URGENT UPDATE: Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura has just announced a postponement of certain school boundary changes until next fall, responding to significant community concerns. During a board meeting on Tuesday night, Segura confirmed the removal of three schools—Palm Elementary, Bryker Woods Elementary, and Maplewood Elementary—from a controversial consolidation plan involving a $20 million budget shortfall.
This decision follows the district’s ongoing investigation into how community feedback has influenced the proposed changes. “It’s not lost on me that these decisions that we’re making are not, you know, short-term decisions,” Segura stated, emphasizing the long-term impact of these reforms on the district’s future.
As part of the turnaround mandates set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), several schools will experience leadership changes and tailored improvement plans. Segura reassured parents and stakeholders, stating that while boundary changes will be delayed, the work to enhance school systems will continue. “Just to be really clear, this work is continuing; it is not cancelled,” he insisted.
Parents and community members expressed their hopes at the board meeting, advocating for sustainable improvements rather than closures. Rebecca Steen, a parent from Becker Elementary, voiced her concerns, stating, “With Nov. 20 being the vote, my hope is that they’ll focus on the TAPs and not on school closures or consolidation, because I think our kids really deserve that.”
On the same night, community solidarity was evident as families gathered at three Kerbey Lane locations for a spirit event, with 10% of proceeds going to the ten schools on the consolidation list. Briana Rubin, a Bryker Woods Elementary parent, highlighted the importance of unity, saying, “I think it’s ever most important to come together as one giant community and lift one another up.”
The district is set to vote on the turnaround plans on Nov. 20, with final submissions required to the TEA by Nov. 21. As the situation unfolds, the Austin ISD community remains engaged and hopeful for a future that prioritizes educational quality and support for students.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Austin ISD navigates these critical changes.
