Austin ISD seeks input on Pearce

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With time running out to make a decision, Austin Independent School District officials met with the Pearce Middle School community to hear what they want to happen with the students after the state decided to close down the campus due to low TAKS test scores.

AISD Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen opened the July 15 meeting at the raised podium in front of a packed Pearce gymnasium.

After running through the improved percentages of students who passed the Math, Reading, Writing and Social Studies portion of the TAKS test , she raised her voice and said, "Do not forget, this is not a failing school, these are not failing kids, this is not a failing staff and you are not a failing community."

The comment was followed by a loud round of applause and cheering.

The audience learned nine out of 28 core Pearce teachers had already transferred to other schools in the district. The move leaves 13 of the remaining 19 teachers with less than two years of experience.

This was the first chance Carstarphen had to hear from the students and families directly affected by Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott's decision. It was the science TAKS scores that did the school in, with 39-percent students passing.

"The challenge before us, while not impossible, is certainly daunting and unfortunately limits community engagement," said Carstarphen.

These are the allowances still available for AISD under state law:

• Closure - Cessation of all instructional activity on the campus
• Repurposing - Comprehensive instructional plan that must include the option for students to enroll elsewhere, reassignment of principals and 75% of teachers
• Alternative Management - Qualified nonprofit entity assumes management of the campus

Under the contigency plan, which would only be carried out if the school closes, current Pearce students would be moved to a dozen other acceptable performing middle schools in the district.

The district can try and work quickly to repurpose to school for the upcoming school year, or push the plan back a year and reopen under a new instructional design for the 2010-2011 school year and beyond.

"The board and community can anticipate that the administration recommendation will be designed to stop the perceived cycle of failure and continuous uncertainty for students, families and staff at Pearce," said Carstarphen.

The district can submit a repurposing plan which must be approved by the Board of Trustees and TEA. There is not much time to spare since AISD's 2009-2010 academic year starts August 24.