A.I.S.D considering single sex schools

Austin (KXAN) - It's a debate raging across the country that could mean big changes for students in Austin.

Some studies suggest if boys and girls are kept in separate classes, their  grades vastly improve.

Now, Austin Independent School District is considering implementing that idea at  two Northeast Austin middle schools: James Pearce and Gus Garcia.

For more then two hours Saturday,  a panel and parents expressed their thoughts, concerns and experience with the single sex school idea.

Karen Brown is a parent and felt her questions were not answered.

"I'm still opposed because I haven't had any facts," Brown said. "You haven't given me any information about this. You didn't tell me anything on how this is going to help my child."

Parents believe the school district has bigger issues to focus on, Karen Burke, a parent of a 4th grader is one.

"I think smaller class sizes are extremely important and keep the kids together but give the teachers the things that they need to actually teach." Burk said.

District 1 trustee Cheryl Bradley said she heard the parents' message loud and clear.

"Even though I still believe it is a great idea and I'm not going to let what I hear deter me from that one bit," Bradley said."I do believe that when you have people who may not be informed or you have people are uncomfortable you don't continue moving ahead, you have to stop and re-think."

The single sex school idea is set for the AISD agenda August 28 though it may be pushed back now.

There will be asecond  public hearing July 31st for any parents who want to speak their opinion to the superintendent and staff.