As Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) weighs potential campus closures, strong emotions are rising—especially within the Travis Elementary School community. Parents, teachers, and neighborhood residents gathered recently to voice support for a campus they believe remains vital to the Westside, despite the district’s financial challenges.
Community Pushes Back Against Proposed Campus Closures
On December 4, CCISD held the first in a series of public meetings at Travis Elementary School to discuss possible school consolidations. Around 50 attendees filled the room, including staff members and concerned families. While district leaders emphasized that they have not made any final decisions, community members made one thing clear—they want Travis to remain open.
“This is a conversation, not a decision,” said Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Sandra Clement. She explained the district is currently in a discovery phase, gathering feedback before presenting recommendations to the Board of Trustees in the spring.
Although Superintendent Roland Hernandez was unable to attend due to a prior commitment, district officials repeatedly stressed that any closure decisions will ultimately rest with the elected school board.
Why CCISD Is Considering School Closures
For several years, CCISD has faced declining student enrollment and persistent budget deficits. District leaders believe closing aging campuses may be necessary to stabilize finances and avoid deeper financial strain.
Deputy Superintendent of Business and Support Services Karen Griffith said district officials had long hoped for state-level financial relief. However, the outcome failed to meet those expectations.
“We kept waiting for someone to step in and save us,” Griffith said. “That didn’t happen. Now we’re being forced to make drastic cuts.”
Closing Travis Elementary alone could save more than $1 million in the first year. If all seven identified campuses close, the district could save an estimated $11 million annually.
Aging Facilities and Deferred Maintenance
Travis Elementary’s Physical Condition Raises Concerns
Opened in 1980, Travis Elementary is one of the older campuses under review. Located east of the Crosstown Expressway near Del Mar College’s Heritage Campus, the school reportedly has not undergone any major renovations in over four decades.
According to district staff, the building faces several maintenance issues, including:
- Poor drainage
- Leaking windows
- Thin walls
- Sound quality problems
Griffith said the school is in worse physical condition than several neighboring campuses, adding urgency to the closure discussion.
Parents Say the District Has Underfunded the School for Years
Despite facility issues, families argue that the solution should be reinvestment—not closure. Parent and community leader Brianna Davis, who leads Esperanza de Tejas, a nonprofit partnering with the school, says the district has historically underinvested in Travis.
“Since I was a student here, we’ve had to fight for resources,” Davis said. “This is an underfunded school serving an underrepresented community.”
Travis currently enrolls approximately 440 students, below building capacity. Still, many families fear the impact of rezoning on daily life, especially those without reliable transportation.
Rezoning Plans Raise Transportation Fears
Where Would Travis Students Go?
If Travis Elementary closes, the district may rezone students to:
- Allen Elementary
- Garcia Elementary
- Houston Elementary
- Shaw Elementary
Additionally, some Shaw neighborhoods could shift to Zavala Elementary. While district leaders say these campuses also operate below capacity, parents worry about the real-world logistics of longer distances.
Families raised concerns about:
- Students are missing morning buses
- Parents losing walkable school access
- Difficulty picking up sick children
- Lower participation in school activities
For many, Travis is more than a school—it’s a neighborhood anchor.
Other Schools Also on the Closure List
In addition to Travis, CCISD is considering closures and rezoning at several other campuses for the 2026–27 school year:
- Fannin Elementary
- Kostoryz Elementary
- Sanders Elementary
- Browne Middle School
- Haas Middle School
- Martin Middle School
Each closure would involve rezoning students across nearby schools.
Past Bond Failure Adds Pressure
Historically, CCISD has relied on voter-approved bond measures to modernize aging campuses. However, voters rejected a 2024 bond proposal. That plan would have included the closure of Travis Elementary and the construction of new facilities elsewhere.
Without bond funding and with financial pressures mounting, district leaders say they must now turn to consolidation as the only feasible option.
More Public Meetings Scheduled
CCISD plans to continue community outreach with several upcoming meetings:
- December 9 – Browne Middle School, 5 p.m.
- December 16 – Fannin Elementary, 5 p.m.
- December 18 – Sanders Elementary, 5 p.m.
- January 5 – Virtual meeting, 6 p.m.
- January 6 – Haas Middle School, 5 p.m.
- January 7 – Kostoryz Elementary, 5 p.m.
- January 8 – Martin Middle School, 5 p.m.
District leaders encourage parents and residents to attend, ask questions, and provide feedback before they make any final decisions.
What Happens Next for Travis Elementary?
While district leaders have not made any official decisions, the debate surrounding Travis Elementary highlights the difficult balance between financial responsibility and community stability. As CCISD continues its review process, one thing remains certain: Westside families are prepared to fight for their school.