Austin, Texas, January 17, 2026
The Austin Independent School District has announced it will retake direct management of Mendez Middle School after the school achieved a significant improvement in its rating from ‘F’ to ‘B’. This decision follows a successful partnership with Third Future Schools, which aimed to elevate the school’s performance. With plans to engage the community and further enhance academic outcomes, AISD is committed to maintaining the school’s legacy and fostering student success.
Austin, Texas – AISD to Retake Ownership of Mendez Middle School
Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced plans to resume direct management of Mendez Middle School, effective the upcoming school year. This decision follows the school’s achievement of a ‘B’ rating in the 2025 state accountability assessments, marking a significant improvement from its previous ‘F’ rating.
Improvement Under Third Future Schools Partnership
In March 2022, AISD entered into an 1882 Partnership with Third Future Schools to operate Mendez Middle School. This partnership aimed to enhance the school’s performance, with specific goals to raise the campus rating to a ‘D’ by the end of the 2022-23 school year, a ‘C’ in 2023-24, and a ‘B’ by 2024-25. The 2025 assessment results indicate that these objectives have been met, prompting AISD to reassume control of the school.
Background on Mendez Middle School
Located in South Austin, Mendez Middle School serves approximately 230 students. The school is named after Consuelo Herrera Mendez, a dedicated educator and advocate for Mexican-American rights. Mendez Middle School focuses on community service and career and technical education, striving to provide students with a solid foundation for future success.
Future Plans for Mendez Middle School
With the district’s decision to retake ownership, AISD plans to continue implementing strategies to further improve academic performance and student outcomes at Mendez Middle School. The district is committed to engaging with the Mendez community to ensure a smooth transition and to uphold the school’s legacy of excellence.
Related Developments in AISD
In addition to the changes at Mendez Middle School, AISD is undertaking several initiatives to address academic performance across the district. These include potential 1882 Partnerships for other schools facing challenges, aiming to provide tailored support and resources to improve student achievement and meet state accountability standards.
Conclusion
The decision for AISD to retake ownership of Mendez Middle School reflects the district’s commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and ensuring that all students have access to quality education. The community can anticipate continued efforts to support and develop Mendez Middle School as a vital educational institution in South Austin.
FAQ
What is an 1882 Partnership?
An 1882 Partnership refers to Senate Bill 1882, which allows school districts to collaborate with external entities, such as charter schools or nonprofits, to improve the performance of underperforming schools. This partnership provides a two-year exemption from state accountability ratings and potential penalties, offering a grace period to implement improvement strategies.
Why did AISD decide to retake ownership of Mendez Middle School?
AISD decided to resume direct management of Mendez Middle School after the school achieved a ‘B’ rating in the 2025 state accountability assessments, meeting the improvement goals set during the 1882 Partnership with Third Future Schools.
What is the significance of the ‘B’ rating for Mendez Middle School?
The ‘B’ rating signifies a substantial improvement in the school’s academic performance, indicating that the strategies implemented during the partnership were effective in enhancing student outcomes.
What are the future plans for Mendez Middle School?
AISD plans to continue implementing strategies to further improve academic performance and student outcomes at Mendez Middle School, engaging with the community to ensure a smooth transition and uphold the school’s legacy of excellence.
How does this decision impact the Mendez community?
The decision to retake ownership aims to strengthen the school’s connection with the community, ensuring that educational strategies align with the needs and values of Mendez Middle School’s students and families.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | Mendez Middle School |
| Location | South Austin, Texas |
| Student Enrollment | Approximately 230 students |
| Previous Rating | ‘F’ rating |
| Current Rating | ‘B’ rating (2025 state accountability assessments) |
| Partnership Initiation | March 2022 with Third Future Schools |
| Partnership Goals | Raise campus rating to ‘D’ by 2022-23, ‘C’ by 2023-24, and ‘B’ by 2024-25 |
| Decision to Retake Ownership | Following achievement of ‘B’ rating in 2025 assessments |
| Future Plans | Continue implementing improvement strategies and engage with the community for a smooth transition |
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