‘Confusing, abrupt and harmful’ | Austin ISD community voices concerns over proposed closure of Paredes Middle School

Parents addressed trustees, questioning the timing of the proposal and urging the board to reconsider before an expected vote on Thursday.

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin ISD community members voiced frustration and concern during a district school board meeting on Tuesday night, just a week after administrators proposed closing Paredes Middle School.

They addressed trustees, questioning the timing of the proposal and urging the board to reconsider before an expected vote on Thursday.

This story continues below.

“Then on a late summer afternoon, after your teen has already told you, after social media has already warned you, our district says another school must close,” one community member said.

Speakers said the proposal, announced less than a month before the start of the school year, has left families scrambling for answers.

“Closing Paredes a month before school starts feels confusing, abrupt and harmful. We’ve been told we cannot afford to wait, when we can give these students access to stronger academic environments right now. Why is this suddenly an emergency? Why can we not we provide this strong, academic environment at Paredes and at all schools?” another community member asked.

Outside the meeting, the frustration continued.

Laurie Solis, a Paredes Middle School PTA board member, said many families are still trying to process the proposal.

“Middle school is a hard time in life. It’s only three years, and so overall I would say everyone’s kind of in shock and angry, frustrated. I mean that’s where I’m at,” said Solis.

District leaders said the proposed closure is the result of years of struggling student performance after Paredes received its third consecutive “F” rating from the state despite additional resources and support. They also say consolidating students into other campuses would expand access to academic programs, extracurricular activities and student services.

Superintendent Matias Segura acknowledged the difficulties of the proposal, but said district leaders are making the best decision they can with the information available.

“As a school district, as a superintendent you strive to make the best decision possible with the information you have available,” he said.

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the proposed closure during its meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Austin ISD Board Auditorium.