Earlier this month, the Austin Independent School District announced the planned closure of 13 schools. One of those is Bedichek Middle School, located in South Austin at the intersection of South First Street and West William Cannon Drive.
Bedichek holds a special place in Austin history, though: its where the iconic film “Dazed and Confused” was filmed.
And the orchestra director, Samantha Stewart, wants to pull on the heartstrings of one of Austin’s biggest celebrities and a star of the film: Matthew McConaughey.
Last week, Stewart made an impassioned Instagram post, tagging McConaughey and his wife Camila and urging followers to email the AISD Board of Trustees.
“For 13 years, I’ve directed the orchestra at Bedichek MS! I’ve poured my heart into this program—securing grants for instruments and lessons—to give every student a chance,” she wrote. “Now, this beloved, historic school faces closure. “Bedichek is more than just a school; it’s a cultural landmark. These are the same halls where Dazed and Confused was filmed! We can’t let this history, and the future of our students, be erased.”
Nearly 100 commenters shared their memories of Bedichek, from former band directors to parents of students — many of them tagging McConaughey.
There’s no evidence of McConaughey seeing or responding to the plea—yet.
Science teacher Stacey Rivera teaches sixth-grader Joliena Ramirez, 11, at Bedichek Middle School in South Austin. Austin school district Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde invited students to return to on-campus classes amid a decrease in coronavirus cases. (JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
If the AISD Board of Trustees approves the plan from district leaders, Bedichek will be one of two middle schools closing in the district, with students moving to other schools. Both are Title I schools, meaning they serve primarily low-income students. Students from Bedichek could be rezoned to Covington, Paredes, Lively or Mendez middle schools. The school board votes on the final plan on Nov. 20, with changes going into effect in August 2026.
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