In east Austin, a plan by the Austin Independent School District (AISD) to close Oak Springs Elementary has ignited concern among parents, particularly those in the adjacent Booker T. Washington Terraces housing community. The proposal, part of a district-wide effort to address a nearly $20 million budget shortfall, threatens to uproot a school that has served as a neighborhood anchor for over 60 years.
For families like Charline Brewster's, who walks her four children to the school in minutes, the potential closure represents more than an inconvenience. It threatens a vital support system and raises serious questions about transportation, safety, and a recently halted multi-million dollar construction project that promised a modernized campus.
Key Takeaways
- Austin ISD has proposed closing Oak Springs Elementary as part of a plan to consolidate 13 schools and manage a significant budget deficit.
- Parents from the Booker T. Washington Terraces community rely on the school's close proximity, citing a lack of reliable transportation.
- The district has already spent over $3.5 million on a new campus for Oak Springs, but construction has been paused due to the closure proposal.
- If closed, students would be rezoned to Blackshear Elementary, 1.1 miles away, a distance that may not legally require the district to provide busing.
- The school faces challenges with under-enrollment, operating at only 56% capacity, and has received three consecutive 'F' ratings from the state.
A Lifeline for the Neighborhood
Oak Springs Elementary was built in 1958 with a specific purpose: to serve the children of the Booker T. Washington Housing Community. For decades, it has fulfilled that mission, becoming an integral part of daily life for residents. The short, safe walk from the apartment complex to the school is a cherished convenience for families with limited transportation options.
Charline Brewster, a mother of four, described the faculty at Oak Springs as an extension of her family. "You walk them in and it’s like I am giving them to a family member," she explained, highlighting the deep trust and connection built over years. This relationship is critical for parents who may need to reach the school quickly in an emergency.
Historical Connection
The establishment of Oak Springs Elementary was directly linked to the development of the Booker T. Washington Housing Community. This intentional placement created a walkable school environment, fostering a unique and supportive relationship between educators and families that has persisted for generations.
The district's proposal would rezone Oak Springs students to Blackshear Elementary. While only 1.1 miles away, the distance presents a significant barrier for many. "A lot of us don’t have transportation to move to the other schools like Blackshear," said Crista Calk, another parent from the complex. "I don’t have the ability to walk 30 minutes."
This new distance falls into a gray area for transportation services. Because it is just over one mile, the district is not legally obligated to provide busing for elementary students, leaving parents to navigate the commute on their own.
A Promise Paused and Millions Spent
Adding to the community's frustration is the abrupt halt of a major construction project. In 2022, voters approved a bond that included a complete modernization of the Oak Springs campus. The school held a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2025, with students participating in the celebration of their promised new facility.
However, since the closure was proposed, all construction has stopped. District records show that over $3.5 million has already been spent on the project as of July. Furthermore, more than $45 million has been committed through contracts and purchase orders.
By the Numbers: The Oak Springs Project
- $3.5 million: Amount already spent on the new campus.
- $45 million: Total funds committed through contracts.
- 100%: Percentage of construction work that has been paused.
An AISD spokesperson clarified the financial situation, stating, "We have not canceled the project, and we have not canceled any contracts. We are pausing to protect the funds while a determination is made concerning consolidations." The district also noted that committed funds have not necessarily been spent.
For parents, the sight of the dormant construction site is a painful reminder of a broken promise. "The kids were promised that new building. They were part of the process," said a parent named Hilary. Another parent, Isabel Torres, called the situation "grossly mismanaged."
"For our little people, this is life-changing. You are separating children from what they know. You are separating parents from the support they are accustomed to. It leaves us very vulnerable."
Isabel Torres, Oak Springs Parent
The District's Difficult Position
While parents focus on the immediate community impact, Austin ISD leaders are grappling with broader systemic challenges. The proposed school closures are a direct response to a nearly $20 million budget shortfall. The district argues that consolidating schools will allow for a more effective and consistent allocation of resources, staffing, and programs for all students.
Oak Springs Elementary, despite its beloved status, has faced significant hurdles. According to the Texas Education Agency, enrollment has declined over the last decade, with just 215 students attending last year. Austin ISD data shows the campus is currently at only 56% capacity.
Academics are also a major concern. The school is one of 12 in the district requiring a state-mandated turnaround plan after receiving three consecutive 'F' ratings. Some parents expressed frustration that they were not made aware of the severity of the academic situation sooner, leaving them with few options to help improve the school's standing.
District officials maintain that consolidation is necessary for the long-term health of the entire school system. Candace Hunter, the school board trustee for the district that includes Oak Springs, has declined to comment on the draft plan while it is still under review.
What Happens Next
The future of Oak Springs Elementary remains uncertain. The district is currently holding a series of community meetings to discuss the consolidation plan with affected families. A meeting is scheduled at Oak Springs on Wednesday, November 5, where parents will have the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to Superintendent Matias Segura.
An east Austin community question-and-answer session is also planned for Tuesday, October 28, at Greater Calvary Bible Church. As the district moves forward, parents at Oak Springs are left to wait, hoping their voices can save a school that is much more than just a building.