AUSTIN, Texas — Austin ISD is moving forward with updates to its sweeping consolidation plan that could close 13 schools, including Maplewood Elementary, a 74-year-old campus with a long community legacy and the district’s only “A”-rated school among those proposed for closure.

As trustees listened to some of the adjustments during a Wednesday night work session, Maplewood families gathered in a different kind of meeting, one filled with music and messages of unity.

“When they try to divide us, it will only unite us,” sang the elementary school’s choir during a community concert aimed at amplifying families’ message that their neighborhood school is worth saving.

“I hope that they’ll try to keep Maplewood open,” said fifth grader Clara Audubon.

Families and alumni came together through music, hoping their voices would reach district leaders.

“I went to Maplewood in the early 80s, and it’s a good school,” said Adam Garza, a parent and alumnus.

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For former student Alianna, the possibility of closure feels deeply personal. “It’s really sad that we’re here right now trying to save it,” she said. Her younger sister is a kindergartener at Maplewood.

District leaders say they’ve received more than 7,000 community comments on the proposal, which could redraw up to 98 percent of school boundaries across Austin ISD.

“This is a draft plan; it will refine and adjust as we move forward,” said Superintendent Matias Segura.

Segura said updates to the plan include transfer policies, transportation, and boundary changes — all areas shaped by community feedback.

“There’s simply just a lot that has to get done between the idea, the testing, confirming we can do it, the translation, developing the documents,” Segura said.

“Transfer students in a school proposed to close or have a program change will be guaranteed a spot to stay with their peers at the new school location,” he added.

Some teachers say they’re still concerned about the direction of the plan.

“I cannot support a plan that closes thriving, diverse neighborhood schools,” said Tracy Dunlap, a Maplewood pre-K teacher. “AISD, stop gaslighting us.”

The district plans to release the revised consolidation plan on Friday, with a final vote scheduled for November 20.