Board Vote Finalizes Closures Before 2026–27
The Corpus Christi Independent School District will close seven schools for the 2026–27 school year after a split board vote. On Jan. 12, a majority approved closing Fannin, Kostoryz, Sanders, Travis elementary schools, and Browne, Haas, Martin middle schools, marking a major recent consolidation. District leaders cited financial pressure, falling enrollment, and changing city demographics as causes.
Why the Closures Were Proposed
Budget Deficits and Enrollment Declines
CCISD officials cited years of deficits, including a $27.5 million gap this year. At the same time, the district has lost more than 4,000 students since the 2019–20 school year, which in turn reduced funding tied to attendance. Meanwhile, demographic shifts have steadily moved students away from older west-side neighborhoods and toward growing Southside areas. As a result, some campuses now operate far from optimal capacity, thereby increasing per-student costs.
Facilities Planning and Bond Limitations
Since 2008, CCISD has tried to balance new builds and renovations, often through consolidations. But many large schools are now half-full. A 2024 bond proposal to fund new, consolidated schools and replace old buildings failed with voters.
Because Texas school construction relies on bond funding, the bond’s failure left few alternatives. Lacking funds, officials said closures were among the only viable financial solutions.
Community Feedback and Concerns
Before the vote, CCISD spent a month collecting public input through campus meetings and a virtual forum. Many families voiced frustration, valuing small neighborhood schools and their community role.
Parents also worried about longer commutes and larger zones, as fewer nearby schools mean more students will need transportation.
Where Students Will Be Reassigned
Under the approved plan, students will be rezoned as follows:
- Fannin Elementary students will attend Berlanga, Garcia, or Hicks Elementary schools.
- Kostoryz and Sanders Elementary students will be reassigned to Dawson, Galvan, Los Encinos, or Yeager Elementary schools.
- Travis Elementary students will move to Allen, Houston, Shaw, or Zavala Elementary schools.
- Browne and Haas Middle School students will attend Adkins, Grant, or Hamlin Middle Schools.
- The district will rezone Martin Middle students to Cunningham Middle School at South Park or Driscoll Middle School.
District officials said the district will develop detailed transition plans, including staffing and transportation, over the next few months.
A Split School Board
Administration Recommendation
Superintendent Roland Hernandez recommended closing all seven campuses, saying it would let the district manage resources responsibly and prioritize academics over underused facilities.
Trustees Divided on Process and Impact
Trustee Marty Bell requested votes on each school to show board members’ stances. Trustees Alice Upshaw Hawkins and Steve Barrera agreed. All three, former CCISD educators, consistently opposed the closures.
Board President Dolly Gonzales, Trolley, and trustees Jaime Arredondo, Don Clark, and Eric Villarreal supported a single vote on the whole plan, forming the majority.
Upshaw Hawkins asked the board to consider Travis Elementary separately, citing its newer construction and higher utilization than other campuses proposed for closure. That motion failed, as did Bell’s proposal to keep several schools open. Bell argued that closing “healthy” school communities should not be the first response to a budget crisis.
City Leaders Watching the Impact
City Manager Peter Zanoni attended the Jan. 12 meeting and said city leadership watched closely. He stressed monitoring the neighborhood and quality-of-life effects as closures proceed.
What Comes Next
All seven campuses will close before the start of the 2026–27 school year. In the coming months, district officials will prioritize transition planning, ongoing community engagement, and concrete steps to minimize disruption as they work to support students and families as they adapt to new schools.