In response to funding cuts, the Brownsville (Texas) school district is considering combining three pairs of elementary schools.
The San Antonio Express-News reports that the change would affect over 2,000 students and would combine the following: Cromack and Castaneda; Garza and Southmost; and Del Castillo and Morningside elementary schools.
The consolidation plan was presented to the school board in February, and the board is expected to decide later this month whether to approve the proposal.
Superintendent Chavez explained the reasoning behind the district's proposal
"We haven't received any additional state funds while the state is holding onto 4 billion dollars," Chavez said. "Additionally there were cuts made to us by the state to the amount of $14 million dollars."
The consolidation plan projects a savings of more than $3 million: $1.23 million by merging Cromack and Casteneda; $883,445 at Garza and Southmost; and $1.36 million at Del Castillo and Morningside.
Based on projected enrollment, over 40 district employees will need to be reassigned. Deputy Superintendent Nellie Cantu emphasized that "this does not mean that anyone is losing their position."
