Concerns Rise Over Restart Plan for Webb Middle School

Parents and students in a school gym discussing concerns over educational plans.

News Summary

Parents and community members are voicing their concerns regarding the Austin Independent School District’s proposed restart plan for Webb Middle School, which has continually received failing grades. The district’s plan aims to enhance student performance, but many fear it could disrupt the educational environment by displacing current staff. As the school prepares for a critical board vote, stakeholders are advocating for the preservation of existing relationships in the hope of improving outcomes without drastic changes.

Austin, Texas – Parents and community members are expressing significant concern over the Austin Independent School District (AISD)’s proposed plan to improve outcomes at Webb Middle School, which has received failing accountability grades from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for several years. During a heated meeting at the school gym on Monday night, attendees voiced their frustrations and confusion regarding the district’s restart strategy aimed at enhancing student performance and preventing state intervention.

Webb Middle School is one of three schools identified by the district that must undergo significant improvements to avert potential takeover by state officials. AISD Superintendent Matias Segura announced that the district must submit a turnaround plan to the TEA by June 12, with a final deadline for approval set for June 30. If the district fails to show improvement in student performance by December, it could face the necessity of collaborating with charter schools or endure state control.

The proposed restart plan mandates that only certified teachers who meet specific TEA criteria will be eligible for rehire, meaning that staff members currently working at Webb may not return. Teachers must have at least two years of teaching experience to qualify. This has left many educators, such as Sandra Flores, feeling betrayed as their entire teams may be disregarded under the new plan.

During the meeting, students expressed their anxiety over the potential loss of beloved teachers and the disruption of the school culture. Sixth-grader Alika Amani specifically highlighted concerns regarding the future if Principal Michael Coyle, a respected figure among students, is removed from his position. There is a growing sentiment among parents and students that maintaining the existing teaching staff and school leadership would better serve the students’ needs than instituting a restart that could endanger established relationships and morale.

In light of the backlash, Superintendent Segura clarified that teachers will not be outright fired; instead, they will undergo evaluation for retention at the school. He stressed the importance of hiring a principal with experience in effectively turning around struggling schools as part of the restart process. While core teachers may be reassigned, he assured that support staff would remain on board to assist students during the transition.

The district’s restart plan is intended to enhance the support and training available for both students and educators, particularly in essential subjects such as reading and math. However, many parents, including Maria Rios, are advocating for an approach that focuses on providing additional resources rather than making extensive changes to the current teaching staff and leadership.

In recent weeks, AISD has begun to present its turnaround strategy for Webb and the other failing middle schools to the Board of Trustees. The board is expected to vote on the proposed plan during its upcoming sessions at the end of May or early June. The urgency surrounding these discussions underscores the AISD’s commitment to improve educational outcomes and avoid a potential state takeover.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Webb Middle School’s future, parents and community members are calling for a reevaluation of the proposed plan. Many believe that preserving the current staff, including experienced teachers and administration, could yield more positive results than the drastic measures outlined in the district’s restart plan.

The situation at Webb Middle School serves as a crucial point of contention for the school district and the community. As stakeholders seek a resolution that prioritizes student success, the upcoming board vote will be key in determining the path forward for the school and its students.