Austin ISD will fully operate Dobie, Webb and Burnett middle schools as the new school year begins.
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin ISD has ended its agreement with the nonprofit it partnered with as part of a turnaround plan for three failing middle schools.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) rejected the district’s plans for Dobie, Webb and Burnett middle schools in May, saying they were insufficient.
On Monday, the district said it came to a mutual agreement with the Texas Council for International Studies (TCIS) to end their partnership for management of the three schools. The partnership will end on July 31.
This story continues below.
More in Education
Round Rock’s Cedar Ridge High School to undergo $30M additions
Austin ISD will fully operate those schools as the new school year begins.
“This resolution will provide continuity for students and allow the district to build upon the student-focused efforts that began last school year,” Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura said in a statement. “Continued improvement in student outcomes is a priority for our district and our actions through this school year will continue to reflect that commitment.”
The Austin ISD Board of Trustees approved a three-year agreement with TCIS in March to improve grades at each school. All three campuses received their fourth consecutive “F” ratings from the TEA last year.
Under Texas law, if a public school receives five or more consecutive failing ratings, the TEA commissioner is required to either close the campus or take over the district.
The so-called 1882 partnership would have allowed the nonprofit to assume control of the schools while the campuses pause their state accountability ratings, giving them additional time to demonstrate academic improvement.
In its rejection letter, the TEA said the TCIS “does not qualify as an operating partner with the capacity necessary to successfully turn around campuses.”
Austin ISD said Burnet, Dobie and Webb have already seen gains from the first year of the district-led turnaround plan, which the TEA approved in 2025. Preliminary data from 2026 testing shows 100% of students tested at Burnet and Dobie, and 85% of students at Webb, passed the Algebra I state assessment, Austin ISD said.
“By exiting this partnership, we’re ensuring all resources can go to students who are always at the center of our work,” said Margaret Davis, TCIS chief executive officer. “During these months of collaboration and partnership, we have grown to admire the district’s commitment to excellence and to love the Austin ISD community. We believe wholeheartedly that Austin ISD will take this new year and continue growing these students academically and feel privileged to be a small part of that work.”
If a state takeover of Austin ISD were to happen, the TEA would replace the elected board of trustees with a state-appointed board of managers.