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Please join us Wednesday, October 29th for a night of music, community, and love for Maplewood Elementary. Featuring guest speakers & performances by Erika Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards, The Tender Things, and a Dj set from Topaz of Golden Dawn Arkestra to kick off the night. All are welcome!Maplewood Elementary is the true definition of a neighborhood school serving the community. It's a deeply connected, walkable and bikeable community gem known for its inclusive culture, social-emotional learning programs, and the beloved monthly PeaceFest celebrations. It is treasured not only by parents and students, but neighbors and local businesses alike who all depend on one other. Closing Maplewood would not only be disruptive to the children and families, but the entire ecosystem of our community.
Please sign our petition to keep Maplewood open: https://www.change.org/p/help-save-maplewood-from-consolidation
Based on published district data, closing Maplewood is projected to save less than 0.01% of AISD’s annual budget. However, this estimate omits critical financial impacts, including enrollment attrition (5–30%), potential loss of Title I funding at the receiving campus, dark-building and transition costs (technology and portable relocation), and additional transportation expenses. Under TEA guidelines, certified teachers and administrators must be reassigned rather than laid off, so any real savings would come only from hourly staff. Necessary infrastructure upgrades at the receiving campus including playground replacement, shade structures, and a TEA-compliant bullet-resistant glass vestibule — all of which have recently been updated at Maplewood by the 2022 bond & PTA raised funds —would further erode any claimed fiscal benefit. When all of these factors are considered, the consolidation will likely result in a net fiscal loss rather than a savings.
Beyond the numbers, trustees should weigh the significant disruption to students, the fracturing of a community, and the potential impact on families and learning. A transparent 3–5 year net present value model should be required before any closure decision is made.
To learn more, please visit savemaplewood.com and join our city-wide movement, LetsGetItRightAISD.com.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E 38 1/2 St, Austin, TX 78722-1927, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
