SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) is taking significant steps to address challenges stemming from declining enrollment and persistent academic struggles. In a recent board meeting, district leaders announced the decision to close Rhodes Middle School, effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. This closure is accompanied by a plan to transfer operations of three additional campuses to Third Future Schools, a nonprofit charter organization.
Rhodes Middle School has been grappling with a steady decline in student enrollment, a trend that has persisted for the past five years. The current enrollment figures reflect this downward trajectory, as data shows the student population at Rhodes decreasing from 570 in 2021 to an anticipated 386 by 2026.
| Campus Name | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHODES | 570 | 551 | 544 | 513 | 461 | 386 |
| TAFOLLA | 449 | 740 | 697 | 609 | 565 | 530 |
The decision to close Rhodes was framed by SAISD board President Alicia Sebastian as not a reflection of the students or staff, but rather a systemic issue that has put the district in a challenging position. Board member Mike Villarreal noted that the decision was influenced by state accountability pressures, highlighting the impact of the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) accountability system on district operations.
The partnership with Third Future Schools aims to improve academic outcomes for the three schools they will manage. However, the contract stipulates that existing SAISD employees are not guaranteed retention, raising concerns among staff and community members.
Feedback from parents has been critical, with many expressing frustration over a perceived lack of transparency in the decision-making process. Parent Crystal Mata voiced her concerns, stating, “It’s like they voted before we were even a part of it. So how can we trust that they’re gonna continue to do what’s best for our kids?”
Board member Stephanie Torres echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the process to close Rhodes and partner with Third Future Schools was not inclusive of parents. “It wasn’t a transparent process,” she remarked.
In light of these changes, SAISD students will have the option to attend different schools within the district should their families choose to explore alternative educational options.
