AISD Launches $1.5M Per Campus Overhaul to Save Failing Middle Schools

As a last-ditch effort to avoid state intervention, Austin ISD will pay up to $20,000 to high-performing teachers ready to move to three middle schools with trouble. Dobie, Webb, and Burnet middle schools all got failing grades from the state for two years in a row, which meant that the district had to turn around these schools by June 30.

AISD Chief Talent Strategy Officer Brandi Hosack told a press meeting on May 8 that the district wants to hire almost 100 experienced teachers who have helped students grow in the past. Core subject teachers who meet the requirements will get stipends of $15,000. They will also get an extra $5,000 if the state's Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) names them top-performing teachers.

Hosack said the new rules will change how campuses are staffed so that the best teachers can work with the most at-risk kids.

Not every teacher who works at the three sites will be back. The district will evaluate about 15 to 20 core teachers at each school based on data on student growth. Noncore positions will be evaluated by observing the teachers in the classroom. Teachers who lose their jobs will be given other opportunities within AISD.

The plan will cost the district an estimated $1.5 to $1.7 million per school. Because AISD is short $129 million, it must cut budgets in other areas.

The district says the changes are needed, but dozens of students spoke out at a recent board meeting, saying they were afraid they would lose teachers they loved.

AISD has until June 30 to give the Texas Education Agency its plans. If the schools continue to fail, the state could shut them down or take them over. The school board will decide on the proposed restart plans on June 12.

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