Austin ISD faces potential state oversight for special education, sparking community concerns

AUSTIN, Texas (KEYE) -- Austin ISD was given the notice of intent of state conservatorship over the district’s special education department from the Texas Education Agency back in March.

The district appealed the conservatorship and TEA gave the district another option – a monitor, instead of a conservator. AISD has until September 29 to agree to the TEA’s alternative option.

A monitor makes recommendations to the district, while conservators would make decisions for the district.

While a monitor is a step down from a conservator, members of the public still voiced their concerns about the proposal.

“There is no dispute that we need a better system to serve our special education students, however this proposal creates additional problems with far reaching and potentially disastrous impacts,” said AISD parent Sharon Vein.

Community members felt like this move could become a district takeover and interrupt the improvements the district has already made.

They say it could impact any superintendent search and the way the board can meet, speak and oversee spending.

“I strongly urge an attempt to amend this, to remove the Lonestar Governance handcuffs, so you can continue your forward momentum,” Vein said.

TEA’s notice to put in place a conservatorship back in March came after an investigation found the district was not meeting deadlines for evaluating students.

“Special education isn’t working,” said special education student Addison. “Just as my IEP doesn’t set me up for success, this plan does not set the district up for success. It doesn’t provide the support or resources necessary to address the issues at hand – this is more than backlog special education evaluations.”

With a monitor, the district would be required to allow a TEA-appointed monitor to sit in on board meetings and report AISD’s progress.

“AISD has just professed shared responsibility and, in accepting Lonestar Governance, you will not have that,” AISD parent and disability advocate Lisa Flores said. “Please take Lonestar Governance and any attempts to change policy to limit your oversight out of this.”

AISD says pending evaluations have decreased by 40% since January and staff at every school has completed Special Education Development and additional training to support all students.

If the district accepts the proposal, it will waive its right to appeal, should TEA later choose to put a conservator in place.