The Judson (Texas) School District is looking at closing five campuses in the coming years as it faces a projected budget shortfall of $35 million.
The San Antonio Express-News reports that Judson is eyeing four elementary schools and one middle school for closure over the next couple of school years--although it is not yet clear which elementary and middle schools are being targeted.
"The budget dictates that we need to close (schools) to save money," said Daniel Brooks, assistant superintendent of operations.
Families and community members gave their input at a committee meeting to help district leadership decide which schools to close.
As enrollment declines in public school districts across Bexar County, Judson is one of several school systems considering campus closures. The San Antonio district closed 15 campuses in 2023 and will vote on at least one more by the end of the month.
Last year, the North East district, the second-largest district in the area, voted to close two elementary schools and one middle school amid a budget deficit.
Judson's committee members previously voted on which schools made the most sense for closure. Park Village, Franz and Candlewood elementary schools and Kirby, Judson and Kitty Hawk middle schools received the most votes.
The committee's recommendations could influence which campuses close, but the decision would be up to the school board.
The discussion around proposed closures comes as the district faces financial woes, declining academic achievement and a growing divide between the majority on the board of trustees and district leadership.
Most recently, trustees placed Superintendent Milton Fields on administrative leave pending an unspecified investigation.
