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In 1993, a then unknown actor Matthew McConaughey achieved my success in Richard Linklater’s teen comedy Dazed and Confused,
Now, 32 years later, the real-life Texas school where the movie was filmed is in danger of closing — and its orchestra teacher wants McConaughey’s help to save it.
Austin-based Samantha Stewart wrote, “Okay, okay, okay. Help us finish this post.” In an Instagram post last week“We are fighting to keep the music going at Bedicheck Middle School!
“For 13 years, I have directed the orchestra at Bedřich. I have poured my heart into this program – securing grants for instruments and lessons – so that every student has the opportunity.
“Now, this beloved, historic school is going to close. Bedicheck is more than just a school; it is a cultural landmark… We cannot let this history and the future of our students be erased.”
He tagged the Hollywood star and his wife Camila Alves, saying, “Please, lend your voice to help us save our school!”
At issue is the Austin Independent School District’s plan to close 13 schools and transfer their students elsewhere to close a $20 million budget shortfall starting in 2026.
Seven schools on the chopping block, including Bedicheck, received an “F” rating from the Texas Education Agency, while four received a “B” and one an “A”.
“Every family deserves access to an excellent neighborhood school that is vibrant, well-resourced, and able to meet the needs of every child,” the district said. In its draft plan earlier this month,
“The truth is, the way our schools and systems are set up right now, we can’t afford to provide this. Due to declining enrollment, rising education costs, inadequate state funding and budget shortfalls, the district’s resources are currently spread too thin across too many campuses.
We must work hard so we can reinvest in the things that matter most – strong academic programs, excellent teachers, modern facilities and comprehensive supports that help every student succeed.”
but stewart told local broadcaster KXAN The plan will declassify areas where the school had excelled.
He said, “We just had two kids make All-Area Orchestra, which is a huge thing for our school because most of them don’t have private lessons. A lot of good stuff. Our football team is currently undefeated.”
“We have a lot of amazing programs here. So, I feel like the F-rating doesn’t encompass our entire campus.”
The district is expected to vote on its closure plan on Nov. 20.