Austin ISD unveils aggressive turnaround plans for underperforming North Austin schools

The Board Special Meeting held on May 2, 2025, focused on the implementation of turnaround plans for several schools in North Austin, aiming to enhance student achievement and improve accountability ratings. The primary objective of these plans is to achieve significant and sustainable gains in student performance, with a target of reaching a C rating within two years.

During the meeting, officials discussed the urgency of these turnaround plans due to the upcoming release of accountability ratings for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. Unlike previous years, where schools had a year to develop and two years to implement their plans, the current timeline requires a more aggressive approach, with three ratings expected to be released within a four to five-month period.

Key components of the turnaround plans include stakeholder engagement, school improvement strategies, performance milestones, and a commitment to resources that support students and staff. It was emphasized that while the plans submitted to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) meet basic requirements, they will also encompass additional support measures tailored to the needs of the schools involved.

The schools targeted for these plans—Burnet, Adobe, and Webb—are located in North Austin and have experienced high mobility rates, which affect their enrollment figures. The meeting highlighted the geographical challenges faced by the Austin Independent School District (AISD), as the district's footprint aligns closely with the city of Austin, complicating travel across the area.

As the meeting progressed, historical accountability data for these schools was reviewed, providing context for the current challenges and the necessity for immediate action. The discussions underscored the district's commitment to improving educational outcomes and addressing the needs of its diverse student population.