Hi Austin ISD families,
It’s May and there’s a ton happening as we get closer and closer to the last day of school!
This month, we proudly honor Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. Plus: next week is Teacher, School Nurse, and Speech-Language Pathologist Appreciation Week!
On this edition of the family newsletter, here’s some of what we’ll dive into:
Let’s get started…
Board Bulletin: District leaders propose new plan for Dobie, provide update on middle school turnaround plans
The Austin ISD Board of Trustees met for a Special Board Meeting to discuss options for TEA-required turnaround plans for Dobie, Webb and Burnet. These campuses have each received three consecutive failing accountability ratings, triggering state intervention if significant progress is not made.
The details: After community engagement and further investigation of our options, district leaders presented two options in greater detail:
District-managed restart with an 1882 contingency: This option preserves local control and makes intensive school redesign investments while leaving room for a state-approved 1882 partnership if significant progress is not made. If this choice is approved, students will continue going to their neighborhood school, but with required changes in some staffing and teaching.
State-approved 1882 partnership: With this option, the charter partner would take on management of the school at the start of the coming 2025-26 school year and would have the authority to hire all campus staff, including teachers and the principal.
The district is no longer considering reassigning Dobie students to another Austin ISD middle school for the 2025-26 school year.
ICYMI: The complete meeting is on YouTube and Facebook. Plus, you can access the presentation on BoardDocs.
What’s next: The district will host community meetings at each campus to further discuss the new paths.
Dobie Middle School: Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. in the Dobie Middle School cafeteria.
Webb Middle School: Monday, May 12 at 6 p.m. in the Webb Middle School cafeteria.
Burnet Middle School: Tuesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. in the Burnet Middle School cafeteria.
Key Dates:
May 8: Deeper review of draft Turnaround Plans during Board Information Session
May 22 or June 12: Board may vote on final versions
June 30: Final deadline to submit plans to TEA
Angelina Gomez is headed to the U.S. Naval Academy
Austin High School Senior Angelina Gomez is charting her course toward a future of service and leadership with a move to Annapolis, Maryland to attend the United States Naval Academy.
Why it matters: Gomez’s story is an example of what’s possible when students combine hard work, community support, and the drive to lead.
How it works: The road to the Naval Academy is not easy. Gomez had to pass a rigorous fitness test, complete a thorough medical exam, and submit more than 20 essays. She also secured a nomination from Congressman Lloyd Doggett, a necessary and highly competitive requirement.
A loyal legacy: For Gomez, attending Austin High wasn’t just about academics. As captain of the girls' basketball team, she found strength in athletics, teamwork, and leadership. Her pride in the school runs deep, as nearly 50 members of her family are Austin High alumni.
What’s next: Gomez is preparing for four intensive years at the U.S. Naval Academy. She’s ready to represent Austin High, Austin ISD, and her family, proving that “Loyal Forever” is more than a motto. It’s a mission.
McCallum High School band director receives inaugural Austin ISD Icon Award
After 46 years of unwavering dedication to McCallum High School, Band Director Carol Nelson has been honored with the inaugural Austin ISD Icon Award!
Her commitment to excellence and passion for music education have left an indelible mark on generations of students. Congratulations Ms. Nelson on this well-deserved recognition!
Read the full story, written by a McCallum High School Yearbook Editor-in-Chief Emerson Merritt.
Austin Ed Fund is offering its Inspire the Future Grant to support Austin ISD students, staff, and families. This grant opportunity encourages educator-led, collaborative projects that focus on strategies to enhance learning opportunities in schools.
Mark your Calendar
Join a community conversation on repurposing the Anita F. Coy site on Saturday May 10.
Austin ISD In the News
From Jags to the NFL! For those of you who haven’t heard, we are celebrating two former LBJ ECHS Football players! Andrew Mukuba got drafted to the Philadelphia Eagles and Sean Fresch Jr. was invited to the Chiefs and NY Giants Rookie Mini Camps!
I also want to give a shoutout to the Oak Springs Elementary School community, who celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony! The school is one of many included in the 2022 Bond Program.
What’s happening this weekend…
Have a great weekend!
Have a story idea?
Got a great story about an Austin ISD student, staff, parent, or community member? Share it with us! It could be featured on our website, in our newsletters, on social media, or even on the news!
For questions or comments please email me at nayeli.santoyoflores@austinisd.org
For languages other than English and Spanish, we use an AI-powered translation tool. As a result, there may be some contextual inaccuracies or other errors. We apologize for this. Please email translation@austinisd.org if you are in need of clarification. To change your preferred correspondence language, contact your school's front office.
Connect with us: Facebook, X or Instagram
