Walking past the old Pease Elementary, it’s wild to see how much a school’s closure can ripple through a community. Five years on, the overgrown playground and empty halls are more than just a memory for former students like Pete—they’re a reminder of friendships lost and academic paths changed. Research now shows that closing schools can impact kids for years, affecting graduation rates and even future earnings. With Austin ISD eyeing more closures, it’s worth asking: How do we support students and families through these tough transitions? What would make it easier for everyone to move forward? #Education #K12 #Austin