Austin, Texas – A New Hope for Mendez Middle School
In a significant and unanimous decision, the Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD) Board of Trustees gathered on Thursday evening to renew their partnership with Third Future Schools, a charter organization hailing from Colorado. This collaboration was initially formed two years ago with the aim of revitalizing Mendez Middle School, which has faced its fair share of challenges over the years, including not meeting standards set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Background of the Partnership
The need for intervention became evident when Mendez Middle School struggled under state guidelines, placing it at risk of a potential takeover by state-appointed officials. To combat this, the school board approved a partnership with Third Future Schools back in 2022, hoping to uplift the school’s performance. One of the key aspirations outlined in the new agreement is to elevate Mendez’s campus rating to a “B” by the 2024-25 school year. This ambitious target reflects the district’s commitment to improving education quality.
Assessing Progress
Dr. Jacob Reach, who serves as the chief of Governmental Relations & Board Services for the district, noted that while there are no official accountability results yet available for the campus, the interim assessments have shown a glimmer of hope. “We do interim assessments, and we have seen positive results from those interim assessments,” Reach explained. He mentioned that although the STAAR test results are not the only benchmark, the improvements observed thus far reflect a step in the right direction.
Voices from the Community
While some see progress, others like Robert Kibbie, who is both a graduate of Mendez and a parent of current students, express concerns about the collaboration. Kibbie voiced the frustrations of many parents, stating, “The moment they took over, they shut out everybody from coming in.” He described a sense of exclusion from the processes and activities at the school, stating that many in the community feel left out of the decision-making and improvement plans. “I’ve tried to come in, work with the kids. The parents have – a lot of our community members are upset,” added Kibbie, reflecting the sentiment of others in the neighborhood.
The Driving Force Behind the Partnership
The legal framework for this partnership was set in motion by Texas Senate Bill 1882, which took effect in 2017. This law enables school districts to convert a campus into a charter school, partnering with charter management organizations to provide fresh leadership and direction. As the Texas education system evolves, this bill remains crucial for districts looking to transform underperforming schools.
Third Future Schools’ Commitment
Though Third Future Schools declined an interview, they did release a statement expressing their enthusiasm about the renewed collaboration. They emphasized their student-centered approach and commitment to academic excellence. “We’ve seen the positive impact of our work on students, teachers, and the community,” they stated, illustrating their eagerness to continue building on the progress made at Mendez Middle School.
What’s Next for Mendez Middle School?
As this partnership continues, the future looks cautiously optimistic for Mendez Middle School and its community. With goals in place and a renewed sense of collaboration, the school aims to rise above its past challenges. In a world where education is constantly evolving, it’s inspiring to see various stakeholders working together in pursuit of better opportunities for students. The journey towards improvement continues, and the community holds its breath, hopeful for the potential that lies ahead.
