AUSTIN, Texas – With the new school year just around the corner, parents, students, and staff within the Austin Independent School District (AISD) are facing uncertainty regarding the potential closure of Paredes Middle School. A board meeting held recently provided community members with their first chance to express their concerns about the proposed closure.
The district outlined what the closure could entail, yet numerous questions remain unanswered. Community voices were united in their opposition to the school’s potential shutdown, emphasizing their desire to keep Paredes operational.
Originally scheduled to commence classes on August 18, Paredes Middle School now finds itself in limbo, with the possibility of students being reassigned to different schools. Former AISD parent Sharon Vane expressed her confusion over the timing of the proposal, stating, “Closing Paredes a month before school starts feels confusing, abrupt, and harmful.” She questioned the urgency of the situation, pointing out that families had been told the district couldn’t afford to wait for improved academic conditions.
The push for closure comes on the heels of Paredes receiving its fourth consecutive “F” grade in state accountability ratings. Superintendent Matias Segura announced the proposal shortly after the preliminary ratings were released, which indicate a troubling pattern for the school. According to Texas law, four years of failing grades empower the Texas Education Agency to either mandate a closure or take control of the district.
AISD Chief of Staff Lakesha Drinks highlighted the critical status of Paredes, noting, “The campus currently has three failing grades, so we want to emphasize that a fourth is a possibility.” The urgency of the situation has sparked significant concern among community members, with Laurie Solis, Vice President of the Austin Council of PTAs, criticizing the lack of proactive planning.
As the school year approaches, community member Amy Moore stressed the need for a clear plan, stating, “Three weeks before school starts, 61% of our middle school students, along with all AISD students, teachers, and the community, deserve a clear plan and the confidence that every campus has what students need to succeed.”
If the board of trustees approves the closure, students from Paredes would be reassigned to either Bailey or Mendez Middle School based on their residential addresses. AISD shared a detailed turnaround modification plan, which indicates that the Paredes facility will not serve as a school for the upcoming year and will undergo evaluation for future use.
Approximately 353 incoming 7th and 8th graders were expected to enroll at Paredes. Of those, about 55% would be redirected to Bailey Middle School, which currently holds a C rating, while 45% would attend Mendez Middle School, rated B in the previous year.
Superintendent Segura remarked on the situation, stating that the decision to close Paredes would ultimately allow students to access expanded academic programs, fine arts, and athletic opportunities at their new schools. He reassured that all Paredes staff members would retain their positions within the district, ensuring no layoffs would occur due to the closure.
The AISD community is encouraged to participate in a trustee listening session scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, at 6 p.m. in the Paredes Middle School library, followed by a special board voting meeting on Thursday, July 30, at 6 p.m.
