In a decisive move that has sparked significant discussion, the Judson Independent School District (ISD) board cast a vote with a 6-1 majority to shut down four schools as a strategic response to a staggering $37 million budget shortfall anticipated for the 2025-26 academic year.
This proposed closure plan encompasses one middle school and three elementary schools. However, the specific institutions slated for closure remain uncertain at this time. During a special board meeting held on February 9, interim Superintendent Mary Duhart-Toppen introduced four possible scenarios for consolidating campuses, each aimed at alleviating the financial strain.
To break it down:
- Scenario One proposes the closure of two schools—one middle school and one elementary school—projected to save approximately $4 million, which represents about 11% of the total deficit.
- Scenario Two suggests shutting down one middle school along with two elementary schools, which could yield savings of around $5.5 million, or 15% of the overall deficit.
- Scenario Three involves closing one middle school and three elementary schools, aiming for a reduction in the deficit by $7 million, equivalent to 19% of the total.
- Scenario Four is the most drastic, proposing the closure of five schools, including one middle school and four elementary institutions, potentially reducing the deficit by $8.5 million, or 23% of the total.
Duhart-Toppen emphasized, "Our recommendation from the cabinet is to close four campuses: three elementary schools and one middle school as we look ahead to the next school year."
These closures will not only affect classrooms but also other non-instructional spaces that are utilized for various purposes, including administrative offices and small-group instruction areas. "We will need to maximize every single classroom on each campus to meet our utilization goals," she noted.
Monica Ryan, the Board President, alongside Duhart-Toppen, explained that this consolidation strategy aims to balance student populations across schools, ensuring that all facilities are utilized effectively rather than having some schools overcrowded while others are underused. Ryan stated, "By reducing building costs, we can redirect those funds towards valuable programs and services for our students."
Trustee Jose Macias Jr. recommended starting with Scenario One to better understand how the Texas Education Freedom Accounts might influence enrollment in Judson ISD. He suggested, "Let’s focus on something manageable like two campuses for now."
Macias proposed that the board make a decision regarding school closures at the February 9 meeting and defer further decisions until December 2026. However, during the Monday evening session, the board voted overwhelmingly in favor of closing more than two campuses.
Macias mentioned that Judson Middle School is among the campuses under consideration for closure, indicating, "This is a topic we've been openly discussing with the community for over a year, and it seems that we are approaching the point where this school will be included in the conversation."
Trustee Suzanne Kenoyer expressed her support for Scenario Three, arguing that Scenario Four would involve an excessive number of closures. "I dislike closing schools; they hold a lot of history and host remarkable programs. However, we find ourselves in a situation where tough choices must be made," she lamented.
Laura Stanford, another board member, raised concerns about the impact of homeschooling and the introduction of "school vouchers," ultimately supporting Scenario Three as well. Vice President Amanda Poteet remarked, "I’d prefer we address this issue swiftly."
In agreement with her peers, Laura Lee leaned towards Scenario Three, which ultimately garnered the majority of votes, leading to the decision to close a total of four schools.
Ryan poignantly stated, "The essence of Judson lies in its people, not merely in the physical buildings. By reshaping our district boundaries, we have an opportunity to foster equity and ensure the best outcomes for all children within our district."
She urged Duhart-Toppen to present specific names of the schools that will be closed at the next meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m. on February 14. The board is expected to finalize their vote on these closures during the subsequent meeting on February 16.
