AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Independent School District officials will not help parents gather signatures to petition for the closure of Burnet and Webb middle schools, which received five consecutive failing ratings from the Texas Education Agency.
Parents from the two schools met Monday to discuss their options and the potential consequences for their campuses and the wider district.
Texas law requires state intervention after a school receives five consecutive failing ratings. Education Commissioner Mike Morath could appoint a new superintendent and board of managers or approve the closure of the two schools if a majority of their parents submit a petition.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson recently urged parents to consider seeking the schools’ closure rather than waiting for a possible districtwide state takeover.
Superintendent Matias Segura said Monday that state law allows parents to petition for the closures but said the district will not participate in the effort.
“Austin ISD will not participate in gathering signatures or advocacy of the petition as we continue our student-focused work and will allow impacted families to use their voice without our guidance,” Segura said in an email to AISD families.
Parents weigh options
Noelita Lugo, an AISD parent and former school board trustee, attended Monday’s community meeting to explain the options available to families.
Lugo said parents have a legal right to petition but should make their own decisions after understanding the possible consequences.
Parents asked whether Burnet and Webb could remain open under a state takeover. Lugo said that remains possible, but an appointed board of managers and a new superintendent could make significant changes to the schools, including adopting new academic programs or closing them.
“There’s no certainty about exactly what will happen, but we do know that the schools will be forever changed,” Lugo said.
Lugo said a takeover would affect the entire district but urged officials to prioritize the voices of families from Burnet and Webb.
District prepares for possible closures
Segura said the district will prepare a plan to support students at Burnet and Webb if the petition receives enough valid signatures and the TEA accepts it.
He said AISD officials are already developing options for students who could lose their campuses.
The district also plans to continue providing academic support at both schools. AISD approved a turnaround plan last year for three middle schools, including Burnet and Webb.
Families have until Oct. 15 to submit the petition to the superintendent. The superintendent must validate the signatures and send the petition to the TEA by Dec. 1.
