The Judson Independent School District is preparing to close one of its middle schools as it grapples with a significant $37 million budget deficit. The school board is scheduled to make a final decision on Monday between closing Judson Middle School or Kitty Hawk Middle School, a move that is part of a larger plan to shutter four schools across the district.
This decision has sparked concern and frustration among parents and community members, who gathered at a special board meeting to voice their opinions. The district administration has recommended closing Judson Middle School, citing higher long-term maintenance costs, but the community remains divided over the path forward.
Key Takeaways
- Judson ISD faces a $37 million budget shortfall, prompting the closure of four schools.
- A vote is scheduled for Monday, February 16, to decide whether to close Judson Middle School or Kitty Hawk Middle School.
- District administration recommends closing Judson Middle School, estimating it would cost over $70 million to maintain, compared to $45 million for Kitty Hawk.
- Parents and community members have expressed frustration over a perceived lack of transparency and a clear long-term plan from the district.
- Three additional elementary schools will be selected for closure from a list of five candidates later this month.
A District at a Crossroads
Judson ISD is confronting a financial reality that has forced its leaders into making difficult choices with long-lasting community impact. The $37 million deficit is the primary driver behind a plan, approved by the board last week, to close four schools before the next academic year begins.
The first major decision in this process centers on the district's middle schools. The board must choose between two institutions that have served the community for decades: Judson Middle School and Kitty Hawk Middle School. The final vote is set for a special meeting on Monday evening.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Mary Duhart-Toppen acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision. "Both of them have a strong base of family memories and structures," she stated, recognizing the deep roots these schools have in the community. Despite the sentiment, financial pressures are forcing the administration's hand.
The Financial Argument
The district's recommendation to close Judson Middle School is based on a stark financial comparison. According to estimates provided by the administration, keeping Judson Middle School operational would require more than $70 million in future costs.
Cost Comparison
- Judson Middle School: Over $70 million in projected long-term costs.
- Kitty Hawk Middle School: Approximately $45 million in projected long-term costs.
This $25 million difference is a central factor in the administration's recommendation to the board.
In contrast, the district projects that maintaining Kitty Hawk Middle School would cost around $45 million. This significant cost differential forms the basis of the official recommendation, presenting a clear, data-driven argument for the board to consider.
Community Voices Concerns
Despite the financial data, the decision is far from simple for the families affected. A special board meeting on Saturday saw several community members and parents step forward to express their anxieties and demand more clarity from district leaders.
Frustration was a common theme, with many feeling left in the dark. "I’m very frustrated," said Tenna Webster, a JISD parent. "I feel like they’re not being transparent. They don’t have a clear plan, and they can’t tell us the basics, like how much savings are really going to cost?"
This sentiment was echoed by others who questioned the process. Community member Lisa Pfeiffer challenged the board's methodology, asking, "How do you make a decision about what school to cut, or close or consolidate, when you don’t have all the facts? They need to run each scenario all the way down."
The Broader Closure Plan
The middle school closure is only the first step. The board has also identified five elementary schools as potential candidates for the remaining three closures. These schools will be discussed at a meeting on Saturday, February 21, with a potential vote on Monday, February 24.
The community's feedback highlights a disconnect between the administration's fiscal logic and the residents' need for a comprehensive understanding of the future of their children's education and the impact on their neighborhoods.
Leadership Responds to Criticism
Faced with a concerned public, district leadership has attempted to reassure the community that its actions are guided by the best interests of the students. Dr. Duhart-Toppen emphasized the district's core mission in her remarks.
"At the core of who I am, at the core of what we are in the district, we are about kids. I’ve always been that way. I’ve always wanted to make sure that we’re doing what’s best for students."
The administration maintains that consolidating schools is a necessary step to stabilize the district's finances and ensure resources can be effectively allocated to the remaining campuses. However, the challenge remains in convincing a skeptical community that this painful process will lead to a stronger, more sustainable district in the long run.
What Lies Ahead for Judson ISD
The decision on Monday will set a significant precedent as Judson ISD moves forward with its consolidation plan. Once the fate of the middle school is decided, attention will immediately shift to the elementary schools.
According to Board President Monica Ryan, the list of elementary schools under consideration for closure includes:
- Franz Leadership Academy
- Millers Point Elementary
- Park Village Blended Learning Academy
- Rolling Meadows Elementary
- Spring Meadows Elementary
The district will hold a special meeting to discuss these potential closures at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 21. A final decision on which three of these five schools will be closed could be made as early as Monday, February 24. For hundreds of families across the district, the next two weeks will be filled with uncertainty as they await decisions that will reshape their community's educational landscape.