East Austin woman starts petition to "save Metz Elementary School"

An East Austin woman has started a petition to “Save Metz Elementary School.” Metz, is one of a dozen Austin ISD schools, recommended to close in the next few years. 

Three generations of Bertha Rendon-Delgado’s family, attended Metz elementary.  “This school goes back three generations, my mom and her brothers and sisters went here, my children went here.” 

Rendon-Delgado, founder of the PAC “Save East Austin Schools,” is upset her nieces and nephews, may not be able to continue the family tradition, at Metz. 

According to the districts drafted plans, Metz is one of a dozen AISD schools recommended to close in the next few years. Metz students would be re-routed to Sanchez elementary -- a school, roughly a mile away. With a $25 million investment from the 2017 bond program, Sanchez would become a “bright and modern school with flexible classrooms.”

There would be “collaborative education” initiatives, and resources from both schools would be combined to “enhance academic programming.” 

The draft, which is subject to change, states that parents from both Metz and Sanchez will be able to provide input on the programming offered at Sanchez, once it’s remodeled.

So far, Rendon-Delgado feels the community, has been left out of the conversation. “Everyone was not part of the process to keep this school from not closing.” she said. 

Rendon-Delgado, started a petition urging the community to “save Metz.” “This school has been in the heart of East Austin here in our community.” she said. 

Luis Calderon’s first grade daughter was transferred to Metz from Sanchez. “It’s sad, it’s sad you know this is a good school.” he said of the news. 

Calderon, also wants Metz, to stay open. “I want [my daughter] to keep going here. I’m a little upset, I hope they don’t close it down.” he said. 

Rendon-Delgado says there will be a town hall held next Tuesday, inside “Metz Rec.”

She says parents are invited to voice their concerns. 

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