The new middle school is on track to open for the 2023–24 school year to serve 800 students.
Why it matters: A new school means more opportunities for students and families.
- This school is steeped in complexity given the impacts of gentrification and population growth, not to mention the complications associated with the single-gender and under-enrolled middle schools in the area.
- This is an opportunity to set a precedent for how we handle enrollment in a way that’s equitable and responsive to shifting demographics.
Background: Going back over 20 years, the Mueller Masterplan set aside 10 acres for a public community school in the Mueller neighborhood.
- Austin ISD was given “right of first refusal” to build a school or forfeit the land to a competing charter.
- Voters approved the construction of the new middle school as part of the 2017 Bond.
How we got here: The district engaged around enrollment options and programming for the new middle school in February and March.
In early April, we began analyzing data and community input to inform draft enrollment options with the intention of sharing options publicly by the end of the month.
- We’re extending that timeline to allow for more thorough analysis of our data and the diversity of perspectives captured through our engagement efforts.
What’s next: We plan to engage key stakeholder groups over the summer to gather feedback on potential options before releasing the most viable options to the broader public in August.
- We anticipate bringing our recommended enrollment option to the board for consideration in September.
One more thing: The district is accepting nominations for the name of the new school via online form through Friday, June 3.
- Community members are voicing support to the board for naming the school in honor of original L.C. Anderson alumnus and award-winning educator Dr. General Marshal.
- The board will consider all submissions that meet the criteria outlined in board policy.
