Trustees are tasked with voting on shutting down one middle school and three elementary schools.
LIVE OAK, Texas — The Judson Independent School District Board of Trustees is moving forward with plans to close several campuses in light of a budget shortfall and ongoing enrollment declines.
On Monday, trustees voted 6-1 to close four schools (one middle school and three elementary schools) by the end of the current academic year as part of cost-saving measures to address a roughly $37 million deficit.
The list of campuses under consideration includes seven schools, which encompasses two middle schools and five elementary schools. But the board has not yet finalized and voted on which specific campuses will shutdown.
“My fear is if we go less than four, we’re going to be right back here next year,” said District 5 Trustee Amanda Poteet during the board meeting earlier this week.
Next Monday, trustees are slated to vote on which middle school to close: Judson Middle School or Kitty Hawk Middle School (including the JSTEM Academy) are on the chopping block. According to district figures, Judson Middle School is operating at just 35% capacity while Kitty Hawk is sitting at 49% capacity.
Trustee José Macias Jr., the lone vote against closing four schools, has repeatedly voiced concern about the impact of closures on students and families. He advocated for reducing only two campuses rather than four, arguing that broader cuts will disrupt student stability and not significantly move the needle on long-term budget issues.
“The strain is certainly felt throughout the community. Our students are part of the community and when we ignore their success by putting them in new environments, that is not stable,” Macias said.
Macias also highlighted concerns about the prospect of Spring Meadows Elementary shutting its doors for good, which is located within his district
“I will not support that closure. It will leave a hole in our community and have students possibility having to be transported. Many of the students at Spring Meadows walk to that campus,” Macias said.
Judson ISD’s weighing of school closures is something happening across Texas, including in San Antonio, where several districts are evaluating school closures due to declining enrollment and budget constraints.
Trustees will further discuss school closures during a special meeting at 9 a.m. on Saturday. On Monday, the board will vote on which middle school to shutter.
On Feb. 21, another special board meeting will be held where trustees are expected to talk about potential elementary schools to close.