Local partners Austin Voices for Education and Communities in Schools of Central Texas propose plans for Mendez Middle School
Tonight, the Mendez Middle School community heard proposals from two community partners that want to partner with the school to provide opportunities to improve student performance.
The two proposals came from Austin Voices for Education and Youth partnered with Talent Development Secondary and Communities in Schools of Central Texas partnered with University of Texas at Tyler’s Texas STEM Coalition and UTeach.
As part of Senate Bill 1882, the selected partner would operate Mendez Middle School. SB 1882 allows school districts to partner with an organization to qualify for an exemption from certain accountability interventions for two years with a potential increase in funding to the partnered campus.
“We’re excited to work with the community to determine which of these two great options would best provide the community and students what they need,” said AISD Chief of Staff Jacob Reach. “Our hope is to work with an organization that understands the community and will work alongside them for the academic programming Mendez students deserve.”
The Communities in Schools of Central Texas proposal includes a recommendation to implement a research-based T-STEM Academy model at Mendez. T-Stem Academies are schools that focus on more rigorous science and math courses, with the intent to increase the number of students who enter those fields professionally when they enter the workforce.
Austin Voices for Education and Youth’s proposal included a vision for Mendez to develop into a high-performing community school within two years, with innovative programs and flexible designs that will support the academic success of all students.
The Mendez Evaluation Committee is tasked with bringing a recommendation to the Austin ISD trustees, who could vote on a partnership later this month.
Following board approval, the partnership must be approved by the Texas Education Agency. The district deadline to submit a request for the SB 1882 benefit is April 30.