It was just a few weeks ago that Houston Independent School District was taken over by Texas Education Association (TEA). This brought a big spotlight on Texas schools. Now another school district is having money problems as they are short $12 million.
As Houston works to improve grades, San Antonio is working on finding money. The San Antonio Independent School District plans to close three schools to help make up the difference. The district is seeing low enrollment and has not recovered since COVID ended.
On Wednesday, San Antonio trustees voted 5-2 to close three schools - Kazen Middle School, Kindred Elementary, and Athens Elementary School.
In January, Superintendent Henry Yzaguirre wanted to close a fourth school, West Campus High School.
Trustee Shirley Ibarra said:
“I feel that there was a deal made to save one school and close the other three down. The other three schools down on this side of town.”
Another Trustee, Manuel Lopez, who voted for the closure, was disappointed by the action of the board president.
“If it’s not [on] the agenda, we don’t have to vote for it, so we don’t look bad for our constituents. It is that simple. I am very … disappointed with the board president and we need to do something about that … in the near future.”
Last year, Governor Greg Abbott and TEA agreed to lower enrollment for schools but San Antonio is still struggling. The governor continues to travel throughout the State promoting Texas education and Parents Choice.
Abbott mentioned attendance was at an all-time high in Texas but that did not include San Antonio.
With the closure of three schools, there is no information on what school students will attend.
Why do you think there is low enrollment at these schools?
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