The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) made the significant decision to close Lamar Elementary in May 2024 due to low enrollment numbers. This decision has left the community with questions about the future of the now-vacant property. More than a year later, district officials have stated that no final decisions have been made regarding the property, indicating that the campus is currently under consideration for possible partnerships as part of the district’s facilities repurposing process.
As part of this process, SAISD has conducted community surveys to identify priorities for the campus. The feedback gathered from residents has highlighted several key interests, though specifics on these priorities have not yet been disclosed by the district.
District officials have also announced plans for more public meetings to engage the community further before any definitive decisions are made about the campus’s future. This effort shows a commitment to transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.
Residents of the Mahncke Park neighborhood have expressed a variety of opinions on what they would like to see happen with the Lamar Elementary property. Francille Radmann, a long-time resident who lives close to the school, shared her thoughts on the future of the site. “Of course I’d like it to be a school, but since San Antonio School District can’t afford the school, at least according to the information we’re given,” she said. “It could be a residential situation for young adults with disabilities who need more of a dormitory or campus life, and that would allow them to be out of their parents’ homes.”
Radmann emphasized her desire for the site to serve a public purpose rather than becoming a commercial venture. “I don’t want to see it become someone’s condo project,” she asserted. “I would really rather see it have a public use and not a money-making use.”
John Gambuzza, another resident who has lived across from the school since 1978, echoed similar sentiments. He believes the school should never have closed and hopes for its reopening as an elementary institution. “I think they’ve already decided what they’re going to do,” Gambuzza said, mentioning concerns about potential childcare centers and green spaces. He expressed skepticism regarding the district’s plans, fearing the site may ultimately be developed into condos.
Joyce Felter, a resident since 1975, also voiced her frustration over the closure. “I would like to see it reopened as an elementary school,” Felter stated firmly. She noted that the community feels powerless and that the district has not been responsive to their concerns. Felter mentioned that childcare could be a viable option given the building’s previous use, and she is curious about the implications of proposed green space and fine arts programming.
As discussions about the future of Lamar Elementary continue, the residents of Mahncke Park remain hopeful for a solution that honors the community’s needs and preserves the spirit of the neighborhood. With further public meetings on the horizon, it is clear that local voices will play a critical role in shaping the next chapter for this cherished property.
