The Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees held a significant information session on April 10, 2025, where community members voiced their concerns regarding the potential closure of Dobie Middle School. The meeting featured 19 in-person speakers and 41 recorded messages, highlighting the community's deep emotional investment in the school.

The session began with a structured public comment period, allowing each speaker one minute to express their views. Many speakers, including teachers, students, and community members, emphasized the importance of Dobie Middle School as a vital educational and cultural hub in the Rundberg community. They argued that closing the school would not only disrupt the educational progress made in recent years but also dismantle the supportive community that has developed around it.

Tatiana Brown Gomez, a teacher at Dobie, highlighted the school's successful programs, including a revived student newspaper and a cosmetology showcase that impressed district leaders. She urged the board to maintain the school's career-focused programs and retain its dedicated staff, emphasizing the need for equitable education for students facing significant challenges.

Alana Urbano, the band and mariachi director, echoed these sentiments, noting the school's recent achievements in music and athletics. She called on the board to consider the cultural significance of Dobie and the impact of its potential closure on the community.

Lainie Gilbert, the theater director, raised concerns about the future of fine arts programs at Dobie, stressing that the school is the only one in the Northeast Side of Austin offering a full middle school theater program. She urged the board to engage with the community and ensure that students have equitable opportunities in the arts.

Other speakers, including students and parents, shared personal stories about the positive impact Dobie has had on their lives, emphasizing the school's role in fostering a sense of belonging and community. They collectively urged the board to reconsider any plans for closure and to prioritize the needs of the students and families served by Dobie.

The meeting concluded with a call for further dialogue between the board and the community, with many speakers inviting board members to attend a community gathering scheduled for April 14. The outcome of this meeting could significantly influence the future of Dobie Middle School and its role within the Rundberg community.