Austin ISD faces possible state takeover after two middle schools hit fifth failing rating
Burnet and Webb middle schools earned a fifth straight failing grade, activating a Texas law that could force the state to close them or replace Austin ISD’s elected board.
Austin Independent School District announced that Burnet and Webb middle schools received a fifth consecutive failing rating, activating a state provision that requires Education Commissioner Mike Morath to either shut the campuses or appoint a board of managers to replace the elected school board. Dobie Middle School broke its run of failures by earning a D, pausing its accountability clock. The district, which earned an overall B grade, can appeal the preliminary data by Sept. 8, after which the Texas Education Agency will have 90 days to consider the appeals and issue final grades in early December.
Superintendent Matias Segura said the district is focused on improving student outcomes and will not comment on the agency’s takeover plans. Previously, Austin ISD closed ten schools and attempted a partnership with the Texas Council for International Studies, which was rejected by the agency. The district now faces the possibility of state intervention similar to past actions in Houston and Wichita Falls.
Why it matters
State takeover could reshape governance of Austin schools and affect thousands of students.
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