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AISD Trustees Approve Plan for Eastside Vertical Team

Filipa Rodrigues, KUT News

The Austin Independent School District Board approved a plan last night for the elementary and middle schools that feed into Eastside Memorial High.

Eastside hasn’t been meeting academic standards and could be shut down. In an effort to keep it open, the board approved a partnership with Johns Hopkins last month.  But that program’s plan didn’t include an outline of what should happen at feeder schools.

The trustees approved a plan last night they believe will fulfill the vertical team requirements of the Texas Education Agency. Included in the plan is a focus on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math).

It’s all an effort to get approval from the Texas Education Commissioner soon. Commissioner Michael L. Williams will have the final say whether the plan has a chance or whether Eastside will be shut down.

"AISD has been and remains fully committed to finding a pathway to ensure the success of Eastside Memorial students. We will continue to build upon our investments to help the school succeed," Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said in a statement.

The board also approved a provision last night that if Eastside isn’t rated academically acceptable for both the 2014-2015 and following school year – the board itself will move for the campus to be closed for at least one full school year.

Laura first joined the KUT team in April 2012. She now works for the statewide program Texas Standard as a reporter and producer. Laura came to KUT from the world of television news. She has worn many different hats as an anchor, reporter and producer at TV stations in Austin, Amarillo and Toledo, OH. Laura is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, a triathlete and enjoys travel, film and a good beer. She enjoys spending time with her husband and pets.
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