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District Removes Three Schools From Closure Plan, Adjusts Timeline

District Removes Three Schools From Closure Plan, Adjusts Timeline
The district has revised its proposed plan to close several schools, confirming that three campuses—Palm Elementary, Bryker Woods Elementary, and Maplewood Elementary—will no longer be part of the closure list. The announcement came through a letter dated November 4 from Superintendent Matias Segura to the community, explaining the decision to modify the timeline and focus. The superintendent emphasized that while the closure list has changed, the district remains committed to its long-term academic and structural goals to ensure all schools meet state standards and continue offering high-quality education for every student.

Segura stated that despite the changes, the school board will still move forward with a vote scheduled for November 20. This vote will focus on the relocation of schoolwide dual language programs as well as consolidation and boundary adjustments linked to state-mandated turnaround and improvement plans. These plans are required by the Texas Education Agency to address underperforming schools and ensure compliance with academic benchmarks. The superintendent reiterated that the district intends to meet these requirements without compromising the unique strengths of its diverse and innovative school communities.

In his letter, Segura expressed the district’s dedication to balancing improvement with stability. He noted that removing the three schools from the closure list was not a reversal of priorities but a measured step to give more time for comprehensive evaluation. He also clarified that campuses impacted by boundary changes unrelated to the turnaround plans will see those changes postponed until the following year. This shift allows the district to integrate the adjustments more thoughtfully into the broader academic and enrollment framework.

Segura further explained that during the upcoming spring semester, the district will continue advancing its Academic Plan and Vision, which will lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive boundary plan to be considered in fall 2026. The superintendent said that this timeline adjustment will provide sufficient time to create balanced enrollment across campuses, address community feedback, and align resources effectively. According to him, every family in the district deserves access to excellent, well-resourced neighborhood schools, and this has remained a guiding belief throughout the restructuring process.

The superintendent acknowledged that the process of developing and revising closure and consolidation plans has involved making difficult choices. He noted that while inaction or delays were not viable given the urgency of improvement needs, the district recognized the importance of flexibility and responsiveness to community concerns. The decision to remove Palm, Bryker Woods, and Maplewood from the closure proposal demonstrates an effort to maintain trust and transparency with families who have been vocal about preserving their local schools.

Under the updated plan, the administrative team will focus its November 20 vote exclusively on the elements tied to the Texas Education Agency’s turnaround requirements. The goal remains to ensure that affected schools can meet state performance standards while continuing to provide equitable opportunities for students. The district will also begin a renewed effort next semester to refine its academic priorities and adjust to demographic and enrollment shifts within the community.

This revision represents a significant moment in the district’s ongoing strategy to adapt to financial pressures, enrollment changes, and evolving educational demands. The decision underscores the intention to protect the integrity of community schools while aligning with state accountability standards. By extending its planning timeline, the district aims to foster a more stable transition, allowing families and educators to prepare for changes that support student success and preserve the identity of a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational community.

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