Mayor Kirk Watson has announced a plan to prevent a state takeover of a school district. The plan involves closing two middle schools that have received failing accountability ratings. These schools, Webb and Burnet middle schools, received their fifth failing ratings for the 2025-26 school year, triggering potential state intervention.

The proposed closures are part of an effort to keep the school district independent. A little-known state rule may allow a parent petition to influence the decision to close the schools. Further details of the plan are available, including the role of parent support in the closure process.