AISD parents oppose item 11.7 amid principal termination and school merger concerns

Austin Independent School District (AISD) trustees faced significant community pushback during their recent Board Regular Voting Meeting on April 24, 2025, particularly regarding the future of Adobe Middle School and the proposed termination of the principal at Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders.

Community members expressed deep concerns about the district's handling of schools with low performance ratings. Angela Morton, an AISD parent, highlighted the challenges faced by non-English speaking students, questioning the fairness of administering state tests in a language they do not understand. She urged trustees to reconsider their approach to improving schools, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support rather than cuts to teaching staff.

The discussion around Adobe Middle School was particularly heated, with multiple speakers urging the board to delay a vote on a contract related to the school’s turnaround plan. Morton described the plan as premature, arguing that the district had just received additional time to develop a more thorough strategy. Neil Dillon, an ESL teacher, echoed these sentiments, advocating for community input in any decisions regarding partnerships with charter schools and stressing the need for additional resources for Title 1 schools.

Concerns also arose regarding the proposed allocation of $4.6 million for portable classrooms at Lamar Middle School, which many parents argued was unnecessary and indicative of a plan to merge schools without proper community consultation. Megan Cleon, a parent at Lamar, called for the item to be pulled from the consent agenda, stating that the lack of transparency from AISD had eroded trust among families.

The meeting also saw passionate appeals to retain the principal at Ann Richards School. Parents described her as a vital leader who has positively impacted the school community, urging trustees to reject the recommendation for her termination. One parent expressed that the principal's leadership had been a stabilizing force amid previous turmoil, and her removal would further diminish trust in the district.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the decisions made by AISD trustees would have lasting implications for the community, particularly in how they address the needs of struggling schools and the voices of parents and educators. The board's next steps will be crucial in rebuilding trust and ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.