Decision on Pearce imminent

Austin (KXAN) - AISD Board of Trustees will meet Monday night to decide the future of Pearce Middle School. But before that occurs the public has their chance to speak up on the issue.

School district officials want Pearce Middle School to reopen for the first day of class on August 24th. That's why they have submitted a 40 page repurposing plan to the state.

This plan calls for a stronger focus on ESL programs, more parental involvement and recruiting and retaining qualified teachers and principal. District officials feel this is their best option.

"Our only option quite frankly if we're going to keep the school open is to submit a repurposing plan that is successful and meets the approval of the commissioner,” said Vincent Torres, AISD Vice President Board of Trustees

The Special Meeting will begin at 7:45 Monday night in the Auditorium of the Carruth Administration Center located on West Sixth Street.

New Superintendent Maria Carstarphen will give a brief presentation and then the public can let the board know their thoughts on the matter beginning around 8:20 p.m. Anyone interested in speaking needs to sign up at the superintendent’s office beginning at 7:45 Monday morning.

If the board approves the repurposing plan tonight it then goes off to the State Education Commissioner who will make the final decision on whether or not to keep the school open.