TEA approves Pearce plan

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texas Commissioner of Education Robert Scott Tuesday afternoon approved Austin ISD's repurposing plan for Pearce Middle School.

The board of trustees Monday night unanimously approved the plan for the troubled school during a special meeting.

The vote went down in front of a packed house, after dozens of citizens and parents of Pearce students stepped up to the podium to express their opinion on the plan. Retired teacher and east side resident Allen Weeks signed up to speak three hours before the meeting was called to order Monday night.

“We really want Pearce to be open Aug. 24,” said Weeks after signing up. “We’re grateful to the district for getting this plan together.”

Weeks worked on the plan with a team of other community members last spring when the state required the district to come up with a contingency plan. In early July, Texas Commissioner of Education Robert Scott sent a letter to AISD Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen, announcing closure of Pearce Middle School after four four consecutive years of failing TAKS test scores.

Following a heavily attended community meeting in mid-July, administrators decided to put together a repurposing plan to re-open the school by the start of the 2009-2010 school year. Late Friday afternoon, AISD revealed their final plan to save the Northeast Austin school.

The 40-page proposal outlined a financial incentive of up to $40,000 for a new principal who can raise TAKS scores. Stronger teacher criteria was outlined to recruit and retain more experienced teachers who have shown success with students on the TAKS test.

The plan states counselors will work with students to create 9-year college, career and life plans. Teachers will also work to develop a family environment between students and parents.

"There's a family resource center, a full time social worker, and more bilingual help for parents,” said Weeks. “A lot of Pearce parents don't speak English, so it's hard for them to get involved."

The plan will now be submitted to the Commissioner of Education, who has been working closely with the district over the last couple of weeks during the finalization of the plan.

“He has a strong sense of what’s in it,” said Texas Education Agency Communication Director Debbie Ratcliffe.

Commissioner Scott wanted to approve the plan before the end of the week so AISD can start putting the plan into action by the first day of school Aug. 24.