The Austin Independent School District (AISD) announced that it has removed three elementary schools—Bryker Woods, Maplewood, and Palm Elementary—from its immediate school closures plan. This decision was communicated by AISD Superintendent Matias Segura in an email to parents on October 10, 2023.
In his message, Segura indicated that while the three schools will not be closed, the school board plans to proceed with relocating dual language programs and closing ten other schools as part of a broader strategy to address ongoing challenges within the district. The board is set to vote on these plans on November 20, 2023. According to Segura, the turnaround initiatives are necessary to ensure compliance with state standards established by the Texas Education Agency.
“The turnaround and improvement plans are a required process to ensure our schools meet state standards,” Segura stated. He emphasized the district’s commitment to maintaining the unique qualities of its schools, describing them as “vibrant, loving, and innovative.”
The decision to keep the three schools open follows significant community pushback against the initial plans. Parents and residents have voiced concerns about the implications of closing schools, particularly for students enrolled in programs such as the International Baccalaureate at Bryker Woods, which is currently over capacity.
Gerardo Coronado, a parent of a second-grade student at Bryker Woods, expressed his surprise at the postponement of the closure vote but welcomed the opportunity for community feedback. “That’s something we feel strongly about. Many kids have the option to attend charter or private schools, and parents are actively working to bring children into the district,” Coronado noted.
Segura acknowledged the importance of community input in the decision-making process. “This will allow us to ensure all ideas from our community can be considered in our plan,” he said. He underscored the need for transparency and integrity when making significant changes to the educational landscape.
At the same time, Segura highlighted the urgency of addressing the district’s budget deficit and declining enrollment, which necessitate timely action. The proposed changes to school boundaries and enrollment policies are expected to be implemented by fall 2026.
As the district prepares for the upcoming vote, the community remains engaged, advocating for the preservation of their schools and the enhancement of educational opportunities for all students. The AISD and its board members did not respond to requests for comment prior to the publication of this article.
