Corpus Christi elementary schools Kostoryz and Schanen Estates face possible closure, as CCISD discussed shutting them down during an April 14 meeting. These campuses could join nearly a dozen others closed since 2008.
The district has already presented its rationale for the proposed closures and outlined detailed plans for redistributing students if they proceed. The board may take the next steps in the process during its April 28 or May 12 meetings.
Why Kostoryz and Schanen Estates Are at Risk
The district’s limited funding options drive one key reason for these closures. In 2023, voters rejected a $135.4 million Bond 2024 proposal, which was intended to finance two new consolidated elementary schools and expand several high schools. Without this bond, CCISD must depend on its maintenance and operations budget—the same budget used to cover salaries and everyday expenses.
This financial strain forced the district to abandon plans to build a new school next to Yeager Elementary that would have absorbed students from Yeager, Sanders, and Kostoryz. The district also scrapped its planned renovation of Houston Elementary, which would have accommodated students from Fannin and Travis.
Aging Campuses with Critical Maintenance Needs
Facility deterioration plays a significant role in the school board’s deliberations. Kostoryz Elementary is facing serious infrastructure issues. Both HVAC chillers need replacement — a costly investment. The school uses a 14-year-old chiller salvaged from the now-demolished Crockett Elementary.
Additional maintenance problems at Kostoryz include outdated plumbing, roof repairs, and deteriorating portable classrooms.
Schanen Estates Elementary faces similar challenges: aging pipes, faulty roofing, sewer issues, and even asbestos insulation. These issues and limited funds make these campuses prime candidates for closure.
Yeager, Sanders, Club Estates, and Galvan also face maintenance issues, though some already have upgrade plans in place.
Low Enrollment Creates Room to Rezone
Another critical factor influencing the closure discussion is low enrollment. CCISD’s planning presentation showed that all eight elementary schools in southwest Corpus Christi — Kostoryz, Schanen Estates, Yeager, Sanders, Club Estates, Dawson, Galvan, and Los Encinos — currently operate below their maximum student capacity.
This trend will continue into the 2025–26 school year, even if no schools are closed. As a result, the district believes it can effectively absorb displaced students into nearby campuses without overcrowding.
What Happens If the Schools Close?
If the district closes Kostoryz Elementary, it will reassign approximately 370 students to Galvan, Los Encinos, Sanders, and Yeager. Galvan will receive the largest share, 28%, while Yeager will take the smallest, 21%.
If Schanen Estates closes, 59% of its students will move to Dawson Elementary, with Club Estates and Sanders taking 29% and 12%, respectively. Dawson would gain over 200 students—enough to fill seven new classrooms, including two adaptive education rooms.
Receiving schools will add classrooms, but the district aims to keep class sizes between 16 and 24 students per grade level.
What’s Next?
The district sees closures as the best option, with final decisions pending and the community awaiting clarity on next steps.