San Antonio ISD Seeks Community Input on Closed Schools
In the heart of San Antonio, a new conversation is brewing around the fate of closed schools as the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) moves forward with its “rightsizing” initiative. Last year, the district made the tough decision to close more than a dozen facilities, including the well-known Lamar Elementary and Highland Park Elementary, partly due to declining student enrollment.
A New Chapter for Closed Facilities
With hundreds of students now relocated and their former classrooms noticeably quieter, SAISD officials are asking the community for their thoughts and ideas about what should happen next with these closed buildings. To gather input, the district has launched a friendly survey that will remain open until the end of December. The main goal is to “reimagine” these facilities so they can continue to serve the community in meaningful ways.
Your Voice Matters!
What’s exciting is that anyone can participate in the survey! You don’t have to be a parent of an SAISD student or an employee of the district to chime in. The survey is conveniently available in both English and Spanish, ensuring that a wide range of voices is heard.
Possible Futures for the Schools
During a series of in-person meetings held in August and September, district representatives collected initial feedback from community members. This feedback has helped shape some potential plans for the “repurposing” of these buildings.
Some ideas floating around include:
- Providing services for young children, like daycares or early childhood programs
- Supporting community members with special education needs
- Incorporating space for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or fine arts education
Interestingly, the plans don’t stop at educational services. There’s also a consideration for non-education services, such as:
- Transforming the buildings into affordable housing units
- Establishing mental health resource hubs to support community well-being
A Flexible Timeline Ahead
As the conversation heats up, the Facilities Repurposing Panel is set to meet on October 28 at 7 p.m. at 514 West Quincy Street. Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with panel members about their ideas and feedback. While the panel previously hinted that proposals for the closed properties might be accepted as early as 2026, SAISD officials have indicated that this timeline could become more flexible depending on community input and other factors.
Join the Conversation!
In a rapidly changing educational landscape, the decisions made now could lead to thriving community centers that contribute to the well-being of San Antonio for years to come. Everyone is invited to share their thoughts through the survey and be part of a meaningful dialogue that shapes the future of their community. Not only does this initiative aim to repurpose closed schools, but it provides an opportunity for innovation and collaboration within the neighborhood.
As this process unfolds, the community of San Antonio awaits with anticipation to see how these repurposed spaces will come to life, transforming from empty buildings back into bustling hubs that serve the public good.
