Austin Independent School District (ISD) is one step closer to a potential state takeover after two of its schools, Burnet and Webb middle schools, received their fifth consecutive failing accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This development triggers a state law that directs Education Commissioner Mike Morath to either close the schools or appoint a board of managers to replace the elected school board.
Background
The TEA’s A-F accountability system measures student achievement, academic growth, and how well the school prepared students for life after high school. Under Texas law, five consecutive failing ratings mandate the education commissioner to close the campus or take over the district by replacing the elected school board with a board of managers.
District leaders had attempted to avoid state intervention by partnering with the Texas Council for International Studies, a nonprofit, to manage the three schools. However, the TEA denied the request, stating that the nonprofit did not meet the state’s requirements. The district then abandoned the partnership and resumed operating the campuses itself.
Current Status
The preliminary ratings, which are subject to appeal, show that Burnet and Webb middle schools received a fifth consecutive failing rating, while Dobie Middle School broke its streak of four consecutive failing ratings by earning a D. The district has until September 8 to appeal the ratings.
Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura stated that the district will review the data to determine which ratings to appeal. Segura also expressed confidence in the district’s ability to support students, citing the appointment of new campus leaders and the district’s focus on improving student outcomes.
Implications
If the ratings become final, Austin ISD will cross the legal threshold for state intervention. The education commissioner would then determine whether to appoint a board of managers to govern the district or close the campuses while placing the district under state oversight with an appointed conservator.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
