Parents and students push back at Austin ISD information session over late timing of Paredes closure and schedule changes

Dozens of in-person and recorded public commenters told trustees the timing of the Paredes reassignment and other district changes left families and students unprepared. Amy Moore, a parent and self-described "math person," opened in-person testimony asking the board to note that "61% of our middle school students... across 12 different campuses" are affected by recent TAP decisions and urged clarity about staffing and tutoring supports.

Several recorded student callers said an 8-class-period day would harm instruction. Molly Eno, a student at Austin High School, said the shorter class periods would force teachers to hurry through complex lessons and could lead advanced students to leave AP courses. Another caller, Caliga Julio, identified as a rising junior at Austin High, said 45-minute periods would reduce depth of instruction and teacher planning time.

Parents and PTA leaders emphasized the disruption of a potential Paredes reassignment announced weeks before school starts. Sharon Vane said, "Closing Paredes a month before school starts feels confusing, abrupt, and harmful." Laurie Solis, vice president of the Austin Council of PTAs, criticized the timing and lack of sustained family engagement: "Presenting school closure as an urgent solution just weeks before the start of the school year reflects, at best, a failure to plan proactively." Trustees and administrators acknowledged the distress and said the district would hold listening sessions and make transition supports available if the plan proceeds.