Austin ISD Approves Schools Closure Plan

AUSTIN, TX — After months of speculation and community consternation, the Austin ISD board late Monday approved a plan to close four elementary school campuses.

In a 6-3 vote, the board approved the imminent closing of Brooke, Metz, Pease and Sims elementary schools by the 2020-21 school year. Previously, the board had identified 12 schools slated for closure but that plan has since been scratched.

Community advocates have sought answers as to the reason for the closures while noting the targeted schools happen to be attended largely by students of color. School district officials have cited budgetary reasons as the motive, but have been vague in providing details on re-purposing some of the targeted schools for another use.

Skeptics see a financial motive for the closures given the schools' location in a part of town that has seen exponentially increased property values in recent years. The schools on the chopping block are in East and downtown Austin, both sectors experiencing brisk growth — and subsequently increased property values.

East Austin is a gentrified section of the city that once was a working-class enclave largely comprising Latino and black residents now an alluring spot for an incoming demographic of tech workers and other young professionals. Given that tide of gentrification, luxury housing development now dot the landscape where the schools are located. Consequently, property values have risen exponentially — including the schools slated for closure.

Further community consternation relates to the erosion of living history wrought by the closures plan, specifically as it relates to Pease Elementary School. Established in 1876, and named for Gov. Elisha Pease, the facility is the oldest continuously operating school in the state. Pease was designated a state historic landmark in November 2013.

SCHOOLS TO BE CLOSED

Brooke Elementary School

3100 E. 4th St., Austin, TX 78702

Located in East Austin, the school offers core subjects such as English language arts and social studies as well as Pre-K, dual language and a robust range of science, technology, engineering and math programs. "Students deepen their understanding and develop STEM skills through the campus’ robotics and Engineering is Elementary after-school programs," officials wrote on the school website. Brooke offers a strong portfolio of enrichment activities, including fine arts and the environment. "Lions take center stage in choir, orchestra and dance performances, including ballet, ballet folklorico and acoustic guitar classes," officials wrote.

Brooke also is a National Wildlife Federation silver-level eco-school. The campus' green team welcomes students to learn about life cycles by nurturing gardens and caring for chickens. The children also play and learn in the school's educational gardens, chasing butterflies, raising bees and building ponds.

Brooke is part of the Eastside Memorial family of schools, which offers STEM programs at every grade level and is part of the district’s new creative learning initiative to offer a quality arts-rich education to every child.

Metz Elementary School

84 Robert T. Martinez Jr. St., Austin, TX 78702

"At Metz Elementary School in East Austin near downtown, students are empowered to achieve their greatest potential by building on their self-confidence, culture and community," school officials wrote in describing the school. The bilingual school is led by a community of experienced educators who create a challenging and nurturing environment for all students to develop their talents and skills as they prepare for college, career and life.

In addition to offering core subjects such as English language arts and social studies, Metz provides Pre-K, dual language and a robust range of science, technology, engineering and math programs. "The tightly knit school community offers a world of educational opportunities—from arts and athletics to reading and robotics—to ensure all children reach their fullest potential," officials wrote.

Metz is part of the Eastside Memorial family of schools, which offers STEM programs at every grade level and is part of the district’s new creative learning initiative to offer a quality arts-rich education to every child.

Pease Elementary School

1106 Rio Grande St., Austin, TX 78701

In the heart of downtown Austin, Pease Elementary is the oldest continuously operating public elementary school in the state of Texas. The school was founded in 1876 and named after Gov. Elisha M. Pease. Pease has a diverse student population and small class sizes in kindergarten through sixth grade. "Families from throughout the city choose Pease because of its committed faculty, strong academics and excellent arts and music programming," officials wrote. Pease was designated a state historic landmark in November 2013.

Sims Elementary School

1203 Springdale Rd., Austin, TX 78721

Mary Jane Sims Early College Prep was named after longtime educator Mary Jane Sims. "The educators who lead the school today embody the passion and commitment of the school’s namesake," school officials wrote. "Students and staff proudly proclaim to be Sims Superstars, and the Sims choir has long been renowned for outstanding performances throughout the city." The school opened in 1956 and serves Pre-k through 5th grade students. The educational program is aligned with the Early College High School initiative that supports preparation for college level courses beginning in 9th grade.