What’s happening
The closure of Judson Middle School would save the district $1.7 million and is primarily based on cutting office staff payroll. Closing an elementary campus would also save the district approximately $850,000 in payroll, according to a May 8 budget workshop presentation.
However, district transportation costs would increase due to the cost of taking Judson Middle School students to other campuses. The move would also overcrowd other middle schools in the district Amanda Martinez, director of business and finance, said.
Another issue moving forward would be redrawing lines for multiple campuses, particularly if Judson Middle was to close as well, Superintendent Milton "Rob" Fields added.
What trustees are saying
Trustee José Macias said consideration should be given to potential closures but the district must “do it correctly” and give time for changes to be made.
Trustee Debra Eaton said she would support the closures, but they would need to do it in a timely manner to keep everyone informed.
“If that’s what we need to do to sustain the district, then we need to work on it as early as possible," Eaton said.
What else?
Another cost-saving measure the board is considering is increasing teacher-student ratios on Judson campuses by two students. Elementary school ratios would go from 21 to 23 students per teacher, middle school would jump from 23 to 25 and high school would increase from 24 to 26. The ratio increase would save the district approximately $2.65 million, according to board documents, as the move would cut 25 teacher positions as well as 25 paraprofessional/auxiliary positions.
