Travis Heights Elementary applies to become charter school
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Travis Heights Elementary in South Austin has applied to become a charter school—one supporters say is different from any other in the city.
Unlike the move towards IDEA Charter Schools on other AISD campuses, there's no third party operator behind the move at Travis Heights Elementary. Instead, the move is born of the community itself. Supporters call it a grassroots campaign involving teachers, parents and students.
Volunteers canvassed more than 400 homes for input on the possible change. The proposal calls for a board of 13 volunteers to guide curriculum. Board members would be the principal, teachers, parents and community members.
More than 80 percent of parents and teachers voted for the change.
School administrators say they would still be under the Austin Independent School District's oversight. Travis Heights would also still be held accountable like any other public school.
The AISD school board will vote on the application Monday, Dec. 17.
If you'd like to weigh in, the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the district's headquarters on West Sixth Street.