Austin Independent School District (AISD) is facing mounting pressure from both performance and leadership crises as parents, students, and community members raise concerns about the future of local campuses. Thursday night’s board meeting revealed deep-seated challenges within the district, including the uncertain status of Dobie Middle School and the sudden resignation of a principal at a renowned all-girls school.

One of the most pressing concerns is Dobie Middle School, which has repeatedly failed to meet Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards. The campus now faces an uncertain future if improvements are not swiftly made. The district is in the process of finalizing a Turnaround Plan (TAP) for Dobie, a requirement to avoid state takeover or more drastic consequences. Austin ISD has until the end of the month to submit and gain approval for the plan.

Adding urgency to the situation is the district’s looming budget deficit of more than $100 million. The financial shortfall could lead to school consolidations, and many parents worry that underperforming schools like Dobie could be among the first to be shuttered in cost-cutting efforts. At the board meeting, passionate community members and students spoke out in defense of Dobie Middle School, emphasizing its role beyond test scores. One speaker said, “They shouldn't close down the school because it took a lot of effort to be where we are now. Being at Dobie has made me feel very happy and comforted. I have made so many bonds with students, teachers, and staff.”

Another voice warned of broader consequences if Dobie is targeted, saying, “If we as a community fail to address middle school challenges in AISD, Dobie could be only the first of several middle school dominoes that are going to fall, and that outcome is not acceptable.” To further demonstrate support, a community gathering is planned for Monday at 5 p.m. in the Dobie Middle School cafeteria. Organizers aim to show AISD leadership that students and staff are more than their test scores and that Dobie plays an essential role in the neighborhood.

Protests Erupt Over Principal Resignation at Ann Richards School

In another emotionally charged development, the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders has become the site of protests following the unexplained resignation of Principal Nicole Griffith. With fewer than two months remaining in the academic year, Griffith’s departure has caught many off guard and sparked unrest within the school community. A small group of supporters gathered outside the school, holding signs and voicing their desire for Griffith’s reinstatement. Inside the school, students from sixth through twelfth grade organized a walkout in solidarity with the principal, demonstrating widespread discontent.

The district has cited legal limitations in explaining the reasons behind Griffith’s resignation and has provided no timeline for naming a successor. This silence has only deepened frustrations among parents and students who see Griffith as a stabilizing and impactful presence. Ali Johnson-Calderone, a parent of a student at the school, said, “We're out here to peacefully protest the reinstatement of Principal Nicole Griffith who has been an institution to our school.” Students also voiced their grievances during the protest. Iris Nicholson, a senior, pointed out, “The senior class, at least at Ann Richards, has gone through, now, six principals or interim principals in four years, so it's really important to us, and we feel like she really made such an impact on the community.”

Another senior, Scout Hewlett, echoed the sentiment: “It is an important issue that we do care about, and we are going to come together to fight for what we believe in and fight for Ms. Griffith.” The turmoil at Ann Richards, coupled with the challenges facing Dobie Middle School, has placed Austin ISD at a critical juncture. With both academic performance and leadership stability in question, the district must navigate complex community expectations, financial constraints, and state oversight to preserve the trust of students, parents, and educators. In the coming weeks, district decisions regarding Dobie’s turnaround plan and the fallout from Griffith’s resignation will shape the educational landscape for thousands of students in Austin.