Austin Elementary School

I have 2 children that will be attending TM Clark for their second year this fall. First, let me say that I loved both of their teachers and was very happy with them. There is no art program or science lab "specials;" they have PE, library and music. Their gifted and talented program consists of an hour long meeting after school every other month - and sometimes not even that. Unfortunately, parental involvement is VERY low. Big events planned by the struggling PTA are pooly attended, and involvement in the classrooms is also very low. The pick-up/ drop-off procedure is very chaotic and very unsafe. Instead of having a "no idle zone" in front of the school, parents are instructed to idle in front of the school in a long line until they get to the front and their child is walked to their vehicle. No extra-curriculars except choir. Very dissapointing.

Eastcliff Elementary urgently needs improvement in communication, organization, and staff training — especially in confrontation and de-escalation. The lack of structure is concerning, starting with the principal’s leadership and extending to the staff.Today, during drop-off, another parent cut me off in the designated safety lane, forcing me to slam on my brakes while driving barely 5 miles per hour. My daughter, who had just unbuckled to grab her backpack (as we were next in line for staff assistance), hit her head on the dashboard due to the sudden stop. This situation could have been avoided entirely if staff were effectively monitoring and intervening when unsafe driving occurs.When I got out to address the issue, the gym teacher on duty stood by silently, offering no acknowledgment or correction to the reckless driver. If staff are assigned to manage student and driver safety, they should be trained and empowered to enforce it — not just stand there.A school should be a place where parents trust that their children’s safety is prioritized, not where poor communication, lack of accountability, and untrained supervision put them at risk. Eastcliff Elementary needs serious attention to staff preparedness, principal involvement, and basic safety procedures before someone is seriously injured.