AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) – Back in March, Austin ISD chose a nonprofit, Texas Council for International Studies (TCIS), to conduct its “restart” plan for three failing schools: Dobie, Burnet and Webb middle schools.

The partnership would have provided the campuses with a pause in state accountability ratings if it had been approved by the TEA.

However, the TEA declined to provide those partnership benefits in late May.

On Monday, Austin ISD and the Texas Council for International Studies announced that they mutually agreed to end that partnership.

The partnership will end July 31, and Austin ISD will fully operate the three campuses as the 2026-27 school year begins.

The district said the decision will allow it to continue building on turnaround efforts already underway at the schools.

AISD says they responded to the TEA by submitting additional evidence of TCIS’s successful experience and capacity to lead the turnaround work, both TCIS and Austin ISD have ultimately agreed that ending the partnership is the best path forward.

“This resolution will provide continuity for students and allow the district to build upon the student-focused efforts that began last school year. Continued improvement in student outcomes is a priority for our district and our actions through this school year will continue to reflect that commitment,” said Matias Segura, Austin ISD Superintendent.

The three campuses are currently part of a district-led turnaround plan approved by the Texas Education Agency in 2025.

According to the district, preliminary 2026 testing data shows 100% of students tested at Burnet and Dobie passed the Algebra I state assessment, while 85% of students tested at Webb passed the exam.

Austin ISD and TCIS previously worked together to develop initial turnaround strategies for the schools. The district said all investments tied to those turnaround plans will continue into the 2026-27 school year.

Those investments include content interventionists, instructional coaches and additional funding school leaders can use to support their campuses.

In a statement to KXAN, TCIS said:

“The TCIS Board and staff express their deepest appreciation for the opportunity to embrace the vision of the Austin ISD Board, Superintendent Segura, district staff, families, and the Austin community. TCIS was humbled and honored to be selected as a partner for Austin ISD and to receive the support of the broader Austin community. During these months of collaboration and partnership, the TCIS Board and staff have grown to admire Austin ISD’s commitment to excellence and to love the Austin community. TCIS thanks Austin ISD and the community for the privilege of joining your work. As an organization of educators whose only purpose is to
do good work for students, TCIS found in Austin ISD and the greater Austin community a common dedication to student success and to providing excellent schools for all students. TCIS is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important work. Please know TCIS will always support the district’s efforts and celebrate their achievements.”

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.