San Antonio Schools Facing Tough Decisions: Potential Closures Ahead
In a move that has many community members talking, the North East Independent School District (NEISD) in San Antonio is contemplating the closure of three schools as they face a significant budget shortfall and decreasing student enrollment. This issue isn’t just an isolated incident; it reflects a troubling trend for school districts in the area grappling with tight finances and dwindling student numbers.
At a recent board meeting held on Monday night, officials discussed the possibility of closing Driscoll Middle School, Wilshire Elementary School, and Clear Spring Elementary School. “There’s no doubt that this change will be hard, but we are looking at campuses that are requiring twice as much money per student than other campuses in the district at this time,” shared Susan Lackhorn, NEISD’s executive director of finance and accounting. This tough decision comes on the heels of a recommendation from the district’s efficiency committee, which was formed to explore how to better utilize NEISD’s facilities and reduce costs.
The Facts Behind the Closures
NEISD, San Antonio’s second-largest school district, has seen a staggering loss of approximately 11,000 students over the past decade. Currently, the district serves around 56,262 students across 70 campuses. Of those, a mere eight operate at more than 75% capacity, while 14 are under-utilized at below 50%. The statistics tell a sobering tale:
- Driscoll Middle School has witnessed a 41% decline in student enrollment over the past ten years, leaving it with only 534 students—just 38% of its capacity. The operating cost per student? A jaw-dropping nearly $11,000.
- Wilshire Elementary School, currently the smallest campus in NEISD with only 185 students, has seen a drop of 43% in enrollment since the 2014-2015 school year. The cost per student there surged to more than $15,000, way above the district’s average of $8,920.
- Clear Spring Elementary School houses 319 students, operating at a capacity of just 55%. Its cost per student stands at $9,383, following a 27% enrollment drop over the last decade.
The Financial Picture
As the district navigates these financial challenges, they are staring down a projected $41 million deficit for the upcoming year. While hopes are high for improved efficiencies and cost savings, the harsh reality is that closing schools is no easy task. Maika explained, “While this decision may be met with sadness, it’s an essential step toward becoming more efficient and better catering to student needs in a competitive educational environment.”
The emotional toll on families is not overlooked; community input will be sought during upcoming meetings where residents can air their thoughts on the proposed closures. “I know for some people this may be a moment of sadness,” Maika continued, “but this is a chance for us to become a little bit more efficient, save some money, and give some different programming to students as we consolidate.”
What’s Next?
Plans for the recommended closures will undergo careful scrutiny as the district analyzes various scenarios and assesses the potential impacts on special programs like special education and dual language classes. Next steps are set to unfold, with final decisions expected to be made by the board in February.
Throughout this process, NEISD aims to reassure affected staff that their jobs are not in jeopardy; most staff will transition to new schools alongside their students. As superintendent Maika noted, the approach to school closure is not just about cost-cutting; it’s about finding new opportunities through consolidation.
NEISD is certainly not alone in facing these challenges. Several other districts in Bexar County, including South San Antonio, Judson, and Harlandale, are contemplating similar painful steps as they rethink how to allocate resources in a shifting educational landscape.
While many in the community might be grieving the thought of closing schools, as members of the NEISD board pointed out, change could spark new possibilities for the students and families in San Antonio. As board president David Beyer put it, “Unfortunately, I think we’ve seen this coming for years.”
The conversation around school closures is sure to intensify in the coming weeks, and it’s essential for community members to stay engaged and informed as these vital decisions are made.
