LIVE OAK, Texas – In a significant shift for the Judson Independent School District, the board has approved a plan that will see hundreds of students transitioning to new schools next academic year. This decision, made during a special board meeting on April 14, involves the closure of four schools and the implementation of a new attendance boundary map, as part of a comprehensive strategy to address a nagging budget deficit.
Interim Superintendent Robert Jaklich emphasized that the consolidation of campuses is just the first step in a broader journey towards fiscal recovery. “The first step in our journey is campus consolidations,” Jaklich stated, signaling a decisive move towards restructuring the district’s educational environment.
Under the new attendance boundaries, some students who were previously slated to attend Veterans Memorial High School will now be directed to Judson High School. This realignment aims to optimize resources while ensuring that the district maintains balanced campus sizes and equitable access to facilities.
High School Proposed Plan 1 by akmoreno
Lacey Gosch, a representative from Judson ISD, explained the redesign efforts undertaken to ensure that two middle schools feed into each high school, while also maintaining equitable use of facilities. “We did a redesign so we could be sure that we have two middle schools each that fed into our campuses while meeting our goals,” Gosch remarked.
Proposed Middle School Plan 8 by akmoreno
Despite these strategic adjustments, some school board trustees expressed concern over the perceived lack of community input in the decision-making process. Trustees Jose Macias Jr. and Laura Stanford noted that feedback from families indicated a feeling of disenfranchisement, as many believed the decisions were already finalized before town hall discussions took place. “One of their disappointments is that they walked away from that meeting feeling like the decision was already made,” Macias explained.
Proposed Elementary Plan 4B by akmoreno
Judson ISD’s school choice policy allows students to attend schools outside their assigned boundaries, yet the logistical challenge of transportation remains a significant barrier. Macias pointed out that students will no longer have bus access to Veterans Memorial, complicating parents’ ability to choose their preferred schools. “Without transportation, it makes it difficult for parents to ensure their child can go to the school that they would like them to go to,” he said.
School Board President Monica Ryan expressed her support for the boundary changes while also acknowledging the emotional weight of community feedback. She shared her disappointment over comments reflecting a lack of acceptance for certain schools within the district. “If you think you’re too good for a certain school, then maybe this isn’t the place for you because that is not the culture that we are building in Judson,” Ryan asserted.
In an effort to rectify the budget deficit, the board has also voted to eliminate several hundred positions across the district. Jaklich indicated that to transition from a personnel budget of 91% to 84%, a total of 536 positions will need to be cut. While many of these roles are currently vacant, 77 cuts will impact existing staff. The district hopes to assist those affected in finding alternative positions within the organization.
As the Judson Independent School District embarks on these necessary changes, the community’s response will undoubtedly shape the future of its educational landscape. The steps taken during this pivotal board meeting reflect a commitment to financial sustainability while navigating the complex needs of students and families.
