Parents at Burnet and Webb Middle Schools in the Austin Independent School District (AISD) are contemplating a petition that could empower them in light of the district’s potential intervention by the state. This consideration comes after both schools received five consecutive failing grades, with the ratings currently under appeal and expected to be finalized in December.
The situation has raised concerns, as state law mandates intervention if the failing ratings remain unchanged. This could lead to measures such as the closure of the schools or the appointment of a management board to oversee the district.
Families at Burnet and Webb have the option to initiate a petition directed at the state, calling for the closure of their schools. To validate the petition, signatures from a majority of parents with children enrolled at these campuses are necessary.
A coalition known as Keep Austin Schools Independent (KASI) has emerged, comprising parents, educators, and community members. This group aims to inform families about the implications of potential state intervention. KASI member Lily McClure emphasized the importance of letting the affected families take the lead in this dialogue. “Our stance at KASI is that we’re gonna follow the lead of the communities most impacted,” she stated. “Those Burnet and Webb families… their kids are the ones that are gonna be directly impacted.”
McClure noted that KASI is committed to educating the public about the ramifications of a Texas Education Agency (TEA) takeover, highlighting experiences from other districts that have undergone similar interventions. She believes that the issue resonates beyond the immediate families involved, affecting the broader Austin community as schools serve as vital hubs.
Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura has indicated that the district will refrain from participating in the petition process, allowing families to express their opinions independently. In a message posted on the AISD website, Segura affirmed that the district would not engage in signature collection and would continue its focus on student needs.
If the petition garners sufficient signatures, the district would then be required to present a detailed closure plan that outlines how students from Burnet and Webb would be accommodated in the following academic year. District leadership is already exploring various options to address the situation.
Mayor Kirk Watson has highlighted the petition as a potential means for parents to influence the intervention process. He has advocated for parents to be well-informed and empowered to make decisions that affect their communities. However, the proposal has met with mixed reactions from parents, some of whom are uncertain about whether closing the schools is the appropriate solution.
As the deadline for gathering signatures approaches on October 15, families must act swiftly to have their voices heard. Meanwhile, the AISD continues its efforts to improve conditions at Burnet and Webb, including enhanced training for teachers and targeted interventions for students.
McClure expressed her desire for families to fully grasp the stakes involved in their decision-making process. “I am nervous about what a takeover means, and I wanna be educated about it,” she shared. “But for me and my family, our kids will stay in public school.”
