superintendent Matias Segura. According to Texas law, schools that receive failing grades for four consecutive years may either be mandated to shut down or taken over by the Texas Education Agency.
“Currently, the campus has three failing grades, and we must acknowledge that a fourth is a possibility for Paredes,” stated Lakesha Drinks, the chief of staff for AISD, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
As part of the transition plan, students from Paredes will be reassigned to either Bailey or Mendez Middle School, depending on their residential addresses. A detailed 13-page modification plan has been released, indicating that the Paredes facility will not be operational as a school for the upcoming year, and will undergo evaluations for potential landmarking or repurposing.
Approximately 353 incoming seventh and eighth graders were expected to enroll at Paredes, with about 55% of those students slated to attend Bailey Middle School, which received a C rating, while the remaining 45% will move to Mendez Middle School, which secured a B rating last August.
Superintendent Segura remarked, “Considering the specific needs of Paredes Middle School and the support required for our students as we approach the 2026-27 school year, I firmly believe that the turnaround strategy should shift from a restart to a reassignment to both Bailey and Mendez schools.” He added that this decision, though impactful, would facilitate immediate connections for students with enhanced academic programs, fine arts, athletics, and supportive environments to foster their growth.
All staff members at Paredes Middle School will be reassigned within the district, ensuring there will be no layoffs stemming from this closure.
Looking ahead, students residing east of Bluff Springs Road and north of Slaughter Lane will transition to Mendez Middle School, while others within the Paredes boundary will move to Bailey Middle School. Affected families will have the opportunity to tour their new schools and meet with principals before the school year begins on August 18.
To assist families during this transition, AISD will collect intentions and requests through surveys, phone calls, and in-person interactions during the week of August 3. For those needing in-person enrollment support, assistance will be available at Paredes Middle School on August 3 from 2 to 6:30 p.m. and on August 6 from 8:15 a.m. to noon.
Transportation will be provided for students living more than two miles from their assigned schools, with bus route information available starting August 3.
