Bryker Woods community rallies to save school

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Parents, students and even nearby business owners stopped by Bryker Woods Elementary School on Thursday to hold a rally in support of the school.

The elementary in Central Austin is one of 13 schools which would close if Austin Independent School District's draft plan is passed by trustees.

"It's not an exaggeration to say the school has become the heart of the neighborhood," said one speaker at the rally.

Bryker Woods has a long history in Austin, as it was built in 1939.

"This is the true quintessential neighborhood school and I think if this were to close that impacts everyone in this area," said Bryker Woods parent Montana Lee.

Over the last few weeks, AISD has been holding information sessions to answer questions and concerns about the draft plan. In that time they have received thousands of comments about the plans.

"We are very hopeful for what is next, but we still feel like there is a real opportunity for more transparency about the process," said parent Lauren Baker.

AISD superintendent Matias Segura stopped by the school on Thursday to answer questions from parents.

"Y'all know the pressures we have, at the state level, the federal level, the lack of funding, the disruptions we have experienced over the last couple of years, these are things we are having to navigate and make real time decisions on, and it is impacting lives," Segura said.

"I think that he has made time to listen to individual schools lately and so him being here this is a great step towards that, but we need to see action and it can't be at the last minute," Baker said.

The district has said there will be some changes to the original draft plan which will be released on Friday at 1 p.m.