Concerns Raised Over Judson ISD’s School Relocation Proposal

News Summary

The Judson Independent School District has proposed relocating its alternative education program to Coronado Village Elementary, raising concerns among Universal City residents. Many express fears over neighborhood safety and property values, leading to over 300 signatures against the move. Community leaders are also voicing their discontent. Amid a looming budget deficit, the district’s plans include broader adjustments to local schools. A town hall meeting is scheduled for February 24 to discuss community feedback on this controversial proposal.

Universal City Residents Raise Concerns Over Judson ISD’s Proposed School Relocation

In a lively turn of events, the Judson Independent School District (JISD) has put forward a proposal that has sparked significant discussion among residents of Universal City. The district’s plan suggests moving its alternative education program, known as Judson CARE, to the premises of Coronado Village Elementary School. This proposal was first brought to light during a planning and committee meeting on January 13, igniting a flurry of responses from the local community.

Neighborhood Safety on the Minds of Residents

Residents living around Coronado Village Elementary have raised a host of concerns regarding the impact this potential change could have on their neighborhood. Many fear that relocating an alternative education program into a family-centered area might pose risks to their community’s safety and affect property values negatively. The overarching sentiment among residents is one of caution, as anxiety surrounding the introduction of the alternative school in the area has become a hot topic.

Community members express a collective wish for initiatives that would enhance educational opportunities without introducing challenges. They argue that the elementary school could better serve the community through more traditional educational avenues rather than as a venue for an alternative program. There appears to be a strong desire among residents to maintain the school’s original purpose, which they feel may be compromised by this new direction.

A Gathering of Voices

Feelings in the community have reached a boiling point, leading to an outpouring of support against the proposed relocation. In fact, locals have come together to gather a petition that has already racked up around 300 signatures in opposition to moving the alternative school. Additionally, Universal City leaders, including council members, have reiterated their discontent with the proposal, spotlighting traffic and safety as critical issues that could arise from the relocation.

Economic Considerations and Future Plans

The proposal to move the alternative program is part of the Judson ISD’s broader strategy to adjust schools in response to a looming budget deficit of nearly $25 million projected for 2025. As part of this fiscal review, the district has plans to open two new schools in the northern region for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. These changes would inevitably prompt a reassessment of school boundaries and programs across the district.

Notably, the Growth and Planning Committee has also suggested additional changes, such as relocating the Dual Language program from the Coronado Village to the new Selma Elementary. However, amid all these proposals, no final decisions have been made regarding the future of Coronado Village Elementary School yet. Alternatives being considered include transforming the school into office spaces, an early childhood center, or moving the Adult Years Program there.

Looking Ahead: Community Engagement

The Judson ISD is reiterating its commitment to hearing from the community and prioritizing open dialogue. To facilitate further feedback, a town hall meeting has been scheduled for February 24 at 6:30 PM at Coronado Village Elementary. This meeting aims to bring together residents to discuss the proposal and share their thoughts, ensuring everyone has a voice in the matter moving forward.

Residents have taken to social media platforms as well, rallying support for their cause and sharing their apprehensions about the potential new direction for their neighborhood school. The school district is emphasizing its willingness to listen to these concerns as it evaluates possible options for the Coronado Village facility.

As Universal City continues to get involved in this important community issue, it remains to be seen how this proposal will evolve and what decisions will ultimately be made for the welfare of its residents and education in the district.

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Additional Resources

• News 4 San Antonio: Judson ISD Considers School Repurposing
• Wikipedia: Judson Independent School District
• KENS 5: Residents Concern Over Alternative School Move
• Google Search: Judson ISD School Relocation
• Express News: Judson ISD School Closure Program
• Google Scholar: Judson ISD Education Programs
• KENS 5: Judson ISD Move Sparks Concern
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Judson ISD
• Fox San Antonio: Judson ISD $25 Million Deficit
• Google News: Judson ISD Budget Deficit