Austin ISD outlines turnaround plans for Burnet Dobie and Webb Middle Schools

The Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board Regular Voting Meeting on June 26, 2025, focused on the critical turnaround plans for Burnet, Dobie, and Webb Middle Schools, which have faced consecutive years of unacceptable ratings under the state accountability system. The meeting highlighted community concerns regarding the planning process and the need for greater transparency and involvement from parents and staff.

During the public testimony segment, several community members, including teachers and parents, expressed their frustrations about the lack of communication and engagement in the turnaround planning process. A teacher from Webb Middle School shared personal experiences of staff displacement and the challenges of finding adequate staffing for schools undergoing significant changes. Parents voiced their worries about the future of their children’s education and the importance of including community voices in decision-making.

Steve Swanson, a community advocate, criticized the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for not adhering to legal standards in the turnaround planning process, urging the board to halt the current plans and prioritize public-based planning. Other speakers echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the district and the community to ensure a quality education for students.

The AISD administration presented the proposed turnaround plans, which aim to improve academic performance and address the needs of students, particularly those receiving special education services. The plans include a district-managed restart strategy, which aligns with community feedback to keep the schools open and operational under district management. Key components of the plan involve strategic staffing, instructional excellence, and enhanced community partnerships.

The board is set to vote on these plans, which must be submitted to the TEA by June 30, 2025. The TEA will review the plans and provide feedback by July 18, allowing AISD to make necessary adjustments if required. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing community engagement and transparency as the district moves forward with these critical initiatives.