The End of An Era
Written By Lacy Jones
Blackshear Elementary, Austin’s oldest elementary school is going to close. Budgets have been slashed, schools have been closed and positions have been eliminated. School districts all across the country have been forced into making critical decisions on what campus to keep open and which ones to permanently close.
According to the Austin ISD’S website, in the last 10 years, the district has lost more than 10,000 students, leaving more than 21,000 empty seats across the district and it’s predicted to continue to increase.
AISD voted to close elementary and middle schools in November 2025 for a variety of reasons, including severe budgets deficits, persistently low state academic ratings, and declining enrollment. Just weeks before the 2026-27 school year began, the district closed Paredes Middle school, transitioning those students to Bailey and Mendez Middle Schools.
“Starting in Spring 2026, we will work closely with families and staff to merge school communities thoughtfully. According to Austin ISD website. The new combined campuses should reflect the best of each and honor what matters most to student’s families and staff.” According to Austin ISD website
According to the Austin History Center, Blackshear first opened its doors as a one room school in 1891 to provide free public education to African American children in the community then known as Gregory Town. The school moved from its original location to where it stands now at 1712 E. 11th Street.
“… Programs and facilities for Blackshear students, including the establishments of school library in1934… Now serving an ethnically diverse population from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade classes. …”
Blackshear Elementary, the historic institution has been developing young minds of Austin youth since its inception in 1891. In January of 2028, Blackshear, the eldest primary educational facility in Austin is slated to ring its final bell. I spoke with alumni Floyd Fresch, about the district’s decision to close the school.
“That was one of my fondest memories the track and field day and or gym class. … The whole culture is totally different now because its one of the schools that they want to close down and I’m highly pissed off to the highest pistivities about them doing that. And yes, I want the world to know that I am mad about it. …” Said Fresch.
Blackshear’s impact has gone beyond just the physical building itself, it has extended its reach into the community as well with its neighboring oldest institution of higher education in Austin, Texas, Huston Tillotson University, an Historically Black College or Universities (HBCU), located just across the street from Blackshear.
“We had a guy that would come and mentor us, if you will, from across one of the schools that I had in my mind at a young age of attending… The Huston Tillotson University… said Fresch. I want to say that he was the athletic director. I cannot remember right off hand, but he was very instrumental, and he still may be around.” Fresch said.
Along with it being historic, Blackshear has faced many challenges over the years with a crumbling infrastructure, outdated technology, and the building not being maintained, Lilly Arnold who is a Blackshear alum, who attended more than over 70 years ago believes that Blackshear should remain open.
“I believe that it should remain open because it’s part of the history of so many Austinites and many have fond memories,” Arnold said.
Blackshear is not just a historic institution but for some alumni Blackshear has been seen as a light of hope for many in times of struggle. However, that has not always been the case for every student that attended Blackshear. Austin ISD in the 1980’s was still dealing with the effects of integration and the changing population demographics of East Austin. The district was grappling with solutions for the influx of students that moved into the neighborhood, and some of those that were already living there were being bused to other schools in the district rather than attending Blackshear. James Ford, who moved to Austn when he was a young boy, attended Blackshear in the 1984-1985 school year. He recalls how he was not welcomed by the Blackshear’s administrators.
“I remembered going to that school on the first day and they would not allow me to come through the front door. Ford said. I remember setting there on the sidewalk until my mother came back to see what was going on.” Ford said.
While Ford’s first day at Blackshear was undesirable, Ford said there were teachers that really cared for the students and wanted them to be successful as students at Blackshear.
“The extra attention, the extra help, Ford said.” “They would always say, “James you’re very special. You’re different from all the rest.” Ford said.
Ford, Fresch, and Arnold are all alumni of Blackshear’s and its influence has not only impacted the former students but teachers as well. Tammy Carter is a former teacher who taught at Blackshear from 1987 until 1999.
“Blackshear has always been a great school; it was rewarding to work with the kids.” Carter Said.
Although, some things have changed since Carter’s tenure has ended at Blackshear, one thing that has not changed for Carter is her commitment to education. Carter believes that education is collaborative.
“I really did not see it as a challenge to work with young minds to help them develop and grow I saw it as rewarding experience.” … “I tried to work closely with the parents so they could know what their children were struggling with”. … Carter said.
Ford, Carter and Fresch have different opinions
“This didn’t just start yesterday. This been going on.” Ford said.
“ We have to acknowledge our past in order for us to move into the future.” Carter said.
“Anything man-made can be destroyed or redo it anyway… They could have probably just stayed up on the grounds if they were lacking.
Although there will be no more teachers standing by their doors, children running the halls, and hurrying to class before the tardy bell rings Blackshear historic institutional legacy and impact will continue to be spoken of to future generations of Austinites
