Austin, Texas, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District faces significant challenges as over 20 campuses are mandated to develop turnaround plans following unacceptable ratings from the Texas Education Agency. Superintendent Mattias Segura highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the ratings do not reflect the district’s overall capabilities. Schools must submit their plans by mid-November or risk dire consequences, including possible closure. Key dates for board meetings and votes on the plans have been set, with community members expressing concerns about the rapid restructuring.
Austin, Texas – More than 20 campuses within the Austin Independent School District (AISD) will be required to implement turnaround plans due to unacceptable ratings from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Superintendent Mattias Segura has outlined the upcoming challenges in a communication to families, reiterating that these ratings do not reflect the overall mission and capabilities of the district.
The TEA announced that 12 campuses have received their third consecutive “unacceptable” rating, mandating them to submit a TEA-approved Turnaround Plan (TAP) by November 14. Eleven additional schools have achieved their second “unacceptable” rating, which requires them to develop a TAP for execution in the next academic year. Furthermore, nine campuses have received their first “unacceptable” score, necessitating the creation of a Targeted Improvement Plan (TIP), considered a less intensive process than the TAP.
The recent ratings were released for the 2023-2025 period following legal disputes that delayed their publication. A ruling from the Texas Court of Appeals removed obstacles concerning changes to TEA’s rating system, enabling the announcement to proceed.
Superintendent Segura is scheduling meetings with staff from the 12 campuses with three consecutive failing ratings, set to commence the week of September 8. Schools encountering persistent low ratings may face dire consequences, including potential closure or a complete restart of programs, heightening the urgent need for strategic intervention.
According to TEA regulations, a state takeover could become a reality if a district accumulates five consecutive failing ratings. AISD’s ongoing plans for consolidation may also lead to campus closures and boundary shifts, projected to take effect by the 2026-2027 academic year. It is important to note that parents will not have the option to transfer students to better-rated schools, a significant accountability measure set in place.
Key upcoming dates related to this intervention include a board informational session on October 9, a special vote concerning TIPS and TAPS scheduled for November 9, and a final vote on the consolidation plan on November 20. AISD has been subjected to similar low ratings in the years 2019 and 2023, both instances resulting in previously approved turnaround plans for affected campuses.
The turnaround strategies may involve several approaches such as school restarts with entirely new staff, partnerships with charter schools, or closures accompanied by reassignment of students. Several middle schools within the district, including Dobie, Webb, and Burnet, have already received approved turnaround plans due to multiple failing ratings.
To further assist the affected campuses, AISD is planning to incentivize experienced teachers to work in these low-performing schools. Despite the challenges, faculty, parents, and students expressed their concerns regarding rapid restructuring during a recent protest, underlining the community’s desire for quality public education.
Lastly, it’s critical to highlight that the TEA has the authority to intervene if schools continue to fall short of meeting educational standards for five years consecutively. AISD is aggressively preparing to meet the requirements set forth and must ensure that their turnaround plans are submitted for TEA review within the deadlines established throughout the academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Turnaround Plan (TAP)?
A Turnaround Plan (TAP) is a required strategy developed by schools receiving consecutive unacceptable ratings, aiming to implement significant changes in educational practices, staff, and overall management.
What happens if a school receives five consecutive failing ratings?
If a school receives five consecutive failing ratings, the Texas Education Agency can potentially take over the district and implement state-led interventions.
Will there be changes to school boundaries?
Yes, AISD is planning possible consolidation that may involve school closures and changes in school boundaries, expected to be completed by the 2026-2027 academic year.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Schools Needing Turnaround Plans | 23 campuses |
| Deadline for TAP Submission | November 14 |
| Next Board Meetings | October 9, November 9, November 20 |
| Schools with Third Consecutive Failing Ratings | 12 schools |
| Schools with Second Failing Ratings | 11 schools |
| Actions Under Turnaround Plans | School restarts, charter school partnerships, or closures |
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Additional Resources
- KVue: Austin ISD Turnaround Plan and TEA Ratings Improvement
- Fox 7 Austin: Protest Against Austin ISD Turnaround Plan
- KXAN: Austin School Board Turnaround Plan Vote
- Statesman: Timeline of Austin ISD Turnaround Plans
- Fox 7 Austin: Approval of Turnaround Plan for Failing Schools
- Wikipedia: Austin Independent School District
- Google Search: Austin Independent School District
- Google Scholar: Austin Independent School District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Independent School District
- Google News: Austin Independent School District
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
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