AUSTIN - Parents of students who attend Austin schools had the chance to voice their concerns Monday night regarding the framework for the district's Facilities Master Plan.
Austin Independent School District Superintendent Meria Carstarphen and one board member listened as parents voiced their concerns about the framework that's been established for the district's facility master plan.
"Before you spend money on ideas by giving them the job you say you can't do," said AISD parent Angelica Noyola. "Why don't you go down there and learn what they are doing and implement it yourself?"
Just last week, the board adopted the framework it hopes will let the district save money and improve performance. One change could be turning some historically low-performing campuses into charter schools. Austin's East Side Memorial High School would be among those selected.
"We talked to a teacher that works for Idea Charter Schools," said Noyola. "That teacher stated to a group of us, with the CEO present, that anyone can do the job they are doing. They just need to use the curriculum. If that's the case, then AISD needs to investigate and put money into that curriculum versus putting money into the charter school business."
Despite some criticism over charter schools' effectiveness, Dr. Carstarphen says the move could open the district to outside funds.
"Which is where the federal and state buckets of dollars can open up in different ways," said Carstarphen. "We have more flexibility in the school calendar. We have more flexibility in human resources and hiring."
Dr. Carstarphen said the new framework also addresses over-crowding, especially in North Central Austin.
"I am really concerned about the district's approach," said parent Kathleen Schneeman.
Other parents KVUE spoke to, like Schneeman, say the district appears to be rushing into things.
"What I would really like to see is an entire year of collaboration before anything this dramatic would be even considered or put through," said Schneeman.
All board members will get a DVD copy of Monday's public comments to view before taking final action on the Facilities Master Plan at the Dec. 12 board meeting. Public input will be allowed before that vote.
