Sharyn and Cuitlahuac discuss why the leadership in Austin ISD cannot articulate a clear academic vision, whether it be pedagogical curriculum and instruction, or a baseline of offerings and programs that every parent can expect at any AISD school, as trustees vote to approve a budget, turnaround plans, and get an update on consolidations and closures.

Sharyn and Cuitlahuac cover a lot of topics including

-TEA Commissioner Mike Morath on curriculum and literacy

-Austin ISD Protesting at TEA Offices

-Turnaround Plans for 3 Middle School

-Consolidation and Closure Plans for the district

-Instruction Support for Special Education

-Budget Deficit

-Advanced Math at 6th Grade

-Community Meetings with Trustees

It's a long episode we hope you listen to as much as you can over as many listening sessions as you need.

Sharyn and Cuitlahuac mark the end of one cycle and the beginning of the next as the academic year comes to an end with profound sadness and joy. They also look forward to the beginning of the latest cycle of school closure in Austin ISD with a focus on turnaround plans, budget cuts, and a call for the community members to consider what sacrifices they will be expected to make.

Lisa Flores joins Sharyn and Cuitlahuac to discuss the impact of Lone Star Governance (LSG) on the Austin ISD Board's efforts to discuss district turn around plans and school closures. They also focus on the current state of Special Education as well as recent community meetings at Webb and Burnet Middle Schools.

Joining to discuss the Austin ISD board voting meeting on Thursday April 24th and the Lamar community meeting on April 21 with Sharyn and Cuitlahuac are Nikkie Shubitz, Nadia Khan, and Lisa Flores. The group starts by weighing on the the decision to remove the principal from the Ann Richards School of Young Women Leaders, then react to the community meeting at Lamar Middle School. They also discuss their hopes for futures budget cuts and the District Turn Around Plan that will be presented to the board during an informational meeting on Friday May 2nd.

Four current Dobie Middle School staff join Sharyn and Cuitlahuac to discuss what its like to teach at Dobie, how the possible options for next year could affect students, and how the students and Rundberg community are reacting to the possible closure of Dobie Middle School

Sharyn and Cuitlahuac tackle head on the prospect of school closures after financial consultants hired by the district present that idea and others to the board as a cost cutting measure.

Trustee Candace Hunter rejoins the podcast with Sharyn and Cuitlahuac to talk about how well Austin ISD is meeting literacy goals for its students and engaging student families. Trustee Hunter also updates us on looming budget cuts and how she and the rest of the board deals with the TEA monitor and Lone Star Compliance is

Former Austin ISD School Board Trustee Noelita Lugo joins Sharyn and Cuitlahuac in conversation about how she went from Pease Elementary School parent fighting closure, to becoming an elected member of the board. Former Trustee Lugo also details the scope and limitations of a trustee working under different superintendents and administrations. The conversations also centers Special Education services in the district and the current situation with the Texas Education Agency monitor.

Sharyn and Cuitlahuac breakdown a lengthy board meeting that includes a budget workshop which discusses possible cuts including less planning time for teachers and school closures, as well as reports on the the district's academic performance and improvements plans to support specific struggling schools.