Keep Austin Schools Independent
Austin ISD faces a state takeover of our public schools. Take action now!
We are a districtwide, nonpartisan coalition of individuals and organizations working together to oppose the state takeover of Austin ISD.
How a state takeover happens
Under existing state law, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) can take over an entire school district if just one campus is low performing for five consecutive years.
Three Austin ISD schools (Burnet, Dobie, and Webb) have received failing ratings for four consecutive years. If any one of these schools receives another failing grade in 2026, it could trigger a state takeover of the entire district.
The state takeover could be announced as early as September 2026.
The state takeover could start as early as January 2027.
The state commissioner rejected the district’s option to form a partnership with outside experts to give these schools extra time and more resources to improve. According to a response from TEA, Austin ISD’s proposal was the only one ever denied by the commissioner (as of May 2026).
Texas has underfunded its public schools for years, and Austin ISD's children are paying the price. A state takeover doesn't fix that, it just takes away our voice and our vote.
What a state takeover means
A state takeover would allow the TEA Commissioner to replace our district's locally elected school board with a state-appointed board of managers and superintendent that he chooses. This strips the community of local control, allowing these officials to close schools, sell real estate, and make controversial changes to curriculum, staffing, and budgets. This will affect students at every AISD campus in different ways.
We will still pay taxes to support our school district, but taxpayers and parents will have no control over how our tax dollars are spent.
Lessons from the Houston ISD state takeover
Since the takeover began in Houston ISD three years ago, 12 schools have been closed and enrollment has declined by 13,000 students. 141 out of 274 Houston schools were converted to New Education System (NES) schools. Here are some of the changes that were implemented in those schools.
Teachers have no control over lessons
Teachers must follow a prescribed, timed curriculum with rapid pacing. Deviating from the script or speaking up publicly can get them terminated on the spot. Classrooms have cameras watching their every move.
Source: Houston LandingFour tests every day for all students
All students, including kindergarten students, must take 4 tests every day based on the scripted curriculum. Students who pass are shuttled to the Team/Discipline Center where they fill out worksheets monitored by staff who are not teachers. Students who fail tests are then read the same scripted curriculum again.
Source: Houston Public Media35% districtwide teacher turnover every year
Over 11,000 teachers have left HISD in the three years of the takeover. 1 in 4 HISD teachers are now uncertified, doubling in just one year.
Lack of special education support
Over 5,000 children who require special education services have been taken out of their schools and moved to "hub" campuses despite TEA’s notice to HISD that the process used for these transfers violates state and federal law.
Source: Houston LandingStudents blocked from advanced classes
To boost state ratings, the district kept high-achieving students out of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Biology and placed them in lower-level classes instead. This limits the opportunities for these students to take higher-level math and science classes.
Eliminated librarians and libraries
141 schools had their librarians and libraries eliminated and turned into Team/Discipline Centers.
Source: NBC NewsLess time for connection and creativity
Most NES schools are no longer allowing classroom decorations, social emotional learning, the use of crayons for young children, or even first day get-to-know-you activities.
Source: Houston LandingAnd it doesn't stop at the NES campuses. Even the schools that weren't converted to the New Education System are seeing many of the same practices and pressures spread across the district.
Source: Houston LandingWhat we can do
A decision could come within months. If we can build a base of parents, teachers, neighbors, and organizations who are informed and connected, we can be ready to fight back against any changes imposed on our schools.
Here are some examples of how organized Houston parents were able to fight back successfully.
Recess was restored
When the district cut recess at many NES schools, parents emailed and called the board of managers in force. The public pressure and press coverage led to schedule changes that restored recess for most children.
Source: Houston ChronicleBooks stayed on the shelves
When the district moved to clear out school libraries, parents organized and held read-ins with their children at board of managers meetings. After the public pressure and press coverage, the district agreed to keep books in those spaces.
Source: KHOUWe need to organize now
We know what happened in Houston, and that gives us a major advantage. Instead of reacting, we can start building the relationships, resources, and organizing power before a takeover happens. Join our coalition.
Sign the Petition
Get Involved
Block Walk
We’re talking to neighbors around the city about the state takeover and sharing ways they can get involved in the organizing effort.
Volunteer
Tell us how we can show up for your neighborhood school and community. Join the coalition as a volunteer, bring your skills and get involved.
Host a House Meeting
Use the ATX116 toolkit to host a meeting to inform your neighbors and friends about the potential TEA takeover.
Spread the Word
Share the petition and website on social media and with friends and family.
Share our Flyer
Print our flyer to share with your school or neighborhood. We can help you organize a table setup at community events, sporting events, or anywhere else you can spread the word about the takeover.