Facing declining enrollment, San Antonio district considers closing or consolidating schools

SAN ANTONIO - After losing students for the past two decades. The San Antonio Independent School District is facing some tough decisions in the form of closing or consolidating schools.

That decision could involve closing or consolidating schools in the district.

SAISD serves about 47-thousand students across more than 90 schools. District officials say a recent study revealed enrollment has dropped by nearly 19 thousand students since 1998. They say a decline in the birth rate and a lack of affordable housing are to blame. They add the smaller campuses cost more money to run than the biggest because of the need for enrollment.

Tonight the board of trustees will hear staff presentations on the initial rightsizing recommendation package which may involve closing school buildings, co-locating schools to the Sam campus, or consolidating multiple schools into one school. The recommendation will also identify the schools that will welcome additional students and staff.

That meeting will be tonight here at SAISD headquarters off 514 West Quincy Street at 5:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and give their feedback.

The final decision from the board will be on November 13th. A transition team will then go to the affected schools and help students, staff, and parents and will give them support.