What to know as AISD edges closer to a state takeover
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
A sign to "Keep Austin Schools Independent!" in Hyde Park. Photo: Asher Price/Axios
Austin ISD has been plunged into further uncertainty as state officials on Thursday announced two middle schools received "F" ratings for the fifth year in a row, meaning the district is closer to a state takeover.
Why it matters: Classes start Tuesday, and AISD's roughly 70,000 students — and their parents — are facing big questions over who will be in charge of their campuses in the coming months and years.
Driving the news: Burnet and Webb middle schools received "F" ratings again, per preliminary assessments.
The big picture: Austin public schools offer lots of experienced teachers in the classroom, a wide variety of extracurricular activities, and highly rated magnet programs.
- AISD officials touted this year's overall "B" grade, the best rating the district has received in four years.
Yes, but: The prospect of a takeover comes as the district grapples with a massive budget shortfall and school closures.
Zoom in: A takeover would mean governance of schools moves out of the control of a locally elected board of trustees.
- Critics say it could open the way for policy changes not necessarily aligned with the wishes of voters, but proponents argue it could free the district to pursue reforms free of the pressures of local politics.
What's next: District leaders will review underlying data across schools to decide which ratings, if any, to appeal, superintendent Matias Segura told the Austin Current.
- The district has until Sept. 11 to make that appeal.
Reality check: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has rejected previous proposals to stave off a takeover.
What they're saying: "TEA wants you to believe that these grades are everything you need to know about our children," Sharyn Vane, an organizer of the newly formed Keep Austin Schools Independent, said at a rally last week. "They won't tell you about the funding that hasn't kept pace with inflation."
- The organization was formed to "keep decision making in our hands," Vane said.
The other side: TEA did not immediately respond to an Axios interview request.
- Justifying his decision to appoint superintendents in a handful of other districts last year, Texas education commissioner Mike Morath criticized the districts' inability "to implement effective changes to improve the performance of students."
What we're watching: A takeover announcement could come as soon as October and a new board could be appointed in March of next year, per reporting by KUT.