Dozens of students, parents and teachers spoke at the April 12 information session urging the Austin ISD Board of Trustees to reinstate the principal of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders after the principal rescinded a resignation.

Students and parents described the principal as a stabilizing force who had strengthened school culture. “She went to every single school event from staying late at basketball games to driving across the city to watch a three hour long mock trial competition,” said Iris Nicholson, a senior at Ann Richards. “She made flashcards to memorize every single junior's faces so that she would know them when they walked across the stage at graduation.” Several parents said they planned continued advocacy and legal support if necessary to retain the principal.

Contrasting concerns: Other callers, including parents of students with disabilities, urged the board not to reinstate the principal and said they had documented incidents in which students with special needs were mistreated. One caller said the district investigation supported separation. These callers asked the trustees to weigh the safety and rights of vulnerable students when considering any decision.

District process and closed session: Trustees confirmed the matter was scheduled for discussion in a closed executive session later the same night. Trustees and district legal staff reminded the public that personnel matters of this nature must be handled in executive session because of confidentiality, and said there are grievance policies the public may use if they want to raise concerns.

Context and next steps: Trustees heard public testimony describing both vigorous support for the principal and serious allegations about student mistreatment. The record shows the district received a rescinded resignation from the principal and community members asked trustees to allow the principal to address the board. Trustees did not take a public vote on personnel actions during the April 12 information session; they referred the matter to executive session and indicated it will be handled under applicable policies and confidentiality rules.