AUSTIN, Texas — Austin ISD trustees heard from parents and community members Tuesday night about a proposal to permanently close Paredes Middle School just weeks before the start of the new school year.
District leaders say the recommendation is necessary to improve student outcomes after a year of turnaround efforts did not produce enough academic growth. If approved Thursday, the district would replace the current turnaround plan with campus closure and student reassignment.
Many who spoke during the board’s information session said their biggest concern is the timing of the proposal, with school set to begin in just a few weeks.
Amy Moore, a parent, urged district leaders to provide more certainty for families before the start of the school year.
“Three weeks before school starts, AISD students, teachers, and the community deserve a clear plan and confidence that every campus has what students need to succeed.”
Sharon Dane, another parent, questioned why the recommendation is being made so close to the beginning of the school year.
“Closing Paredes a month before school starts feels confusing, abrupt, and harmful,” Dane said. “Why is this suddenly an emergency? Why not provide this strong academic environment at Paredes and at all schools?”
Superintendent Matias Segura acknowledged the impact the proposal would have on students and families but said district leaders believe a different approach is necessary.
“It’s a very disruptive thing that I am proposing.”
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Segura told trustees that after evaluating the district’s turnaround efforts, officials determined Paredes had not made the academic gains they hoped to see.
“At the end of the day, it’s about putting students in the best position possible to be successful,” Segura said.
If trustees approve the proposal Thursday, the district says 353 rising seventh- and eighth-grade students would be reassigned this fall. About 55% would attend Bailey Middle School, while the remaining 45% would attend Mendez Middle School. According to the district, Bailey is about six miles from Paredes, and Mendez is about seven miles away. The district also says both campuses have room to absorb the additional students.
Austin ISD says it is preparing a transition plan that would include registration events, transportation information, and student support services if the closure is approved.
Several community members also expressed frustration with the process, saying they wanted to be involved earlier.
Austin Council PTA representative Laurie Solis told trustees: “We should be treated as collaborators in developing solutions, not informed until after decisions appear to have already been set in motion.”
Trustees took no action Tuesday night. The board is scheduled to vote Thursday on the proposed modified turnaround plan. Trustee listening sessions are also planned Wednesday and Thursday.