Facing a $19 million budget deficit and shrinking enrollment, the North East Independent School District is moving toward a decisive vote that could close three elementary schools by the end of the 2026-2027 school year, KSAT reported.
The NEISD board is scheduled to vote on the campus closure proposal during its Nov. 16 meeting. District plans target Dellview Elementary, Montgomery Elementary, and Oak Grove Elementary for potential consolidation.
At an October 19 board meeting, district Chief Financial Officer Susie Lackorn presented findings from the Efficiency Committee regarding campus consolidations, news4sanantonio.com reported. Over the past year, student enrollment at NEISD has fallen by more than 17,000, while central office expenses have been reduced by upwards of $2 million.
Closing the three schools is projected to save the district a little over $4 million. Those savings would come from teacher efficiency savings, utilities, and other costs and staffing overhead.
Under the district’s efficiency plan, Oak Grove students would move to Regency Place. Montgomery students would transfer to Windcrest, and Dellview students would go to Colonial Hills.
Families and staff have pushed back against the timeline. During a Nov. 9 school board meeting, community members voiced deep frustration with the proposed closures.
“I hope most of the board will agree and vote no on any closures until the Texas legislative session.”
one man told the board during the public comment session, as reported by KSAT. A different participant suggested that lawmakers and district leaders should refrain from hasty choices until the newly chosen Governor and Senator unveil their agendas.
Parents at Montgomery Elementary emphasized the value of their school’s small class sizes and tight-knit environment. Maria Ibarra, a Montgomery parent, told KSAT that the school is good for kids and families.
“I would feel very sad.”
second-grade student Lola said regarding the potential closure, noting she enjoys learning social studies with her friends. Her family member Atreyu added that small class sizes help him focus and avoid distractions.
Bryanna Reigel, another Montgomery parent, described the possible closure as devastating. Reigel, who relies on walking and family members for transportation because she does not have a car or license, noted that Montgomery has been ideal for her level-three non-verbal daughter.
Dellview community member Claudine said: “We definitely have hit a tough time where our enrollment is down.”
District officials have outlined mixed transportation plans for the affected campuses. NEISD stated that bus transportation will be provided for current Dellview and Montgomery students. For Oak Grove students moving to Regency Place, transportation will be decided by the district’s usual two-mile radius standard, though some students living in adjacent apartments would receive bus service.
If the board approves the closures, officials plan to repurpose the buildings rather than leave them empty. Potential options include reduced-rate daycare for NEISD staff and first responders, adult and community education, career and technical education programs, and a discovery learning center.
The Board of Trustees will hold its special vote on November 16.
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