Parents say they feel the district hasn’t been transparent about the possible closure of the school.
SAN ANTONIO — Dozens of parents and students gathered outside Sky Harbour Elementary School Monday afternoon, chanting “Save our school!” as Southwest Independent School District considers the possibility of shutting the campus down.
Parents said they are frustrated and feel left out of the decision-making process. They point to a letter sent out by the district on Oct. 22, which discussed rezoning and boundary changes but made no mention of a potential school closure.
“We are all here fighting for this school, and they still want to try to close it down,” Parent Ashley McDonald said. “They say we have a voice in it, but it doesn’t seem like it because they’ve already made up their minds,” McDonald added.
In a statement to KENS 5, Southwest ISD said enrollment at Sky Harbour Elementary “has remained low for some time” and that “keeping the campus open under these circumstances would not be fiscally responsible.”
If the school closes, students would be rezoned to nearby campuses — a move that some parents fear could affect the quality of education.
“Could the teachers handle a bigger class size? Do they have enough support from the district to handle the higher student-teacher ratio?” parent Georgina Garcia asked.
Garcia also said families have built their lives around the neighborhood school, many living within walking distance.
Another parent, Mark Reyes, said he worries about longer commutes for his son if the closure happens.
“We’d love for him to be part of the Dolphin family and be able to just walk to campus — not have a long drive,” Reyes said.
Parents said they want the school board to consider the human impact behind the decision.
“We’re not just a number,” Garcia said. “Look at these kids, look at our community — we’re united, and we’re more than that.”
A final decision on the possible closure of Sky Harbour Elementary is expected at the next Southwest ISD school board meeting on Nov. 18.
Below is the district’s full statement on the possible closure:
“We deeply value each of our schools and families. However, with a budget deficit and limited state funding, we are faced with some difficult financial decisions and some challenging realities. While we are fortunate to be among the few districts experiencing growth, enrollment at Sky Harbour Elementary has remained low for some time. Keeping the campus open under these circumstances would not be fiscally responsible.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that our decisions reflect the best interests of ALL our families in the district. As part of this commitment, we are rebalancing our campuses and optimizing our facilities which includes a proposal to close Sky Harbour Elementary and rezone students to nearby campuses, Hidden Cove STEAM Academy and Indian Creek Elementary. Additionally, some students would attend our newest campus, Juan M. Alvarado Elementary, which is scheduled to open next fall.
“We understand that this proposal is difficult and deeply personal for many families. While this decision weighs heavily on us, we remain committed to making choices that sustain the long-term strength and success of our district.”