In September, Austin Independent School District announced that, as part of its “School Changes” district-wide plan, Webb would be closing and consolidating with Dobie Middle School at the Dobie campus. No prior conversation about this possibility had been held with the Webb campus or community. As a school that has faced closure twice before, and one that has become a model example of school turnaround, Webb is used to turning bad situations into opportunities for change. AVEY had already begun working with Webb on an updated community school plan in April, with parents, teachers, students and community working together through the summer. The plan was ready to go when AISD announced the proposed closure and consolidation. With a few additions, the innovative plan was sent to AISD Trustees and administration on October 29th.

Update: On Friday, Nov. 1, AISD released “School Changes 2.0” in response to widespread calls by various communities for changes to the plan. Closure of Webb is still part of the plan, but the final board decision has been delayed while more research and discussion with community is done.