Parents, staff, teachers discuss upcoming Austin ISD changes at Martin Middle School
AUSTIN, Texas - Twelve schools are being considered for closure and consolidation in the Austin Independent School District, all part of a multi-year plan.
Parents, teachers, faculty, staff, and students gathered in the gym at Martin Middle School Tuesday night to attend what AISD calls a "school changes conversation."
Although there are 12 schools being considered, the ones discussed on Tuesday night were the elementary schools:
- Brooke Elementary
- Govalle Elementary
- Linder Elementary
- Pease Elementary
- Zavala Elementary
- Metz Elementary
- Sanchez Elementary
AISD had a consultant moderate questions from the public, then representatives with the district answered.
One parent asked, “So how are we supposed to trust you? That's my question.”
A huge gym-wide circle of people waited to be heard with some holding posters with sayings like "Save Brooke", “Equality for ALL” and "2017 AISD bond aka bait n switch bond."
One district leader replied, “We didn't know we would be here when we passed the 2017 bond. We didn't know we would see these changes that we are seeing in some of our school communities.”
Teachers took notes of what the community is suggesting.
On September 5, AISD Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz sent out an update on the schools' changes.
He acknowledged how change can be scary but it can also make everyone stronger.
Another person said Tuesday night, “Every time we talk about closing schools, the investors already have their hands on it. And here we go with more apartments. You're renting to kids that don't have kids.”
There's another meeting this Thursday at Campbell Elementary similar to the one that took place on Tuesday.
The senior communications specialist for AISD says these proposals aren't final and the district would love to continuously hear feedback.