Austin ISD presents turnaround plans for Burnet, Joby, and Webb Middle Schools

The Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees convened on June 26, 2025, to discuss turnaround plans for Burnet Middle School, Joby Middle School, and Webb Middle School. This meeting was crucial as it addressed the academic challenges faced by these campuses, which have been labeled as "unacceptable" under the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) accountability system for two consecutive years.

Dr. Jacob Reach, the chief officer of government relations and board services, presented the turnaround plans, emphasizing the urgency of submitting these proposals to the TEA by June 30, 2025. The schools in question received their first unacceptable rating in 2019 and a second in 2023, with the gap in accountability ratings attributed to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The district has opted for a "district-managed restart" strategy, which aligns with community feedback advocating for the continued operation of these schools under district management. This approach aims to enhance educational outcomes by implementing the Accelerated Campus Excellence (ACE) framework, which includes five key pillars: strategic staffing, instructional excellence, extended day programs, social and emotional support, and community partnerships.

A notable aspect of the plans is the inclusion of a proactive contingency plan, which, while not mandated, aims to ensure transparency with the community and the TEA. This plan allows for monitoring student performance throughout the year and could lead to activating an 1882 partnership model, which would provide an accountability pause for the campuses if necessary.

The development of these turnaround plans involved extensive stakeholder engagement, including public meetings and feedback opportunities. The board is expected to vote on the plans immediately following the public hearing, with the goal of submitting them to the TEA the next day.

The overarching goals for the turnaround plans include achieving a rating of "C" or better under the TEA accountability system, increasing the percentage of special education students meeting grade-level standards by 10%, and ensuring that all students requiring tier 2 and tier 3 interventions have documented progress monitoring plans.

The TEA is required to respond to the submitted plans by July 18, either approving them or providing feedback for necessary improvements. If revisions are needed, AISD will have 60 days to resubmit the plans. The outcome of this meeting and the subsequent actions taken will significantly impact the educational landscape for students at these middle schools, highlighting the district's commitment to improving academic performance and community engagement.