AUSTIN (KXAN) — Maplewood Elementary School in east Austin is at risk of closing as part of a consolidation plan from the Austin Independent School District (AISD). It’s the only school on the list that has an “A” rating.
Parents have formed a grassroots movement, dubbed “Save Maplewood,” arguing AISD is not listening to their concerns. The campaign is an attempt to save the school from the chopping block.
The current plan from AISD is to consolidate Maplewood Elementary into Campbell Elementary school.
Superintendent Matias Segura is set to meet with parents at the school for a planned listening and question and answer session at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Parents said this is the first time the district has tried to engage with them.
They told KXAN the hour-long conversation is their only chance to have a face-to-face meeting about the proposed merger.
“Our school is being closed,” said parent Adam Sharp. “We are going to flood another school and [AISD is] not speaking to the other school, simply because they’re not closing that school, even though how everything looks about that school next year will be different.”
Sharp is one of the parents behind the “Save Maplewood” campaign. He said the situation is a no-win situation for parents or staff.
“The main existential crisis the district is facing is enrollment loss,” Sparks added. “This is a plan that is destined to continue enrollment loss.”
On Wednesday evening, “Save Maplewood” is holding a concert and rally at Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 38th 1/2 St., from 5 to 8 p.m. While the event is free, donations are encouraged to help support musicians performing.
Look for updates on Wednesday morning’s meeting between AISD and Maplewood parents during KXAN News at 11 and KXAN News at Noon.
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