I want to make sure you have seen my public statement and thank you for loving and supporting your school and Austin ISD.

In solidarity,
Kathryn
Kathryn Whitley Chu

Today, the boot of the State is on AISD’s throat, and we are forced to make decisions that will change our community for generations.

The AISD administration has put forward a proposal for school consolidations and closures in response to years of underfunding from the state. I understand the intentions and pressures that led to this proposal, but based on this current draft, I will be voting NO because if the state fails to prioritize student success, then we must.

We should not be closing schools that are in demand and have strong academic results. We should not be closing historic schools that tie to our community together. And we need to have the patience to allow the community to study the proposal and effectively weigh in.

I realize Austin ISD is not alone in facing these pressures. Districts throughout Texas are in the red and face state takeover. When so many school districts are in this situation, it is a failure of leadership at the state level.

That’s why those of us at the local level — parents, students, community leaders, and school staff members — must model a different course. My opposition is not out of fear of making hard choices, but rather one that embraces the work ahead to community members from all sides to find real solutions.

If you have not already done so, I invite all community members to join us in this fight, embrace the work, explore alternative solutions, and prove, as Austin always has, that we understand the importance of education to every child’s success in life.