Late Thursday night, the Northeast Independent School District (NEISD) Board of Trustees voted to close three schools next year. The move, which was prompted by declining enrollment and financial challenges, will affect Wilshire Elementary, Clear Spring Elementary, and Driscoll Middle School.
The board’s decision came after hours of public comment and discussion during a packed meeting. The proposal to close the schools was first announced in December, sparking concerns among parents and community members. NEISD parent Judy Martinez expressed the community’s shock, saying, “We were devastated by this news at 10 p.m. on December 9th.”
Since the announcement, Martinez and other parents have formed NEISD Community Advocates, a 70-member group, to voice their opposition. Although the district held several community meetings to address the issues, many parents felt the decision was too hasty. On Thursday, protesters gathered outside the administration building before the vote, chanting, “We must unite.”
During the meeting, Superintendent Sean Maika outlined the reasons for the school closures. He explained that the district was facing a $39 million budget shortfall and expected to save up to $5 million by consolidating three schools. Maika stressed that the decision took into account factors such as the school’s proximity to other campuses and the condition of the school buildings.
Maika also cited declining enrollment as a key issue, blaming it on a declining birth rate and competition from charter schools. He criticized the state’s lack of support for public education and cited a bill recently passed by the Texas Senate that would provide funding for private school enrollment—a priority for Governor Greg Abbott. “Nothing I’ve seen today can convince me that the state is going to help save this system in some form or fashion,” Maika said.
The public comment portion of the meeting received emotional appeals from students, parents, and community members. “I don’t think anybody wants to be separated from each other,” one middle school student said, reflecting the feelings of many in attendance.
Despite the school closures, Maika assured the community that the decision would not result in layoffs. The board unanimously approved the merger just after 11 p.m., joining other local school districts, including San Antonio ISD and South San ISD, that have made similar moves in recent years.
As part of the plan, the district must provide monthly updates on the relocation of students and staff. The closures mark a major shift for NEISD, the city’s second-largest district, as it navigates financial and demographic challenges.
