The Sun Sets in the East: Conflicting Logics Toward School Closure in Austin, TX

• In Event: (Re)Claiming Cities and Schools: Gentrification, School Closures, and Access to Opportunity

Abstract

Public school closures in urban school districts have become a common trend in the past twenty years. This study examines one school closure in Austin, TX at Metz Elementary. Drawing on the theory of a neoliberal racist project and theories of schools as social and physical institutions, I critique the decision-making of Austin ISD during the closure process. Using interviews and district documents, I examine how school closure erases local community history and enforces competition between marginalized school communities. Findings also show that school closure decisions do not take into account school culture and relationships with their communities.

Author

• James Yudhistira Lemuel, Leander Independent School District