The Texas Education Agency issued failing accountability ratings to 23 schools in the Austin Independent School District, with 12 campuses now required to submit Turnaround Plans.
Superintendent Matias Segura told families in a letter obtained by CBS Austin that schools with three consecutive failing ratings, including Martin Middle School, Bedichek Middle School, and Paredes Middle School, must submit plans by November 14 for use this school year.
Nine additional campuses received their first failing rating and will create Targeted Improvement Plans, while one campus was cited for federal accountability concerns, as FOX 7 Austin reports.
Parents expressed concern about the ratings. Robert Mata, whose child attends Barrington Elementary, told CBS Austin the situation was “heartbreaking.” Barrington first-grade teacher Caroline Bice said staff remain committed to “breaking the chain of the cycle” of low performance, as detailed in the CBS Austin report.
The district’s challenges coincide with declining enrollment, leaving about 25,000 empty seats across Austin ISD schools. Segura told FOX 7 Austin that community support will be critical as the district considers school consolidations to address financial strain.
The Austin ISD board will review draft consolidation and improvement plans on October 9, vote on recommendations on November 6, and finalize decisions on November 20. If performance does not improve, Segura has warned that the TEA could intervene and closures may begin as early as the 2026–27 school year.
