Austin ISD is considering Third Future as the future partner for Mendez Middle School. To learn more about them, visit their website.
Background
Since 2014-15, Mendez Middle School has not met standards on the state’s accountability rating. That led to Austin ISD entering an 1882 partnership with T-STEM Texas to turn the school around and meet standard.
Since then, Mendez has either not met standard or not been rated. Mendez needs a “C” rating or better at the end of 2021-22 to move out of “needs improvement” status.
Under the law, if Mendez doesn’t meet standard again this year, the Texas Education Agency could take over the school or the district.
The state gives us three options:
- Find a new 1882 partner
- Return the school to AISD oversight and management
- Close the School (District leadership has said this is not on the table).
Austin ISD held community meetings at Mendez to provide information and listen to input on Dec. 1, Dec. 15 and Jan. 19.
Where it stands
On Dec. 16, the Austin ISD Board of Trustees voted to dissolve the partnership with T-STEM Texas.
In January, the administration decided to pursue a new 1882 partner. A call for proposal was issued for Mendez on January 24, 2022.
On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, an informational meeting was held to discuss the timeline and process for selecting a new 1882 partner for Mendez Middle School. A pdf copy of the powerpoint can be found here: 1882 Interest Meeting [PDF]. Please note, the timeline on these documents have not been updated. For the most up to date timeline, please refer to the timeline below.
To learn more about 1882 partnerships, visit the Texas Education Agency information page for 1882: https://txpartnerships.org/
Applications should be submitted to schoolleadership@austinisd.org, by 11:59 p.m. February 21. Organizations that want to apply to be a partner in leading Mendez need to have been operating for three or more years.
1882 Documents:
Moving Forward
Austin ISD will form a committee comprised of campus staff, district administration, and community members to oversee the transition process. The application period runs through Jan. 28, and the first meeting will be held Feb. 2.
To join, fill out our online form.