Austin ISD approves Texas Council for International Studies to run Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools

March 27, 2026

Austin Independent School District has authorized the Texas Council for International Studies, a nonprofit education organization, to operate three of its middle schools. The district took the step to change the management of Burnet, Dobie and Webb campuses, which have struggled academically in recent years.

District leaders described the decision as a targeted effort to improve student results after multiple years of low performance and disappointing state accountability ratings. The move places day-to-day school operations under the nonprofit, while the district retains responsibility for broader oversight of student services and compliance with state requirements.

Officials said the partnership will focus on academic recovery strategies and supports tailored to each campus. Those strategies may include curriculum adjustments, additional teacher support, and expanded student services, all intended to address the factors that contributed to the schools' prior evaluations.

Parents, students and staff at the affected campuses will see operational changes as the nonprofit begins its role, district administrators said. The agreement will guide how leadership transitions are handled, including staffing and program continuity, with the goal of minimizing disruption to students' school experience.

The decision follows a period in which the three middle schools received low marks on Texas education accountability measures. District representatives cited those ratings as a primary reason for seeking an external partner with experience in school turnaround work.

The Texas Council for International Studies will be responsible for implementing the improvement plan at each campus, while reporting progress to Austin ISD. District leaders expect the partnership to be monitored over time, using academic indicators and accountability measures to assess effectiveness.

Community members and education stakeholders will continue to receive updates as the nonprofit begins operations at the Burnet, Dobie and Webb campuses. Austin ISD said it will provide details on timelines, transition steps and how families can stay informed about changes affecting students.