ATX116 Newsletter: Calm & Clarity in the Face of School Closures

Written By Heather Wong

Hello ATX116 Friends,

Conversations about “the list” of schools under AISD’s consolidation review are starting to surface in our communities. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues are reaching out in fear, worried their school might be closed. That’s natural.

When we sense a threat to our kids, our primitive brain takes over. Survival mode kicks in: protect my child, protect my school.

This isn’t about judgment—it’s about wiring. But when fear dominates, it can push us toward individualism: save my school instead of how do we strengthen all schools? That mindset fractures trust—in the district and in each other—and overlooks the bigger picture: Austin’s 116 schools are an interconnected ecosystem.

Without acknowledging the history of inequity in our schools, we risk repeating harmful policies, backing initiatives that strain the system, and further burdening communities that have long shouldered its weight. And, candidly, some still don’t see the need for a more equitable school system. Franklin Leonard puts it well: When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.

So, let’s pause. Take a deep breath in… and out. Again. Notice your belly rise and fall. Reground. Okay—we’re back.

ATX116 sees this challenge and wants to support you with practical resources to meet the moment.

Sample Language You Can Use

Here’s how Heather & Jessie have been responding in their circles. Feel free to adapt this or use only the bullets that are most relevant for your friends and neighbors. There also is a sharable attachment with this information for your use.

Hi everyone, this is ______ (_____’s parent). I wanted to share my understanding so far of AISD’s Consolidation Updates.

  • AISD is reviewing all 116 schools. No final decisions on closures have been made.

  • A “high” rubric score ≠ closure. It just means the school is under review.

  • AISD also weighs transfer rules, feeder patterns, boundaries, special programs, and accountability ratings.

  • TEA added new rules:
    • 12 schools must create Turnaround Plans (TAPs) by 11/14
    • 11 schools will create TAPs for next school year

  • Learn more on AISD’s Consolidation Web Page(English & Spanish) → see School Consolidation Basics FAQs

  • AISD is hosting 3 virtual meetings: 9/9, 9/10, 9/15 from 6–8pm (Zoom links on webpage under Meetings & Workshops)

  • Share feedback: email trustees@austinisd.org, contact your trustee, or complete AISD’s survey (open through 9/26)

Extras: Sharing ACPTA reels (reel 1 +reel 2), plus an Op Ed on equity and consolidation. Here is Austin's ISD State Accountability Ratings. 

Happy to chat more offline.

Why Respond This Way?

  • Clarify misinformation. Many assume a “high” rubric score = closure. Calm responses bring nuance.

  • Show empathy. “Save my school” comes from love. Meeting it with care builds trust.

  • Prevent panic. Balanced voices keep rumors from spreading unchecked.

  • Demonstrate leadership. Sharing facts with respect positions you as a grounded advocate.

  • Keep focus on students. Equity and holistic review matter most for their learning and opportunities.

How ATX116 Can Support You This Fall

These conversations aren’t easy, which is why we’re creating spaces for learning and dialogue:

  • Fall Listening Circles
    Join in community with others who care deeply about our public schools. Together, we’ll hold space for voices, stories, and perspectives that strengthen our schools and one another.

  • Being a Voice for Equity Workshop
    A 4-week, in-person workshop grounded in Zaretta Hammond’s Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. Build the skills and confidence to speak with integrity and courage—to name and challenge inequities in the spaces that matter most, from school board meetings and PTA forums to neighborhood gatherings.

  • Custom-Facilitated Community Experiences
    ATX116 also offers custom listening circles, workshops, and community meetings tailored to your school, PTA, or neighborhood group. If you’d like to create space for dialogue and connection, we’d love to partner with you. This is the heart of our work.

CLICK HERE  to learn more and sign up.

Ways to Strengthen Community Impact

  • Share accurate info with trustees, legislators, and city leaders—help ensure balanced voices outweigh panic-driven messaging.

  • Connect families to ATX116. Point them to our website, workshops, or listening circles.

  • Stay engaged in policy. Watch for AISD and state-level proposals where testimony and letters can influence decisions.

By grounding conversations in empathy, clarity, and community engagement, we can focus on what matters most: advancing strong, equitable opportunities across all 116 AISD schools.

With respect and gratitude,

Heather & Jessie
Co-Founders, ATX116 Alliance
116 Schools. 1 Future. Stronger Together.

hewong@atx116.org | jessie@atx116.org
www.atx116.org | IG: @ATX116Alliance

P.S. We are looking for volunteers to help us translate the newsletter into Spanish. Please reach out if you’re interested in supporting accessibility for all of our readers. 

Heather Wong