Austin, August 1, 2025
News Summary
Austin Independent School District hosted enrollment open houses at Dobie, Burnet, and Webb middle schools to discuss a new restart program due to past performance issues. The open houses aimed to inform parents about changes, introduce new staff, and promote community engagement. Enrollment concerns linger due to previous discussions of potential closures. With an open enrollment festival on the horizon, the district is committed to improving educational outcomes. A partnership with a charter school could be considered if performance does not improve by December.
Austin
Austin Independent School District (ISD) held enrollment open houses this week at Dobie, Burnet, and Webb middle schools, all of which are undergoing a restart program due to previous poor performance. This decision follows consecutive failing accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency. The open houses were designed to inform families about the changes and opportunities available as a result of the restart process initiated by the state.
The restart plan became necessary as Dobie Middle School was facing potential closure earlier this year due to its low performance metrics. The newly implemented strategies include hiring a fresh administration along with many new staff members, all aimed at improving educational outcomes for students. Parents attending the open houses had the opportunity to learn more about new programs and meet the new staff members. Community engagement was highlighted as a crucial component for the school’s recovery as the district works to reassure families about the new direction.
Enrollment has been a major concern at these schools due to hesitancy from families stemming from discussions about the potential for closures earlier in the year. According to Allen Weeks from Austin Voices for Education and Youth, the uncertainties shared in May contributed to decreased enrollment figures, a situation the district aims to remedy. The upcoming open enrollment festival at Burnet Middle School is scheduled for next Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Paige Masley, a dedicated math teacher at Dobie, emphasized the importance of retaining transparency with parents, committing to a series of monthly engagement meetings to foster communication. She noted that only a few staff members from previous years remain, asserting that the school experienced some growth in the last academic year. Such efforts intend to reassure families that their children will have access to quality education and support systems.
Parents like Yessyka Velasquez shared their optimism regarding the changes, especially as her son prepares for eighth grade at Dobie, now assured of a better educational option. Velasquez expressed her satisfaction that many programs at Dobie will be retained, signaling a commitment to maintain certain educational resources for students. The community’s hope is that with the right support and new initiatives, the schools can recover from past performance issues.
If the performance of Dobie, Burnet, and Webb does not show improvement by December, there are discussions within the district regarding a possible partnership with a charter school as a last resort to avoid a state takeover. The urgency expressed by both the district and families highlights the critical nature of this situation in providing stable educational opportunities for students in Austin.
FAQ Section
What schools held enrollment open houses?
Open houses were held at Dobie, Burnet, and Webb middle schools.
Why were the schools restarted?
The restart was a response to consecutive failing accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency.
What are the key goals of the open houses?
The open houses aimed to inform families about new programming and give them the chance to meet the new staff members.
What happens if there is no performance improvement by December?
If there is no improvement in performance, partnering with a charter school will be considered as a final option to avoid a state takeover.
Key Features of the Restart Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Administration | The schools will have a newly hired administration to lead the restart efforts. |
| Staff Changes | Many new staff members have been hired, although some previous staff, like Paige Masley, remain. |
| Community Engagement | Regular parent engagement meetings will be hosted to ensure transparency and communication. |
| Retention of Programs | Several key educational programs will be retained at Dobie, Burnet, and Webb middle schools. |
| Future Considerations | If performance does not improve by December, a charter school partnership will be considered. |
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin
- KVUE
- Google Search: Austin ISD turnaround
- Austin Chronicle
- Google Scholar: State Takeover Schools
- Community Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Restructuring
- Statesman
- Google News: Austin ISD budget cuts
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