In 2022, Tuloso-Midway Independent School District voters gave the green light to a $165 million bond package, which included funding for a new junior high school. Now, over a year later, a critical challenge threatens to derail progress — finding suitable land.
The district’s top choice is a 40-acre parcel on McKinzie Road, currently owned by Braman Ranches LLC. If negotiations fail, the district may resort to eminent domain to obtain the property. Superintendent Steve VanMatre confirmed that the district has already authorized legal counsel to initiate condemnation proceedings if necessary.
Why This Land?
The preferred 40-acre parcel is part of an 870-acre tract that has been in the Braman family for over 30 years. It’s ideally located near existing TMISD schools. It aligns with future road development plans, particularly the extension of the Oregon Trail.
The junior high would serve 7th and 8th graders, allowing the district to realign other campuses:
- Tuloso-Midway Middle School for 5th–6th
- Intermediate for 2nd–4th
- Primary for Pre-K to 1st
However, Braman Ranches is pushing back. According to their representative Bland Proctor, they’ve hired eminent domain legal counsel to defend their property rights.
Federal Guidelines Limit Land Options
Although TMISD spans a large area, Superintendent VanMatre explained that much of the land is unsuitable due to EPA regulations. These include buffer zones around:
- Hazardous waste and industrial facilities
- Airport runways
- Pipelines and flood zones
This significantly narrows available land, especially in the southern and central parts of the district. The district ruled out areas near Corpus Christi International Airport and industrial zones, while flood risks or lack of access to city services compromise other plots.
Other Sites Explored — And Rejected
The district initially considered three sites:
- A 61-acre parcel on North Clarkwood Road — was rejected due to poor road access.
- A 60-acre site south of the high school — was dismissed because of an underground pipeline, which would cost $1.3 million to move.
- The 40-acre McKinzie Road parcel — the district’s top pick.
Despite efforts, Braman Ranches has refused to sell. Now, the district is preparing for legal action.
The Legal Process of Eminent Domain
Under both U.S. and Texas law, governments can acquire private property for public use, provided they offer just compensation. TMISD has held eminent domain authority since 1947 but has rarely used it.
If the district proceeds, the case will go to Nueces County. A judge will appoint three local landowners as special commissioners to determine fair market value. Braman Ranches has the right to appeal, potentially leading to a jury trial.
VanMatre emphasized, “We want to avoid eminent domain. It’s our last resort.” But he made it clear — the district is focused on this specific 40-acre parcel. It is not considering alternatives under current conditions.
What’s Next for Tuloso-Midway?
TMISD is determined to move forward with its plan to serve the growing student population better. The chosen land aligns with infrastructure expansion plans and allows the district to optimize student distribution across campuses. Yet the legal battle looms large, with potential delays and court costs on the horizon.
As negotiations teeter on edge, the future of the new junior high — and possibly the entire grade realignment plan — hangs in the balance.